Soul Surfer movie featuring Kevin Sorbo opened in theaters, Friday, April 8

The faith-based film, Soul Surfer, directed by Sean McNamara, premiered Friday, April 8, in theaters nationwide. McNamara, one of the movie’s co-writers, based his screenplay on Bethany Hamilton’s 2004 biography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board.

The inspirational film, featuring Kevin Sorbo as Holt Blanchard, the man credited with saving Hamilton’s life, documents competitive teen surfer Hamilton’s struggle to regain not just her life, but also her status as a world-class sportswoman following a fatal shark attack.

“It’s a wonderful story based on the life of Bethany Hamilton,” said Sorbo. “She was 13-years-old when she was attacked by a 15-foot tiger shark while surfing and lost her left arm.”

Hamilton almost died. But, due to her inner strength, persistence, ambition and faith in God, she overcame all odds to once again compete, and became one of the world’s top-ranking female athletes, which she remains to this day.

“It is a triumph-over-tragedy story,” Sorbo continued. “This young girl was attacked by a shark. She lost her arm! She didn’t wallow in self-pity. She didn’t blame the world. She took this as a sign from God to spread His word. And with news of her attack spreading quickly around the world, she knew this was a gift. At 13!! She jumped back on a surfboard three weeks later and trained herself to surf with one arm. She is 20-years-old now and ranks in the top 10 surfers in the world!

“I play Holt Blanchard, best friend to Tom Hamilton, Bethany’s father played by Dennis Quaid. Holt was in the water with Bethany when the attack took place and saved her life. Doctors said another two minutes later and she would have been dead. She had lost 60% of her blood at that point.”

The movie also stars Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Lorraine Nicholson, Carrie Underwood, Jeremy Sumpter, Ross Thomas, Sonya Balmores Chung and Chris Brochu.

See the website for more information: http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com/

(Photos courtesy of Noah Hamilton, Tristar Pictures, and Kevin Sorbo;

Video courtesy of Kevin Sorbo)

Kevin Sorbo discusses GMC’s “What If…” premiere Sunday, January 30

Kevin Sorbo leads an all-star cast in a faith-based film entitled, What If…, that has its World Television Premiere this Sunday, January 30, at 7 p.m. ET, on the Gospel Music Channel (gmc). It subsequently airs at 9 and 11 p.m. ET on the same U.S. station.

The full-length movie, distributed by Pure Flix Entertainment and produced by Jenkins Entertainment, also features John Ratzenberger, Kristy Swanson, Debby Ryan, and Taylor Groothuis. It tells the story of how successful, highly-paid, betrothed to a trophy fiancée business executive Ben Walker (Sorbo) travels back in time to find his true purpose and rectify mistakes he made during his life’s journey.

“It was a wonderful film I shot last summer (2009) in Michigan,” explained Sorbo in an earlier interview. “It’s a really nice faith-based type film with a great message. It’s a reverse of It’s a Wonderful Life where Ratzenberger is this curmudgeon angel who shows up to show me how I just really screwed up my life. It’s a tear-jerker, a comedy, (and) it’s got a lot of good things.”

Walker experiences a time warp, resulting in a present that avails him to a “What if I had done this…” existence. He finds himself, thanks to Mike the Angel (Ratzenberger), married with children about which he is astonished and unhappy. Despite his protestations, he accompanies Wendy (Swanson), his first love and former fiancée, and two daughters (Ryan, Groothuis) to church to discover that he’s its new pastor, thereby, following his previous destiny.

What If… documents Walker’’s journey as he reestablishes his faith in God, as well as realizes true love and the importance of family.

“Pastor Ben was an interesting character for me to play,” Sorbo said. “There were a lot of levels to his evolution into the man he should have been. It was just a fantastic part for any actor to play.

“He starts out as a pretty decent guy with strong Christian values. In the following 15 years he morphs into someone he never thought he would be, but, loves his life: the hot babes, the money, the career, the cars, the pad, etc. When confronted with an angel he is blown away to find out this is not a dream, but real, and has to peel all those layers he put on over those 15 years to rediscover who he used to be, but, now has more life experience to draw from.”

Clearly, Sorbo is establishing himself as a serious actor, somewhat distancing himself from his days as an action hero in the roles that made him famous like the popular Hercules in the television syndicated series, “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” and Captain Dylan Hunt in “Andromeda.” His recent stint as Drake Hunter in the Hallmark Channel’s made-for-television movie, The Santa Suit, in which he portrayed a modern day Ebenezer Scrooge, is still receiving many accolades.

How did the character of Drake Hunter, who transforms from a bitter, egotistic businessman, differ from Ben Walker?

“There are similarities for sure,” admitted Sorbo, “but, there is a difference between them. Ben isn’t a jerk, just an ambitious guy who likes the finer things in life that money and success brings. Drake never relaxes and enjoys himself. Ben has friends and is an outgoing guy who is biz smart.”

Watch What If… on gmc this Sunday, January 30, premiering at 7, 9, and 11 p.m.

Additional airings (ET):

Monday, January 31, at 9 p.m.

Tuesday, February 1, at 11 p.m.

Friday, February 4, at 8 and 10 p.m.

Sunday, February 6, at 5 p.m.

See the gmc website for more information:

tp://www.watchgmctv.com/tv/movie/what-if

(Photos courtesy of Jenkins Entertainment)

Kevin Sorbo’s “What If…” airs on TV and new DVD release!

