Andrew Smith's Blog

My name is Andrew. Come and have a look inside my life and watch me share what is on my heart.

Average Joe Movie Review and Giveaway

 





• Stand for freedom by watching Average Joe, in theaters October 11!





• Be inspired by the true story of Coach Joe Kennedy and his fight for freedom in the new movie, Average Joe, in theaters October 11!




• Moms, inspire your family to stand up for what they believe in by watching Average Joe, in theaters October 11!





Synopsis: High school football coach Joe Kennedy had no other choice but to fight. A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11.





My Review: 

 

This movie is great for the football season and will inspire watchers to take a stand for their own freedom. It was very interesting to watch a marine turned football coach take a stand for his right to take a knee in prayer on the field before the game. He even inspired his football players to participate. The school officials wanted him to only pray in the locker room not out in public. This film is based on a true story. I liked how the film had the reality tv style of the main characters and they were telling a recap of the story and it was like a story time of the past events. Then it would go into the movie scenes. I liked how they explained how the couple met and how he grew up in the foster care system that no one wanted. He faced abuse and came back beaten really bad at one time in the movie. All we will see is really the after effects of the event. There was one other fighting scene with another kid. Other than that, the movie didn’t contain much violence and it’s not too graphic. I liked how they covered his upbringing and I think this helps watchers to learn more about how the man of faith was able to stand for his freedom later on in his life. You can see how this three-year battle with appealing to the Supreme Court brought challenges to their marriage. The biggest fight for his life was for his faith. 

 

 




I also liked the main characters they choose for the role of Joe and his wife, Denise both played by: Eric Close and Amy Acker. Eric Close has starred in TV series, Nashville, Without A Trace, and movies, American Sniper, Christmas at Graceland- Director role, The Mulligan, just to name a few. Amy Acker has starred in Ordinary Angels, The Gifted, Angel, Person of Interest, and much more. I enjoyed the closing song of the film which was one by Danny Gokey- Brave and this was just a reminder to stand up and be brave. 




• Buy tickets today to see Average Joe in theaters starting October 11th!



Trailer:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehsy7aehAX8








Website: https://averagejoemovie.com/


Buy Tickets: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/average-joe/

 

 

Brave by Danny Gokey: 

 

https://youtu.be/-jRZ5_j3GZE?si=zaYcDVo045fj9BLR



Disclosure:

Many thanks to Average Joe for providing a sample of the product for this review.

Opinions are 100% my own.




 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard


Note: This is limited to US winners only.

 



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The Inkwell Chronicles: Operation Bungaree, Book 3 by J. D. Peabody Book Review






This is the third book in the series and the final book. He does leave the ending open just in case the characters were to return soon for a fourth adventure. The book begins with a drawing of the robot, Archytas-17 and how he is designed. Deep down in her heart, Bea knew that Everett had to still be alive in the comic book. She heard the special ink telling her that he was trapped when he did leap reading. He had fell into a crater that turned out to be a volcano. She tried to shake the page and shouted his name like she had done in the past. This time, he wouldn’t come back despite all of her efforts. Everett fought with Eddie Montbanks and he was telling him how much he hated him for ruining his life. He kicked him and forced him to travel down into the empty space and he heard the comic book page tearing away. This is when he realized that he could do the lead reading and go to the very last page of the comic. Everett is trapped in the manual hidden within the comic book alongside a robot named, Archyatas-17. He has no idea how to get out or communicate with the outside world. There are two main villains in the book, Cyno and Eddie, which one of them is trying to kill him and the other is searching for power and money. The villains added a mixture of conflict and made readers wonder how Everett would make it out alive. 

 



 

I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the previous book and I think it does help to read them all in order to follow along. I think the series would be great for ages 6-10. It’s written as a chapter book and could help them to improve their reading skills. It was reading interesting to read about the communication between Bea and Everett and how they did discover a secret way to connect using music. I enjoyed the humor the robot brought to the story and how attention-grabbing this character was to the plot. The inking concept brings something magically to the story and instills creativity to the reader. 

