Family Movie Night TONIGHT on NBC

In the past, I’ve had opportunity to introduce you to several of the Family Movie Night movies.  Now, it’s time to tell you about another one – airing TONIGHT at 8pm (est) on NBC . . .

When industrious high school gamer Zach Taylor lands a prized scholarship to the prestigious Digital Institute of Game Design (DIGD), his future breaks wide open. The opportunity to study under gaming legend Marcus Bentton and alongside the country’s most creative minds will certainly propel him into a successful career as a video game designer. That is, if he can pass the infamous freshman project that eliminates more than half of the class within the first three months.

Paired with brilliant yet socially awkward teammates Phillip and Donald, the trio persuades Sara Ramirez – a determined and striking team leader with whom Zach has a history (and possibly a future) – to join their team. Working off-campus in the teched-out Lincoln Alley loft, the four set out to involve the entire campus in a quirky new social interactive game. But as the group becomes entrenched in the project, Zach learns that his father Billy, a widower, is facing growing financial woes at home. To help out, Zach accepts an opportunity to work directly with Marcus Bentton on a secretive side project that seems too good to be true. The effort requires nearly all of Zach’s time and energy, which he should be devoting to the project. Struggling to keep it together, Zach is torn between his responsibility to his team, his admiration for Bentton and a chance to help his father.

Everything comes to a breaking point when Zach’s team threatens to remove him from the group and the deceptive truth behind Bentton’s project comes to light. With the guidance of Professor Abbie Lambert, Zach must make a decision that not only affects his future, but the lives and livelihoods of the people around him as well. It’s a revealing story that recognizes the magnitude behind the choices we make and the importance loyalty plays in making good decisions.

Ashley and I had opportunity to preview this movie last night.  While it certainly wasn’t my favorite of the Family Movie Night offerings, it’s definitely a good family movie with some great themes – honesty and integrity being the main ones. 

If you’d like to learn more about Game of Your Life, or any of the previous Family Movie Night movies (which are all available for purchase at Wal-mart), please visit the following websites:

• Website: http://www.familymovienight.com/game-of-your-life/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/fmnib
• Trailer: http://vimeo.com/31917601

If you watch the movie tonight, I’d love to have you come back here and share your thoughts on it.

Family Movie Night ~ “Who Is Simon Miller?”

Last night, Ashley and I had the opportunity to view an exclusive online screening of “Who is Simon Miller?” – the latest addition to the Family Movie Night series, presented by Wal-mart and P&G.

This time, though, rather than just previewing the movie itself, we got to chat – live on screen – with Robyn Lively (one of the main characters in the movie).  You might recognize Robyn from some of her other work – such as Karate Kid III, Letters to God, Twin Peaks, and the Psych episode based on Twin Peaks (“Dual Spires”).  It was so neat to be able to visit with Robyn while the film was playing and learn a bit more about her and about the movie. 

We learned that, off-screen, Robyn is a mom to 3 – 2 boys and 1  girl.  The movie was filmed in Montreal in April and May of this year.  She had a great time working on the film!  It was fun to get little “hints” about what to watch for and expect during the movie viewing.

Here’s a bit more about “Who is Simon Miller?”:

Like most families, the Millers have their challenges. Simon’s (Loren Dean) frequent business trips have created some distance between him and the rest of the family, leaving Meredith (Robyn Lively) stretched and struggling to keep things together. Daughter Sarah, an 18-year-old honor student, has recently gotten herself into trouble at school while son Kevin, 15, struggles to engage with anything outside of a video game…

But these issues all prove to be trivial when Simon goes missing. Sensing something is not right, the family frantically searches Simon’s office for information. Discovery of a stash of passports, all with Simon’s picture but each with a different alias, reveals that their father has been keeping more than a few secrets. In a frantic phone call, Simon urges the family not to tell anyone of his disappearance, not even the authorities, right before the line goes dead. Who is Simon Miller? And what exactly has he gotten himself – and now his family – into?

Shocked, scared and unsure if they can even trust the dad they thought they knew, the three embark on their own international mission to get him back. With Meredith’s sharp instincts, Sarah’s foreign language skills and Kevin’s natural techgenius, they try to unravel the mystery behind his disappearance. It’s a heartpounding family thriller that tests the limits to which families will fight for each other.

Ashley and I really enjoyed the movie.  While we’re never able to actually watch the Family Movie Night movies (because we don’t have cable service), we enjoy pre-screening them and sharing them with YOU!  The Family Movie Night movies are usually available on dvd at Wal-mart not long after you see them on TV.  We recently purchased “Change of Plans” and totally enjoyed it.  “Who is Simon Miller?” is another great FMN offering that is sure to hold the attention of your entire family.  I appreciate that these movies are clean, yet exciting. 

