If you have ever visited this blog before you will know that I have a lot to say about movies made by the Christian community and the majority of it is not positive.
It bothers me that with a Bible filled with wonderful stories, they can't seem to find a good story to tell. And it seems to me that there is a palpable tension in a scene whenever someone is going to behave like a Christian. To pray. Quote the Bible or even simply mention the name of Jesus. But gratefully that seems to be something I can currently pass by.
I recently started watching films by a company called PureFlix, which is basically the Christian version of Netflix.
At first I was a bit disappointed because with all my Searches I couldn't seem to find any film that I had actually heard of. But then I just settled myself down and decided to just ... start ... watching. One of the smartest things I ever did.
I started with a movie depicting End Times Prophecies, the Rapture and the aftermath of millions of Christians worldwide suddenly disappearing. I really enjoyed it. So I watched the sequel. I really enjoyed that too. Then for a change of pace, the next film was listed as a "Thriller" but it wasn't about the End Times. But still a really enjoyable movie. And, yes, it was a Thriller.
It seems that I have "coincidently lucked" into a stream of movies told by the same group of people. A bunch of filmmakers and friends who get together for a project and have been creating film after film over the course of several years. What sand pile have I been hiding my head in that I have only just discovered them?
This particular group finds a really good story, the various actors each grab a different part, then they decide who will produce, who gets to direct, which family members will make which cameo and then they have a really good time as they tell a wonderful story and depict their Christianity for all the world to see ... and enjoy. And believe me, I am enjoying myself immensely.
They don't seem to have any qualms about praying, quoting the Bible (which they quote a lot), telling the Plan of Salvation and saying the name of Jesus as much as they want. And apparently, they really "want".
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What I love the most is that these stories are very realistic. It's the way Christians really are in real life. They show the trials that we go through, how we might react in a particular situation, how many people find us truly annoying, how different and strange we are and rap it up in a really good story. And the only tension you feel is when it's in the plot. And even though most of the movies I've seen have had adult themes, they omit the cussing, explicit sex and violence and pepper it all liberally with both drama and humor. One moment you are crying and the next laughing.
For example, during the first film I watched I was actually caught off guard when the main character blurted out, "I love Jesus". I had to do a rewind because I thought I had heard him wrong. In another film the main character (who is a Christian on the run) breaks into a house in order to find water but instead finds a Bible and decides to "steal it". Only to be surprised by the home owner with his shotgun who says, menacingly,
"Okay. Put the Bible down and nobody gets hurt!"
It was such a funny and ridiculous line that, of course, I've been repeating it ever since.
It's all so refreshing and I'm happy to say that I've only found the tip of the iceberg. And apparently the criteria that PureFlix used when they found this group of filmmakers is the same criteria they use when picking all their entertainment.
Unfortunately, Pureflix is not a free service. They offer you the first month free but then you have to pay a fee. However, I find it very reasonably priced and I am able to cancel when I wish. However, I don't think I will be quitting any time soon.
I'm not trying to specifically promote PureFlix but there is a lot more too it than just this particular group of filmmakers. They have basically every type of genre you can think of. And even some series episodes as well (which I haven't even started to get into yet). However, I think it works best if you get past the part of not having heard of these films and do like I did and just start watching. There's tons to discover here and I'm sure there is something for every one no matter what your taste in films is. (I actually sat and watched my first "horror" film, on purpose. And the demon's butt was kicked good and proper by the Lord and lots of Bible quotation.) I'm sure you'll find your own niche of enjoyment.
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| BEHIND THE SCENES "Mercy Streets" A Great Film with some really Nasty Hair cuts |
I'll get you started with a few recommendations and some information and then "off you go".
It's so "about time" that Christians are shown realistically on film and be able to enjoy a movie without being offended with every second sentence.
Thanks for stopping by. Have fun, Kiddies.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
P.S. Keep in mind that this is US company so many of their Films have a Spanish version too.
Follow the LINKs Below:
PureFlix website LINK (once I signed up I downloaded the PureFlix app because it works faster on my tablet)
Mercy Streets IMdb LINk (info about my favorite movie from this bunch of filmmakers - so far - funny AND dramatic)
Eric Roberts (Actor) IMdB (Yup. Julia Roberts brother is making Christian films. And quite well, I might add. But caution which of his films you watch. Some of the earlier ones can be "kinda" harsh for sensitive viewers)
David A. R. White IMdB LINK (Mr. White seems to be the Radically saved, Christian ring-leader in this group of filmmakers. He does it all, from acting to producing - to having all his family members in the movie. And puts in some wonderful performances too. Hard core Christian entertainment at it's best.
Definitely check out his filmography, at this link)
Kevin Downes IMdB page Link Another of the Christian filmmaking ringleaders. His filmography is also "juicy" and long.
Revelation Road Trailer YouTube LINK (This Movie trailer will give you a good idea of what kind of Entertainment I'm talking about. This is an End Times Action Thriller with LOTS of Christian themes and other "juicy Christian stuff")
PureFlix YouTube Channel (more Trailers, Interviews, Behind the Scenes and Christian movies and Entertainment info than one person can handle. Even a Christian person. ;-)
And because I always like to give you a reward for scrolling all the way to the bottom of the page, here's a picture of my cat, MONTY.
