8 Christmas Movies You May Have Missed

December 20, 2018December 19, 20187 Comments

Have you Had Your Fill of Christmas Movies?

I’ve been feverishly watching Christmas movies this month. And yet, I didn’t watch a single new Christmas movie. Unless you count watching Die Hard with Bruce Willis a Christmas movie. I did sit down and watch that with my son this year. And you’re right; it has nothing to do with Christmas other than it happens at a Christmas party.

We have over 40 Christmas movies in our possession and I was content to watch the ones we had. I didn’t even check out Hallmark Movie Channel and see the line-up of new movies they had. Not a single one. I really wasn’t much into a romance kind of mood this year. When I look at my list here, I see that I was more in a military mood. Though some did have a romance in the story.

Anyway, I watched the oldies (like Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and thought maybe you are looking for something different to watch yourself. Everyone else has offered to traditional and popular ones, so here are a few to choose from that are still around to rent and purchase. Continue reading →

Mandy Farmer

Writer/Speaker sharing about how to make it through anything. I married a pastor with two boys who just lost their mom, I homeschooled my own children, led children’s ministries and women’s ministries in the church, and founded and led a homeschool support group. Had to give up much of this due to chronic pain. Like the Insurance, I know a lot because I’ve seen a lot.

https://www.mandyandmichele.com

Movie Review: Breathe

October 9, 2018October 8, 20183 Comments

What a beautifully, inspiring movie!

“Breathe” is an inspiring true story. After being paralyzed by polio at age 28, Robin Cavendish refuses to be immobile and with his loyal wife, Diana, becomes an advocate for the severely disabled. “Breathe” is the feature-film directing debut of actor Andy Serkis.

I love to see how others have made their way through trials. And this movie fast became a great biography. Celebrating the lives of ones who made a huge difference for the severely disabled. So many good takeaways from the movie. The first being, “Don’t sell yourself short. Your life isn’t useless.” And then especially the loyalty and commitment of his wife and other friends. We can all learn something from this life.

Deeply Touching

“Breathe” deeply touched my heart by the determination of Robin and Diana to never give up. Even though things seemed hopeless or they had no one backing them, they moved forward and made things happen. In the end, they helped countless severely disabled people have a fulfilling life instead of one of depression with no hope.

This movie also gently spoke of allowing terminally ill patients the privilege of dying on their own terms but not only that but also that a change of venue can bring an amazing change of view on one’s viewpoint of life for the severely disabled. Each life has value and should be treated that way. It isn’t right to put people away from view in a hospital ward just because they are severely handicapped. We should be doing whatever we can to make life better for them.

In the end, Robin chose to end his life because his body could not take any more from artificial breathing. But he lived a fulfilling life for twenty years. His son got to know him and love him. He was able to die gracefully with his family nearby without a traumatic ending.

I was spellbound by this movie, cheering at times and crying at other times. Beautifully done.

Definitely a MUST SEE FILM.

Inspiring Must See Movie - Breathe Click To Tweet

Mandy Farmer

https://www.mandyandmichele.com

Beauty and the Beast Gets an A+

March 21, 2017September 15, 20183 Comments

Last night our son came home from work and asked if he could take us to see a movie. Going to the movies aggravates my pain issues so we had not been to the movies in over a year. We accepted.

He took us to a very nice theater that has recliners for seating. Can you believe it? It was quite comfortable especially for me and my chronic pain. Georgia Theater Company.

And now, about the movie ……

Beauty and the Beast.

I found the movie to be wonderful.

The story stayed close to the original storyline, yet adding backstory on both Belle and the Beast explaining a lot of things left unanswered in the animated version. The cinematography was awesome. The music was wonderful, even the new songs were appropriate and fitting.

The film was refreshingly new.

While the storyline was the same, the added scenes and twists made it like watching a new love story. I especially loved the ending; the spell is broken and the relationship between the castle and the townspeople is revealed. No more info because I don’t want to spoil it for you.

Unquestionably, my 20-year old daughter and I both loved it and believe it’s worth seeing AGAIN!

I’ve always felt that one can learn and teach values from nearly any book or film.

Here are a few points I would find as teaching points if I still had young children at home.

Bad attitudes and pride will separate you from your friends and your family.
Bullies normally have sad or bad events in their lives causing their bad attitude, look deep before you judge.
Kindness almost always wins out over bullies.
If your child even notices the presence of a gay man, use this opportunity to talk about these issues as they will certainly be exposed to it sooner than later.