Hollywood Insight - Christian Movie Blog

Take "The American Bible Challenge"

Hannah Goodwyn — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:04:46 GMT

How many people parted water in the Bible?

Who is the author of the letters to Corinth?

What was Hannah accused of in the temple?

Bible trivia. Sometimes the questions warrant easy answers; others are simply stupifying.

A new game show from the creators of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition called The American Bible Challenge will test our nation's knowledge of the Good Book. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy and GSN (Game Show Network) are making history producing the first game show centered on God's Word.

Beginning this weekend, The American Bible Challenge is traveling around the country looking for people (individuals or teams of three) to be on the show and have the chance to win money for their favorite charity. All are welcome to the following casting calls.

Sacramento: May 18 - 19
Los Angeles: May 18 - June 3
Atlanta: May 25 - 26
Chicago: June 1 - 3
Dallas: June 1 - 3

The American Bible Challenge debuts on GSN this August.

For more information, visit The American Bible Challenge’s official website.

Jeff Foxworthy Talks about The American Bible Challenge

"Courageous" Reaches Police Officers Worldwide

Hannah Goodwyn — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:52:55 GMT

Sherwood Pictures’ Courageous is having life-changing effects on police officers in the United States and around the globe. From the makers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof, this film, now on DVD, is about a group of officers who protect and serve their communities yet struggle to be good fathers and husbands at home.

Courageous’ message of redemption and fatherhood is hitting home with the police community, according to a recent news release.

In the Philippines, 1,000 officers dedicated their lives to Christ following a screening of Courageous that drew 4,000 people.

In Ecuador, 300 police officers publicly proclaimed “The Resolution,” as in the scene from the film in which officers do the same.

In Panama, 700 police officers drove four hours to see the film.

In Baton Rouge, La., the chief of police offered to personally cover the cost for any of the city’s 630 officers wanting to see Courageous.

In San Angelo, Texas, Downtown San Angelo Inc. will offer a free showing of Courageous on May 18, in honor of Police Week. The screening is part of the city’s slate of Downtown Movie Nights, with films showing throughout the summer.

First Baptist Church in Orlando, Fla., bought 2,000 copies of the Courageous DVD with a commitment to give one to each law enforcement officer in the city. "We wanted a way to personally show every officer and their family that we love and appreciate what they give to us,” said Dr. David Uth, First Baptist Orlando pastor. “Giving them a fun and entertaining movie with a message will encourage and inspire them to always be Courageous.”

After premiering last September at No. 4 at the box office, Courageous remained in the top 10 for four weeks. The DVD released on January 17, 2012, as the No. 1 DVD in the country and has sold more than one million copies.

Learn more about law enforcement reaction to Courageous.

Watch the official movie trailer:

"For Greater Glory": Upcoming Film Highlights Persecution

Hannah Goodwyn — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:29:27 GMT

Would you die for your faith? It’s a difficult question for sure. Sadly, throughout time and even today, communities of believers face extreme religious persecution. For Greater Glory, a new movie from Arc Entertainment, tells the story of men and women who risked everything for their families and faith during the 1920s Cristero War in Mexico.

This upcoming movie is based on the true story as they dared to revolt against oppression. An impoverished, ill-trained rebel group rallies to challenge the persecution ravaging their communities, catching the world's attention.

For Greater Glory joins together an all-star cast, some of whom may look familiar because of their roles in faith-based movies, such as Bella and The Nativity Story.

Andy Garcia (The Godfather Part III)
Peter O’Toole (Lawrence of Arabia)
Eduardo Verástegui (Bella)
Oscar Isaac (The Nativity Story)
Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives)
Santiago Cabrera (Heroes)
Catalina Sandino Morena (Maria Full of Grace)
Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek)
Ruben Blades (Gideon’s Crossing)
Nestor Carbonell (LOST)

Rated R for war violence and some disturbing images, For Greater Glory is likely to be a film that is not an easy watch. Director Dean Wright (who worked on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Chronicles of Narnia) undoubtedly touches on the graphic nature of this time in Mexican history, when the government tried to force its country to secularize.

For Greater Glory opens in theaters on June 1, 2012.

Official Trailer - For Greater Glory:

Eight Days of Bible Movies Leading Up to Easter Sunday

Hannah Goodwyn — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:13:30 GMT

GMC TV is celebrating the ‘greatest stories ever told’ this week with a movie lineup leading up to Easter Sunday, April 8. The cable television channel is set to air classic Bible story-inspired films as well as premiere movies never before seen on GMC TV.

In total, the station will feature six films throughout the week, including the GMC TV premieres of Jesus and The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Abraham

Following the Old Testament account, Abraham tells the inspirational story of the "Father of Many Nations" teaching lessons of obedience and faith. Starring Richard Harris, Barbara Hershey and Maximillian Schell, this film from 1993 shows how God provides miracles even if at first we don't believe.

Joseph

Sold into slavery, Joseph was separated from his family and forced to work as a servant. Still, his misfortune did not sway his faith, and this 1995 movie featuring Ben Kingsley and Paul Mercurio shows how his steadfast trust in God saved nations from starvation.