 

 

 

 

“I received this book free from Worthy Publishing for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Inkwell-Chronicles-Operation-Bungaree-Book/dp/1546007687/

A Real Good Life: Discover the Simple Moments that Bring Joy, Connection, and Love by Stevie Hendrix and Sazan Hendrix Book Review




They begin the book by sharing how important is to live the good life and to realize that this one day is an investment in the good life. We can learn to stay in the present. They looked at how we can build our mornings and run each day headed in the right direction. Reflecting on our intentions and be intention about choosing what we pay attention to. They shared the gaze strategy and how they set how they will be intention daily. Some of these included getting up an hour earlier, setting out clothes, reading the Bible, and taking time for yourselves. They covered how critical it is to build a good day by first looking in the mirror and speaking out positive words. When we speak negative words looking in the mirror it won’t help us in living the good life. They shared how everyone is different and how God has made us unique and two people are the same. David also explained how God created us in our mother’s womb and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. They enclosed some examples to assist us in writing down how we see ourselves and making simple declarations over our lives. They broke down how we can ask ourselves questions such as, is it true and who said it. They continued different things to do during midday, evening, and nighttime. 

 

 

 

 

I would recommend this awesome book on living the good life and rediscovering your joy and peace. I liked how they covered a wide range of topics such as finding people who sharpen you, love you, and challenge you, and gather and doing life with them. I liked how the book when back and forth between both writers and told their sides of the stories. There was also an impactful story about her brother’s cancer journey and how showing up and gathering together can make the difference. There are tons of lessons enclosed in this book about living the good life and they will help you to refocus on what’s important. 





“I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:





https://www.amazon.com/Real-Good-Life-Discover-Connection-ebook/dp/B0BYYY5JYT 


 

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust Movie Review and Giveaway




‘God's Not Dead' is the Most Successful Faith Franchise of All Time






• This film is more crucial than ever, especially during this election year. Be part of the conversation that’s igniting hearts and minds everywhere. This is more than a movie; it's a movement!





• Don't miss your chance to witness the inspirational and powerful story of "God's Not Dead: In God We Trust"! Experience the faith, hope, and triumph of this must-see film and be moved by the message to stand up and be heard in the public square.




• Pastor Dave reminds us that we have the greatest blessing in that we are children of the Living God, and as Americans, the greatest title in the world: citizens of the United States of America.





• The film is engaging with a captivating story and has a renowned cast that keeps the whole family entertained allowing families and friends to discuss how to engage in this current political climate with courage. Most importantly, this film that demonstrates Christians should be optimistic, excited, and hopeful about the future.





 

• The film stars David A. R. White (GOD’S NOT DEAD, Evening Shade), Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy), Dean Cain (Lois & Clark), Samaire Armstrong, (The O.C.), Ray Wise (ROBO COP), Scott Baio (Happy Days), Charlene Tilton (Dallas), with guest appearances by Governor Mike Huckabee and Newsboys.





 

• God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust is in theaters Sept. 12th in association with Great American Pure Flix and Fathom





• This film is uplifting and relevant just like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was 85 years ago in that Pastor Dave approaches politics with moral courage, loves his country, stands up to corruption, and represents the principles that made America great and continue to make America great.





 

 

 

• Synopsis: Amid political and spiritual turmoil, Reverend David Hill steps up to run for Congress after an incumbent's sudden death. Battling against Peter Kane, who aims to erase religion from policy, David's fight becomes a beacon of hope and optimism for people seeking moral leadership in a divided world.





 

 

My Review:

 

 

This is the 5th movie in the installment of the series. This one is different from the others because of how they added the pastor running for Congress. I thought the film was very timely being released right before the election. The film attempts to encourage people to vote especially at the end of the movie. This film is a classic battle between separating church and state. The pastor has a mission to deliver hope to a nation that has become hopeless. The cast special highlights are Governor Mike Huckabee playing himself and the Newsboys singing and also the band talking a little. There is even a newer song from the Newsboys that is featured in the movie. The major cast members are David A. R. White which has been all the films as the pastor, Dean Cain (which has been in popular films and many Christmas movies, Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy), Samaire Armstrong, (The O.C.), Ray Wise (Fresh off the Boat and X-men: First Class), just to touch on a few. I really liked how Ray Wise played the opposing politician and did an excellent job in portraying one. I really enjoyed the debates and the conflicts that was spread throughout the film. There is also a fun twist from one of the characters that people won’t see coming but it helps the film along. I liked how the film tried to help others realize the power that is in the people and how we have a voice and we can take back our power. This starts with voting and putting back our trust in God as a nation. 






