Straightening Out the "2012" Craze

I know that it seems like I've abandoned this poor blog. Not intentionally, to be sure, but that's just how things play out. One of these days perhaps I can play catch-up here.

In the meantime, I can't help but take a moment to share this very informative film review about 2012 from Fr. Barron. He clearly and effectively explains just what is askew with this extravagant movie.

Catholics, let's not put a cent of support towards such flagrant disdain for Holy Mother Church. And not only for Catholicism, but towards all Christianity. Kyrie eleison!

All About St. Nicholas

I'm doing some preparation for the Catechetial program which I coordinate, to prepare resources for my catechists to use for St. Nicholas Day in a few weeks, and have to share here a few of the lovely sites I've found...

The St. Nicholas Center is simply a treasure box for all things St. Nicholas! Everything you could wish to learn about his true story, worldwide traditions surrounding his Feast Day (December 6), celebration ideas, kid's activities, an online store with stickers, bookmarks, (and even cookie cutters!), and more.

There is what appears to be a beautiful St. Nicholas traveling exhibit, which will be in Chicago for the next two months.

And some exciting news that I didn't know: there's a brand new, major feature film, "Nicholas of Myra", in progress right now! It looks like a splendid project, and probably an outstanding family film rich in history, spirituality, and meaning. The official movie website is www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com.

...Just another beautiful evidence, I believe, of the ongoing "new pentecost" we are blessed to be seeing within the arts, particularly within filmmaking. The Passion of the Christ seemed to pave the much-needed way for a growing number of quality films rooted in virtue!

Fireproof rocks the box office!

Pro-Marriage Film Fireproof Wins at the BoxOffice with Highest per Screen Opening Weekend of 2008

'Fireproof' succeeds in theaters and print

'Fireproof' surprise hit of the fall (currently the lead story on the CNN Entertainment page!)

And even more wonderful are some of the incredible testimonies from couples and individuals whose marriages and lives have been powerfully changed. These testimonies, along with other encouraging news and exciting updates (including new additional theater listings!) can be found at the Official Fireproof Blog.

If you haven't seen it yourself yet, don't wait! Last weekend my sisters and I, along with a few girlfriends, were thoroughly delighted and inspired by this quality film. Let's make sure it continues to run strong so that many, many more may be inspired!

www.fireproofthemovie.com

In Theaters Now: Fireproof

I have been thrilled about this movie ever since I first heard of it weeks ago.

In an age when marriage is so undermined, belittled, and devalued, a portrayal of faithfulness is a true breath of fresh air.

It got even better tonight when I read the most marvelous article about lead actor Kirk Cameron. This guy is the real thing: not only does he star in a movie upholding marriage, but he absolutely and totally lives it. In Hollywood, that is rarer than a poor celebrity! Mr. Cameron is married 17 years, the father of six children (four of whom are adopted), and — get this — will only kiss his wife. Even on screen. I think that is just the greatest thing...seriously, I got delightful shivers up my back just reading it. We're talking the genuine article here, folks!

Of course, that wonderful personal commitment of his leaves us all wondering how on earth they shot a kissing scene in a movie like Fireproof, which (obviously) has to have one. Simple: it's him and his real wife. “So when I’m kissing my wife, we’re actually husband and wife honoring marriage behind the scenes,” Kirk explains. So beautiful.

I'm excited to have learned all this before seeing the movie... it will only make it more meaningful when I do! And now, what are you waiting for?

- Visit the official website (and enjoy a both tearful and humorus trailer!)

- Read an interview with the Fireproof Cast on Focus on the Family's CitizenLink

- Read MSNBC's article "Kirk Cameron: I'll Only Kiss My Wife" (watch the video interview too!)

And most importantly, plan a real movie into your weekend!

Have You Seen Bella Yet?

A message from Eduardo Verastegui, lead actor and Producer of Bella:

URGENT!!---- Bella is the #1 Top Rated Movie in the US but if the movie "Bella" does not have high box office scores this weekend IT WILL BE TAKEN OUT OF THEATRES
Because of your help the distributor is doubling the number of theaters showing Bella
We can do it again and make it to the #1 busiest box office weekend of the year....Thanksgiving weekend. It is "do or die" for this film to succeed. We need to mobilize everyone we know to watch this film Fri-Sunday (Nov 16-18).

Complete theater listing here.

The Makers of Bella

BELLA is coming tomorrow!

In January when my family attended the March for Life, we were privileged to experience a special preview of the movie Bella. It was everything a movie should be: clean, family-centered, and while the plot is dramatic and inspiring, there are also some funny moments. It's a heartwarming story about the sanctity of life, the gift of family, the power of relationships, ordinary people finding new hope...

And the neat part is: the story behind the movie is just as powerful as the story within it. And the best part is: it's being released tomorrow! This film is absolutely a must-see. If there was ever a time to go to the theater, this is it. Let's pray that this movie will "break the box office"! It's about time we took a stand for entertainment that lifts us up instead of dragging us down.

For more...

Bella Official Site
Find a Theater near you
Eduardo Verastegui's story video
Bella Trailer
Bella Trailer 2

"The last film with Bella’s momentum was the Passion of the Christ."

–Steve McEveety, Executive Producer of Braveheart and a producer of The Passion