As a mother of four kids age toddler thru 'tween, I am always on the lookout for family entertainment that is not only age appropriate for all of my children (and enjoyable by us parents, as well), but also reinforces our values. I was very pleased to discover
Bridgestone Multimedia Group, whose mission is:
...to inspire, educate, encourage, enlighten, and entertain families and children through the development, production, and distribution of high quality Christian films and videos.
Our primary purpose is to be a worldwide entertainment leader through the production and distribution of high quality feature films, documentaries, educational films, and children's animated videos. At BMG, we are dedicated to connecting with families and children through programming that is rich in inspirational content."
How refreshing that a company is creating and compiling films to build and uphold Christian values, not tear them down! I have been reviewing several DVDs from Bridgestone Multimedia in several genres--children's animated, children's fitness, family feature films, and historical documentary. I am quite impressed with
all I have seen thus far. The quality of the films/shows is commendable, they are truly entertaining, and the prices are very reasonable. Through these films, unlike most Hollywood originated mainstream movies and TV shows, I feel my family is learning something when they have some screen time--learning lessons of our nation's history or the more subjective lessons of showing compassion, respect and empathy toward others, obedience, and of hard work and perseverance.
Here are short synopses of the films we've been reviewing, all of which I would highly recommend without hesitation to friends and family:
All Aboard America is a fun, animated show that features Rudy BE (Bald Eagle), as he takes the inquisitive dog Stars and the cat Stripes on a historical adventure across America, with help from Dolly Ding Ding the steam engine, to visit national landmarks, historic sites, and meet with historic figures. I'm amazed how much is packed in there--the show is packed with a TON of historical facts, figures and names--The Grand Canyon, Sacajawea, the trans-continental railroad, Mt. Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, Abe Lincoln and much more is covered, and all with the backdrop of upbeat patriotic music. Personally, I love the singing Mt. Rushmore heads who sing Stars and Stripes as a barbershop quartet!
The Flockhearts: Farm Full of Faith, and
The Flockhearts: Blessings in Disguise are fast-paced animated shows (2 episodes per disc) that feature the Flockhearts--a cute family of sheep. Through everyday experiences, the Flockhearts learn (and
teach) valuable lessons in truthfulness, forgiveness, pride, hard-work and responsibility, sorrow, using God-given talents, and the importance of family and faith in God. All four of my kids, ages 2-10, really enjoy these shows, and can relate all too well to the occasional bickering and sibling arguments that end up being resolved with love and honesty. There are lots of catchy, singable songs, too!
Sara and the Starfish is the tale of Sara, a busy young girl on vacation at the beach with her family who finds and befriends a baby Starfish (Baby Blue) and later finds hundreds of other starfish washed up on shore, half dried from the sun. She decides that the right thing to do is to throw the starfish back out to sea to save them, even if it takes a lot of work and time. Sara realizes she
can made a difference--one starfish at a time. What a great lesson for kids (of ALL ages!)--our actions and choices have consequences that make a difference to others. The 3-D animation is very good, and there is a very sweet and memorable song that my kids wanted to hear over and over. Like many of these films, this one won a Dove award.
Second Chances is a great family film about a little girl, Sunny, who was both injured and lost her father in a tragic car accident. After a subsequent move with her mother to a trailer park, Sunny befriends a lame horse (Ginger) at an adjacent ranch. With some benevolent deeds from the ranch owner, who sees how good Sunny and Ginger are for each other, the two become inseparable and help each other to heal. The film touches on the themes of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, respect, compassion, and sacrifice for others. My oldest daughter is a horse lover, so this film became an instant favorite of hers.
Drive Thru History: Discovering America's Founders comprises three episodes from the Drive Thru History series (from a refreshingly Christian perspective), hosted by Dave Stotts, that traces the history of our nation and its founding fathers; filmed on location throughout the USA. This is NOT the typical slow, dry documentary! On the contrary, the episodes are fast paced yet thorough, and filled with the charming, quirky (hilarious) wit of Dave Stotts. Viewers are entertained and educated at the same time! Although they may be targeted for adults, my seven year old
loves watching these shows with Daddy and is learning so many things about our nation. Episode 1 follows the
Adams Family (the ORIGINAL Adams family, LOL!), Episode 2 is
It's All about the Benjamins, and the third episode follows
Other Revolutionary Heroes.
Where the Red Fern Grows (Part One) is a classic film based on a classic book. Set in the depression era Ozark mountains, 12 year old Billy and his family live in poverty. Billy has yearned for hunting dogs his whole life, and decides to work odd jobs for months to save up the $40 needed to purchase a pair of pups, whom he raises and trains to be successful coon hunters. The boy and his dogs forge a tight bond, and together face challenges and achieve successes; the story is a touching and bittersweet journey of a boy's coming of age. Our entire family enjoyed this movie (except of course my 2 year old who was busy playing with toys). The great acting, beautiful scenery, and timeless story make this a great addition to a family film collection.
Where the Red Fern Grows (Part Two) is a sequel to the original film that catches up with Billy, now in his twenties and home from fighting in the war, and his college aged sister and elderly grandfather. The film, though a nice story of revisiting one's roots, didn't quite capture the same captivating quality of the original film, in my opinion, but was still enjoyable and answers some of the "I wonder what ever happened to..." questions about the characters.
A Fun Workout for Kids Getting the kids up and moving isn't difficult when they can dance and move along to this DVD. Although this is a kid's workout video, it is really appropriate for families--all ages can do this together and have fun. The video is sectioned into "combos", so it can be used for the full 40 minute workout, or shortened into just a few sections. The moves are easy to learn and don't require a lot of space--perfect for when the kids are stuck inside and have lots of energy to burn. And since it is fun and easy, kids of any age can join in. My 2 year old was even doing a few leg kicks--too cute! The fitness leader and kids in the video are using Fitstix--they look like lightweight plastic tubes about the size of a paper towel tube. I'm sure these can be purchased, or you could even make a homemade version or use PVC lengths.
Mandie and the Secret Tunnel is a great film that follows Mandie, a young girl who is devastated by her father's death and consequently runs away from her cruel mother who plans to send her away to work as hired help. Mandie and her father a always had a close friendship with the Cherokee indians of the area, and these same indians guide Mandie through the North Carolina mountains and countryside to her rich uncle's mansion--an uncle she did not know she had. Problem is, her uncle was lost at sea. Mandie is allowed to stay at the mansion and befriends the staff and neighbors. Prompted by stories her father told her about indians, indian princesses, and secret passages, Mandie set about exploring her surroundings and stumbles upon some things that will change her life forever. Filled with action, mystery, hope, and drama, this is another good, clean, film that our entire family enjoyed.
Heartstrings This shorter film (less than an hour) is a touching portrayal of two families who meet by coincidence after the Moore's car breaks down in front of the Morton's remote Bed and Breakfast. The boys from both families unite to unravel the clues to a treasure left by the deceased father of Mr. Morton, which they do, indeed discover. While that is the "bones" of the plot, the heart of the story is about the relationship and love between father and son.
All these films prove to me there still is quality, wholesome family programming available--you can find these and other items at
Bridgestone Multimedia Group. The films above are only a tiny sampling of what they have to offer, so if you have not yet completed your Christmas shopping, I'm sure you will find something there for pretty much anyone on your list.