 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6eU802jGts





 


 

 

Jean’s interview w/ female lead, Samaire Armstrong: 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YXJE-10gGI&t=1s

 

 

• Buy tickets today to see God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust in theaters starting September 12th!

 

 

Website: https://godsnotdead.com

Buy Tickets: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/gods-not-dead-in-god-we-trust/?cmp=ST_Fathom_ext_GodsNotDeadWebsite_nat?cmp=ST_Fathom_ext_GodsNotDeadWebsite_nat




 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard

 

 

 

Disclosure:

Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.





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How You Got Your Name by Trey Kennedy Book Review





This book is authored by popular comedian and social media video creator, Trey Kennedy. This book is a book detailing how a children received their name. It offered a clue to children as to where parents got their idea for their special name. The father explained how important a name is and how they brainstormed ideas and wrote down lists. They explained how they would go everywhere and invest into naming their kid. They traveled to the playground and park and thought of jungle gym, swing set, seesaw, tubular slide, poo, and much more. They went to the grocery store, park, movies, nature, and all sorts of fun areas. At the end of each suggestion, they would ask questions such as, “what grocery item would make a good name” in order to get our kids to think of new names that they would use. This book is a fun activity book on naming children. They revealed how they came to pick out his name and how it chose him. 

 

 

This book is a very impactful book on exploring where our names we chose for our kids came from. It’s a fun little activity and discussion we can have with our children reading a bedtime story. I enjoyed how colorful the illustrations were and how everything flowed together. The questions were great in exploring names and made it fun for kids. It provided a way for parents to connect with their children on sharing how they brainstormed their name. I liked he at the end tie God into the book and shared how the Creator even says our name. I would say that it’s written for kids age 3 to 8 and would make a wonderful gift for birthdays and Christmas. 

 

 

 

“I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/How-You-Got-Your-Name/dp/1400249775/

 

 

Check out his posts:

 

https://www.instagram.com/treynkennedy/?hl=en





 

Exposure: How an Outlier’s Journey Illuminates the Extremes of Power, Vitality, and Possibility by Wim Hof Book Review


Wim Hof is known as the real life, Iceman since he has personally beat records of conducting ice challenges. He received his first Guinness World Record in 1999, in Paris. He sat with his body in the cold for 30 full minutes. He explained to readers the importance of slowly working your way up in cold conditions. He shared how he had near death experiences from his high-risk challenges. He believed that he was an outcast and for the longest time, he was searching for a way to understand his soul on a deeper level. He has written this book to encourage readers to fully live their lives. We can have our heart and soul and to learn to laugh along the way. We can all do more than we think that we can. He has learned a lot by living in nature. He shared how he met his good friend, Henry and how he has been along for the ride to photography his adventures. He also discussed how he met his wife, Olaya and they had four children together. He shared about how she was in a very dark place in her life. She eventually ended her life in 1995. He explained how being in the cold conditions helped him to live and to heal. He learned how to breathe properly. This helped him to feel his body and to have energy. This taught him discipline and sticking with what you commit too. He learned to love to climb rocks, kayaked, and explored nature throughout the world in different areas. He opened up about how yoga helped him and he grew in his flexibility. 





 

 

It was crazy in seeing the photos through the book and how he did all sorts of wild adventures. It was interesting to also see how flexibility he was and his body was in some weird positions that I personally couldn’t do. There are tons of beautiful photography that really helped the book along. It was very eye opening also to read about his lost and how it helped him to overcome his own personal loss and grief. He encouraged readers to live their lives in nature and to seek the light. It doesn’t have to be extreme adventures like he has done. It could help us in our own thinking and to refocus. I liked how he enclosed small poems in each chapter to teach us lessons. I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to learn more about his breathing method and to fully embrace true living. 

 




 

“I received this book free from Sounds True for my honest review.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Exposure-Outliers-Illuminates-Extremes-Possibility-ebook/dp/B0D12TLFTV/