Movie Review of Hillsong: Let Hope Rise.

If you didn't get a chance to see Hillsong in the theaters, you can watch it in your own home now. Blu-ray and DVD are available now!

Hillsong: Let Hope Rise

This inspiring film chronicles the spectacular rise of the Christian band, Hillsong UNITED, to a worldwide recording and concert sensation. Capturing the on-stage energy and off-stage hearts of the Australia-based band Hillsong UNITED, HILLSONG–LET HOPE RISE is a new motion-picture genre—the theatrical worship experience. The film explores Hillsong’s humble beginnings and astonishing rise to prominence as an international church whose songs are sung every Sunday by more than 50 million people worldwide.

Additional Details
The runtime for the film is 103 mins. There are 38 minutes of the following Special Features, included on both the DVD and Blu-ray:

• Bonus Performances: “Scandal of Grace”, “Captain”, “Wake”, “The Stand”
• Behind the Scenes Footage: LA Record and San Clemente Writing

This was a great film to watch. Seeing inside the heart of the individuals in the band, as well as their collective hope to use music to "connect the human heart with heaven" was very encouraging. The documentary style of story-telling takes the viewer behind the lights and awe for back stage footage, personal interviews and even scenes within the member's home lives.

My favorite part was the concert footage. In most cases the words to the songs they are performing are on your screen, as they encourage the viewer's interaction and involvement right from your living room.

The movie walks through the history of the band, starting out small as a youth band in the eighties, and moving up to the international phenomenon they are today -- "the biggest band you've never heard of.". Yet a lot of church people are familiar with the Hillsong United band, either by recognition of their songs on the radio or by singing their lyrics in one's home church. However I doubt anyone could list the band members by name. I couldn't - until I watched this movie.

It was delightful to see the process it took the band to actually put forth some of those songs that we love to hear and sing. You might be amazed at the price it cost them to write songs that aren't aimed at fame or profitability but are aimed at the heart of worship.

A special favorite part of the documentary for me was a montage of the song "Mighty to Save" as people from around the world in various languages and locations pieced together every line of the song. What a beautiful scene of worship.

It was encouraging to know this movie was not a commercial for the Hillsong church. The members interviewed had a broader definition of "church", encouraging everyone to "find a local church, pour your life into it and you'll never be the same again". (Quote is from Senior Pastor and Founder of Hillsong Church, Brian Houston.)

Some of the band members had the opportunity to talk of the places of pain in their lives that helped bring forth the music and the heart within the lyrics. It was inspiring to hear their stories. Joel Houston, song of Pastor Brian Houston and lead worship leader of the band shared this.

I feel like we are at our best when we are broken. That's the moment when God gets to be made evident. It gives us the opportunity to love and to trust and to operate from a place of His strength.

I recommend this DVD documentary to those who love story, who love worship, and who love to see the hand of God move in people's lives. Very encouraging. The movie is distributed by PureFlix Entertainment with no inappropriate language or scenes. Visit Dove Foundation's review for the specifics.

It is rated PG. There are some scenes of poverty as the band travels to visit a Compassion village. There is mention of a suicide in one of the band member's family. There is also talk by some band members on what the physical and family toll is from the stress and travel. However, having said that, it is important to know I did not feel these comments inappropriate. It is clear from the interviews that these worship leaders and musicians are not in this "gig" for the money. It is a calling, not unlike a Pastor or Missionary family. These are not rich rock stars - they are humble people living a humble existence as they work out their calling and ministry. One worship leader comments on how his neighbors know he works for a church but they have no idea what he actually did last night - play a live concert to a sold out crowd of tens of thousands attendees in an arena somewhere else in the world.


Buy it now.

Not convinced yet, check out these links:

• Let Hope Rise trailer 
• Plugged In Movie Review
• Dove Foundation review
• Christian Cinema's interview with Taya Smith, the lone female in the band.

Movie Review of Risen by Affirm Films

Get a digital copy today or pre-order in DVD and Blu-ray!

Risen is one of the latest faith-based movie that hit theaters in 2016. It is a Sony/Affirm production and did a fantastic $11.8 million in opening weekend ticket sales.