You can watch “Who is Simon Miller?” on Saturday, August 6th, at 8pm (EST) on NBC.  I’d highly recommend it!  In the meantime, you can view the trailer here.

Coming this weekend --- Field of Vision!

For a family who made the decision to cut our cable many years ago, we’ve sure been blessed by the opportunity of previewing (before they are released) some of the awesome films that are being made for Family Movie Night (a joint effort on the parts of Walmart and Proctor & Gamble).  In the past, I’ve shared about A Walk In My Shoes and Truth Be Told.  It’s exciting to me that these companies have teamed up to produce good-quality family-friendly entertainment.  Our experience with these films has been extremely positive, and I’m always happy to share!

The newest film in the Family Movie Night line is Field of Vision.  You can watch Field of Vision with your family this weekend – Saturday, the 11th at 8pm (est).  In the meantime, here’s a bit about the movie:

Sometimes being a leader is tougher than winning

Through mysterious footage captured on an old malfunctioning video camera, Sinclair High School's star quarterback, Tyler McFarland, learns that some of his teammates have been bullying Cory Walker, a troubled new transfer student. Aware that sharing this information with the coach might get his friends kicked off the team and ultimately cost the school the state championship, Tyler must choose what's more important: winning or doing what's right.

As these events unfold, the camera also reveals more surprising footage to Tyler's kid sister Lucy. She learns that Cory has a secret past, unknown even to him. Now Lucy must convince her mom (Faith Ford, Murphy Brown) and family that the camera's revealing insight is not a product of her imagination as she enlists their help to find the answers Cory so desperately needs. It's a compelling and intriguing story that shows both the challenges and rewards of doing the right thing even when it's tough to do.

Ashley and I took some time this morning to sit down and preview this film.  I was very impressed, both with the cast of characters, and with the storyline.  While parts of it are very much “fantasy”, the main storyline contains several messages that need to be heard --- (1) it’s always best to tell the truth, and (2) bullying is wrong.

I especially enjoyed Faith Ford’s portrayal of the mom/guidance counselor.  Her tenderness toward her own children, as well as toward her students, was endearing and believable.  It was nice to see her character going the extra mile, so to speak, and really reaching out to help one student in particular. 

I don’t want to give away any more than that.  If you’re home with your family this weekend, and looking for some quality entertainment, I’d definitely recommend taking the time to watch Field of Vision together as a family.  It’s sure to stir up some good-quality discussions and maybe even a few tears (I know it did for me!) 

You can watch the trailer here. And, if you haven’t already done so, I’d recommend following Family Movie Night on Facebook.

NOTE: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Family Movie Night ~ Truth Be Told

Several months ago, I had opportunity to share with you about a made-for-tv movie by Family Movie Night.  Now, they are getting ready for their FIFTH Family Movie Night!  This Saturday, April 16th, Truth Be Told will premiere on FOX at 8pm (EST). 

Here’s a bit about this movie:

Starring Candace Cameron Bure, David James Elliott and Ronny Cox, Truth Be Told plays upon the old adage, that “honesty is the best policy,” and according to Colorado’s leading marriage counselor, Annie Morgan (Candace Cameron Bure, "Full House" and "Make It Or Break It"), honesty is the key to successful long-term relationships. Ironically, Annie has never been married and doesn’t always follow her own advice. Truth Be Told will take viewers on an entertaining yet touching journey as Annie begins to realize that the truth may have its consequences, but ultimately it’s what opens our hearts and brings out the best in each other.

You can learn more about Truth Be Told here:

• Website
• Facebook
• Family Movie Night Support Site
• Moms 4 Family TV Facebook page

Maybe you’ve seen the movie advertised and are counting down the days ‘til you can sit down and watch it with your family.  Or maybe you’re like my family and don’t have cable tv, so you have no idea what may be coming!  If you’re in that second group, here’s the trailer for Truth Be Told:

Looks good, doesn’t it?  It is!  Ashley and I had the opportunity to watch a sneak peek of this movie this morning and we LOVED it.  This is exactly the type of good, wholesome family entertainment that was lacking back when we had cable service (and that lack was the reason we chose to cut it).  It’s the type of movie that your whole family can sit down and watch together and each one will enjoy it and receive a message from it.  The main message here is the importance of telling the truth; but there are many other underlying themes involved in this storyline as well.

I would highly recommend Truth Be Told.  And, if you are like me and don’t have tv in your home, take heart!  This movie will be available for purchase at Wal-mart in the next month or so.  In the meantime, head to Wal-mart and stock up on previous movies by Family Movie Night - “Secrets of the Mountain, “The Jensen Project,” “AWalk in My Shoes,” and “Change of Plans.”