Jesus

Jesus is the 1999 film about the life and ministry of the Messiah starring Hollywood notables Jeremy Sisto, Debra Messing, Jacqueline Bisset and Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

With an all-star cast, including Max Von Sydow as Jesus, John Wayne, Pat Boone, Sidney Poitier and Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, this 1965 film follows Jesus' incredible story, from the Nativity to His Resurrection.

Jeremiah

This cinematic take on the life of the prophet Jeremiah, starring Patrick Dempsey, original released in 1998.

The Ten Commandments

Starring Dougray Scott as Moses, The Ten Commandments is about the life of the Israelites leader and his perilous journey in freeing the Jews from their Egyptian slave masters. Released in 2006, this miniseries also stars Paul Rhys, Naveen Andrews and Omar Sharif.

Repeats are scheduled for most of the movies, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch these biblicaliy-based movies on television this week.

GMC TV EASTER WEEK PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday, April 1
Jeremiah: 9 – 11 a.m. EDT
The Ten Commandments (Parts 1 & 2): 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. EDT
Abraham (Parts 1 & 2): 3-7 p.m. EDT
GMC TV World Premiere Event: Jesus (Parts 1 & 2): 7 – 10:30 p.m. EDT (with an encore broadcast 10:30 p.m – 2 a.m. EDT)

Monday, April 2
Abraham (Parts 1 & 2): 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. EDT

Tuesday, April 3
Joseph (Parts 1 & 2): 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. EDT

Wednesday, April 4
The Ten Commandments (Parts 1 & 2): 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. EDT

Thursday, April 5
GMC TV World Premiere: The Greatest Story Ever Told: 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. EDT

Good Friday, April 6
Jesus (Parts 1 & 2): 8 – 11:30 p.m. EDT

Saturday, April 7
The Greatest Story Ever Told: 7 – 11:30 p.m. EDT

Easter Sunday, April
Joseph (Parts 1 & 2): 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Jesus (Parts 1 & 2): 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. EDT

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy to Host Bible Game Show

Hannah Goodwyn — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:07:42 GMT

Known for his redneck comedy and stint on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, comedian Jeff Foxworthy is set to appear on GSN’s new one-hour game show, The American Bible Challenge. Still in development, the series is set to shoot later this month with Foxworthy as the pilot episode’s host.

A devout Christian, Foxworthy also acts as a producer of this new show that tests contestants’ knowledge of the Bible.

"I am excited to be hosting a show about the bestselling book of all time. It will be interesting to find out what people really know, and an opportunity to present the Bible in a fun and entertaining way,” says Foxworthy, according to GSN.

Each contestant will get the opportunity to share their story and the winnings will be donated to faith-based organizations. News about when the show will air is forthcoming.

"Holy Rollers": New Documentary Combines God and Gambling

Hannah Goodwyn — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:45:44 GMT

By Todd Jennings, Guest Blogger

This week, the controversial documentary Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians releases to DVD, Blu-Ray and DVD. The film was a sleeper hit on the independent film festival circuit, taking home several Best Documentary awards.

Holy Rollers follows a group of Christian friends, pastors, worship leaders and church planters who form a team of blackjack players that use their earnings to support their families and even ministry efforts. As the title suggests, these are not amateur gamblers; they are expert card counters.

Early in the documentary, one of the main members of “The Church Team” says, “For those of you who hate casinos, we’re doing our part.” Despite much of the documentary taking place at blackjack tables in casinos around the country, the team makes their feelings about casinos clear: “They suck goodness out of the world.” Their job, as many of them see it, is to “liberate money” from the casinos. These sentiments—ones that challenge commonly held evangelical views on gambling, blackjack and casino culture—set the tone for much as the story as team members wrestle with the idea of being “Card Counting Christians”.

As the team comes together, each discusses their own initial conflict with the idea of gambling, hanging out in casinos, and using deception (disguises, fake names, being removed from casinos) to do what is necessary to win at blackjack. For them it’s a business—one that is attempting to take down an enterprise that some of them see as predatory.

Though the emphasis of Holy Rollers isn’t to make a moral or biblical case for gambling or card counting, the team makes several things clear: card counting is not illegal; card counting takes hard work; and they are first and foremost Christians, and their faith is the cornerstone of their team dynamic. It’s easy to question their actions—but not their sincerity.

Beyond the ethical implications of their activities, there are frequent conversations about accountability, the Holy Spirit, and even Bible verses they use to remind themselves of their “calling”.

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18, NIV

Though not marketed as a Christian film (it does contain profanity, drinking, brief shots scantly clad Las Vegas models, and, obviously, gambling), the subject of Holy Rollers does offer challenging questions to Christians about more than just the ethics of Blackjack and card-counting—but also how far you can go to be in the world, but still not of it.