 “The best film about the life of Jesus since THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.”
~ Patrick Novecosky, Editor-In-Chief / Legatus magazine 

“An UPLIFTING Masterpiece!” ~ Dave Morales, FOX TV/HOUSTON

“Epic” ~ Mike Androsky/ Entertainers

This is not just the story of Christ's death and resurrection, like motion pictures such as The Passion of the Christ. It is the story of an unbelieving Roman Soldier tasked with finding the missing body of the Nazarene after his tomb is found empty. This Roman tribune must find the body and prove the resurrection gossip is a hoax. 

Instead of a huge cover-up and scandal this Roman soldier finds the Savior.Ge

First, as my husband commented, it is basically an episode of CSI: Jerusalem. The story begins as Christ is dying on the cross. Clavius, the Roman soldier arrives on scene to verify, much like a detective or coroner arrives on a crime scene. Then he follows protocol (in excess) to avoid any "chance of a body snatch" by the crazy Christ followers. In a couple days when word gets out that stone has been moved from the tomb, the body missing and the Pharisees panicking, Clavius engages in a man-hunt, digging up corpses, interviewing suspects and witnesses and studying the crime scene to find all the answers.

I really enjoyed the integrity of Clavius, played by Joseph Fiennes. He is portrayed as a valued soldier, high in rank. He is shown to be brutal in his work, but also to have a conscience enough not to enjoy his tasks. He has ambition to move up the ranks of the Roman Army but also states he dreams of "a day with no death".

He seems to find the task of hunting done a dead body to be silly. Yet he carries out his duties with loyalty and purpose. As the pressure to find a body - any body - builds, the viewers can see the dilemma building in Clavius. He sees all the questions unanswered yet pointing to the impossible truth of a man rising from the dead. When he is re-assigned, he asks for a few more days to complete his investigation. He needs to follow the loose ends a little longer. When he finally discovers Jesus and his disciples hiding out he is forced to choose. The real truth, as unbelievable as it appears or the safest "truth" to protect the Empire.

He abandons his post citing that he has seen two conflicting truths that he cannot reconcile. A dead body he verified with his own eyes and a risen body he has seen with his own eyes. At this he decides to follow Jesus' followers. He witnesses the passion of the disciples, a healing done by the hands of Christ and the ability Jesus has to appear and disappear from any spot. Eventually Clavius speaks directly with the Savior and hangs around long enough to see the Ascension.

The movie is compelling in its purpose and scope. The scenery is awe-inspiring and the characters are real to life. This is definitely a movie I would have in my DVD collection.

As of today, the movie Risen is available in digital format. Blu-ray and DVD become available on May 24th, 2016.

Bonus content includes three featurettes:

• “The Mystery of The Resurrection: Making Risen,” director Kevin Reynolds, his cast and crew detail the making of the compelling film.
• “A.D. Jerusalem,” fans learn how the production brought the ancient settings to life.
• “Script to Screen,” producers discuss the making of RISEN. 
• Also ... Blu-ray and digital exclusive content includes deleted scenes and “The Battle of the Zealots Deconstructed,” a featurette that goes behind the scenes to see how one of the film’s most epic sequences was shot. 
• A commentary is included on the Blu-ray and DVD formats.

As well, on May 24th, a 4K Ultra HD option will be available. This" format features four times the resolution of high definition, high dynamic range (HDR)--which produces brilliant highlights, vibrant colors and greater contrast on compatible displays--and Dolby Atmos audio, remixed specifically for the home theater environment, delivering captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead."
(Information taken from press release by Lovell/Fairchild Communications.)

Get your copy today!

Did you know ...

The movie Courageaous did very well in the Theatres.  The hit movie from Sherwood Pictures and the Kendrick brothers is about to launch its DVD nationwide on January 17, 2012.  Let's check out some stats first.

The movie was only picked up by select theatres but shocked many when it opened at No. 4.  After the second week, the movie expanded into thousands more theatres than it started out with - across the US.  There it stayed in the top ten for four weeks.

I don't know about where you live but here in Alberta the film did very well for the short time it was available.  It played in only ONE theatre in all of Calgary, however.  The first weekend it was sold right out hours before the showings.  It did not stay for long and did not expand its showings like in the states.

“COURAGEOUS is that rare movie combining an entertaining, engaging story with a vital, inspiring message,” said Michael Catt, executive producer of the film and Sherwood Baptist Church senior pastor. “You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching COURAGEOUS, then rise up when it’s over, resolving to make a difference in your life and the lives of those you care about.”

Now we can get geared up for the DVD to be released.