[*as required: FTC
disclosure: Thank you to Laura of FLyBy Promotions,
I received this dvd gratis for
preview and possible mention on my blog.
Following is my personal response to the product received.
Readers are welcomed to comment your responses as
available below.}
Ring the Bell :
written by Mark Miller and Thomas Weber
produced by Mark Miller
directed by Thomas Weber
length: ap 96 min
Ring the Bellexplores the story of a slick, big city sports
agent,
Rob Decker [Ryan Scharoun] who seems to have it all.
On his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob’s
car breaks down, leaving him stranded in small town America where the
simplicity of life – and the faith of the people – stand in stark contrast to
his own fast-talking, win-at-all-costs attitude. Flashy cars and flashing dollars don’t make
the impression Rob’s used to.
Rob
discovers Shawn, the high school star he’s hoping to sign, lives on a boys
ranch just outside of town. Heading out to
the ranch, Rob wants another kick at the can, after Shawn’s coach turns down
the fat brown dollar filled envelope of persuasion Rob had offered. Here Rob encounters the brother and sister
that run the ranch. It takes a heart to heart talk with Danny, to see the
reality of who Shawn really is, beside the talented baseball player Rob’s
pursuing; that Shawn has a past and a future he’s following according to the Light
of Christ he’s gained through prayer.
This is
foreign to not only Rob’s ideas, to his experience as a sports agent as
well. Cash and cars have been the
calling card others haven’t refused.
Danny and sister Daisy share their stories as the movie progresses,
describing their sense of ‘call’ to the work they’re doing with the boys. When the police drop off another boy at the ranch
in an emergency , it sets in motion a chain of events leaving Rob in charge of
accompanying the rest of the boys to the town concert headlining Casting Crowns.
Impacted by
the words and spirit of the songs, combined with the faith he’s experienced
being lived out by the people, Rob replays the events on his way back to the
big city when his car is finally returned. ..
My thoughts?
I enjoyed the characterization of the actors in their roles. Rob was dynamic in his sports agent role and genuine in his inner searching. Lots of variety and quirky characters, as one is
prone to uncover in small towns. The story
realistically portrayed both the rush of big city life and relaxed small town
life. No shrinking from life; issues were
real and well portrayed. I especially appreciated
the discussion between Danny [Casey Bond] and Rob. Well expressed viewpoints and authentic delivery. As was Daisy [Ashley Anderson McCarthy]. A forthright, likeable character.
Her speech, actions and timing were appealing.
Finding
Steven Curtis Chapman in the role of local pastor was a fun moment and well
played. Matthew West took some of Rob’s
convincing to be won over in one well acted scene, Casting Crowns were a joy to
hear and see live in concert, and baseball legends Rick Sutcliffe, John Kruk,
and Ben Zobrist obviously had fun playing their scenes, making it fun for me
as a viewer.
I was well
entertained and challenged by the movie’s content and conversation. Thank you, Provident Films for this timely
and creative story’s release.
contemporized Northanger Abbey of the Austen Project. Seemed a lot longer - more wordy- than the original and I had to fight to get through it.