The Official Trailer for Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians

Christian Singer Anthony Evans Picked Up for “The Voice”

Hannah Goodwyn — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:58:57 GMT

Most known for his Christian music, Anthony Evans is stepping into the mainstream spotlight via NBC’s show, The Voice.

This week, Evans was given the mic and the opportunity to sing for the show’s celebrity coaches, country crooner Blake Shelton, pop/R&B star Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5’s lead singer Adam Levine and hip-hop’s Cee Lo Green.

Accompanied by his father, megachurch pastor Tony Evans, his mother, and friends Gospel music’s Kirk Franklin and his wife, Tammy, Evans sang Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” for his minute and a half long, blind audition.

Delivering a solid performance, Evans’ rendition garnered praise from both Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera.

Cee Lo remarked, “There is a tremble in your voice that is very sensitive and sincere, almost like you're on the verge of crying because you really feel what you're saying. I got emotionally involved.”

But, it was Aguilera whom turned her chair; so Evans will continue on the show as a member of Team Christina.

Knowing Anthony Evans' faith background, as well as Tony Vincent’s – another former Christian singer who made the cut, it could be an interesting season for The Voice.

NBA Sensation Jeremy Lin's Playlist Features Christian Music

Hannah Goodwyn — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:32:52 GMT

Buzz from the basketball court has been centering on New York Knicks' rookie Jeremy Lin. The NBA up-and-comer, who hails from California and played at Harvard, continues to deliver game-winning shots, making him a replay star. Lin's rise to fame and miracle moves are literally called "Linsanity" by commentators now.

CBN News reports that Jeremy Lin is being compared to Denver Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow -- as Lin also has a deep Christian faith.

"Basically, [I] try to trust in God and have faith in whatever circumstances that I am going through," Lin said, according to CBNNews.com. "And be able to try to grow as a person and learn, and become tougher."

Lin's strong faith is reflective even in his music picks. In a video posted by Fuse, Lin says that his playlist features Christian rapper Lecrae and worship band Hillsong UNITED.

Here's Jeremy Lin explaining why he loves these two Christian music artists:

Faith and Folly Take Center Stage at the Grammys

Blog Author — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:52:03 GMT

This year's Grammy awards took a few right and a few wrong turns. Music’s biggest names, including British songstress Adele who took home six gold trophies, and talented newcomers gathered in Los Angeles, Calif., to celebrate the year’s best on Sunday.

Music’s biggest night paid homage to a loss in "the family". The news that Whitney Houston died on Saturday in California was, to say the least, a shock to the music community and her fans around the world. R&B star Jennifer Hudson covered Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” as the Recording Academy honored music greats who left us this past year.

As with most music award shows, this year's Grammys had its share of “what?!” moments. The most jaw-dropping was rapper Nicki Minaj’s bizarre performance as alter ego – Roman. The sexually-charged routine set to her new song “Roman Holiday” was complete with mock prayers, exorcisms and levitation.

The faith came first though, in the show's beginning moments, just after a performance by Bruce Springsteen. For me, the faith of rapper LL Cool J, this year's Grammy host, set the right tone for the show as singers, bands, songwriters and producers alike remembered Whitney Houston.

"There is no way around this," host LL Cool J remarked. "We've had a death in our family."

After the show, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow shared with the press backstage that the show’s producers didn’t script the prayer. They wanted the first moments to be heartfelt,and let LL Cool J address Houston's death as he saw fit. For him, it called for a prayer. His words to "our Heavenly Father", as some in the audience bowed their heads, show that faith is not dead in Hollywood. Though public prayers are few these days, it's nice to see that this rapper-turned-actor and the show’s producers had no qualms about offering up a prayer on an internationally-televised event.

A possible indication of Houston's personal faith came in the form of a report on her final song this week. CBN News reports that her last recorded performance showed her singing “Jesus Loves Me” with singer Kelly Price.

This year's Grammys and Houston's death make the fleeting moments we have even more precious.

Please pray for Whitney Houston’s family as they mourn. Also lift up those in the music industry, that these men and women of influence would make music that rightly shapes our generation.

"Courageous" Now on DVD

Blog Author — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:08:27 GMT

Sherwood Pictures’ latest box office success, Courageous, hits DVD shelves today (January 17, 2012). Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the filmmakers who brought audiences the church-backed successes Fireproof (starring Kirk Cameron) and Facing the Giants, tackle the issue of fatherhood in this their latest major motion picture.

On the DVD, fans are treated to an extensive list of special features. The DVD extras include The Making of Courageous, commentary on the film by the Kendrick brothers, deleted scenes, outtakes and bloopers.

Those who opt for the Exclusive Collector's Edition, sold on shop.cbn.com and at select retailers, get even more, including the Casting Crowns “Courageous” music video and in-depth videos from the behind the scenes.

Here's a taste of the behind-the-scenes access these extras afford:

The Heart of Courageous

The Gospel-preaching movie has the potential to reach across cultures and borders through the options of audio in English and Spanish, and subtitles in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, French, Vietnamese, German and Korean.

For more information about Courageous, check out the film’s official website: www.courageousthemovie.com.