The Gospel Music Channel (gmc) presents the World Television Premiere of What If… on Sunday, January 30, at 7 p.m. ET, preceding its March 1, 2011, DVD release. The faith-based film, which originally played* in theaters nationwide to rave reviews, stars Kevin Sorbo, John Ratzenberger, Kristy Swanson, Debby Ryan, and newcomer, Taylor Groothuis. The movie encores at 9 and 11 p.m. ET that night.

Distributed by Pure Flix Entertainment and produced by Jenkins Entertainment, What If… is the combined effort of Scriptwriter/Executive Producer Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series and Riven, and his son, Director/Producer, Dallas, who directed the short films, Cliché and Midnight Clear. Together they created this wonderful, uplifting family feature that began shooting in mid-2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What If… depicts the journey of highly-paid executive Ben Walker (Sorbo) as he travels into his past to discover a very different life, one that he forsook 15 years prior. He leaves behind his business career, trophy fiancée, and new Mercedes and replaces them with the simplicity of marriage and children, as well as fulfills his destiny.

“I loved the script, plain and simple,” Sorbo explained. “I liked the story, (and) the cast and crew all worked for virtually nothing. We got involved because of the story. It’s just wonderful! This is a movie that will touch people in many ways and give them a roller coaster of emotions that will leave them wanting more.”

Walker’s adventure begins with a joyride in his newly-purchased car that malfunctions, leaving him stranded. A mysterious time-beat later he finds himself miles away from his destination and just outside of the town he left 15 years earlier. A passing tow truck driver (Ratzenberger) offers to help, then confesses that he’s an angel sent from God to rectify Walker’s decision to leave the ministry and Wendy, the woman he loved (Swanson), to pursue his present situation.

Mike the Angel drops him into the middle of domestic chaos surrounded by Wendy and two young girls (Ryan, Groothuis) whom he soon discovers are his wife and daughters. Confused and reluctant to accept his familial role, Walker tries to convince them that he doesn’t belong there. When he finally acquiesces, they drag him to church where he is its new pastor. But, unbeknownst to him he must accept this reality in order to return to his old life, and thus, begins his journey of faith, family, and love.

“The performances are terrific; especially Kevin, who I think will surprise people with his performance,” stated Dallas Jenkins. “The film has a lot of heart and a great message about faith and family without being preachy. I’m also fairly certain you’ll laugh and cry!”

The pair hopes that the gmc airing will generate an avid audience, especially since What If…will no longer appear in theaters following its March, 2011, DVD launch. The television network also wants to promote the movie’s sales, as well as increase its own viewership.

Dallas Jenkins, Kevin Sorbo

“Hopefully, it will create stronger word-of-mouth publicity. The film has been out in the theaters since August and is still cruising along,” said Sorbo. “There is no big studio behind it pushing it with a big advertising campaign… just word-of-mouth. It’s pretty impressive, actually. Too bad it doesn’t have that studio push, since it would be a much bigger hit than it is right now. I am hoping that the T.V. premiere will make people want to get the video when it comes out this spring to share with other friends and family.

“What If… is touching, funny, inspirational, sad and enlightening. Make your bowl of popcorn and let the problems of the world go away. Enjoy and be motivated to do something positive with your life!”

“Fans should buy What If… at amazon.com or Walmart, or it should be available at most outlets,” Jenkins added. “It will be available in Europe eventually, (but) I’m not sure when or where yet.”

The gmc network features music and inspirational stories for the whole family. It’s the only T.V. network with every program certified as “family safe” by the Parents Television Council.

Additional air dates (ET):

Monday, January 31, 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 1, 11 p.m.
Friday, February 4, 8 and 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 6, 5 p.m.

*See this link for the current theater schedule: http://thewhatifmovie.com/theaters-3

Visit the following for more information:

http://www.watchgmctv.com/

http://www.thewhatifmovie.com/

http://jenkins-entertainment.blogspot.com/

(Photos and video courtesy of Jenkins Entertainment)

Kevin Sorbo is Santa Claus beginning December 2

The Hallmark Channel continues its Christmas coverage on Thursday, December 2, with the HallmarkChannel Original Movie World Premiere of “The Santa Suit,” starring Kevin Sorbo. This heart-warming family film is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ infamous, A Christmas Carol, with a modern twist.

Instead of 19^th century wealthy English curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge, the script by Kevin Commins offers America’s Hunter Toys’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Drake Hunter (Sorbo). Hunter possesses similar views as Scrooge toward humanity in that he places more emphasis on making money than caring for mankind. He devises a plan to increase sales during the Christmas holidays by dispatching shopping mall Santas throughout the city and ordering them to urge boys and girls that, “It isn’t a great toy, unless it’s from Hunter’s!”, thereby, goading their parents into purchasing more of his company’s products.

But, Santa Claus sees and disdains the idea, then dispatches his own brand of Christmas justice.

“My character is an arrogant guy who has inherited his father’s toy company, but, is all about the bottom line, cutting costs, etc,” Sorbo explained. “He is visited by the real Santa Claus and turns into him to find his inner Christmas spirit.”

Santa Claus decides to transform Hunter into his own image: the round-faced, protruding-bellied icon of today’s tradition complete with long, flowing white beard. However, Hunter doesn’t become the hero with a simple overnight change; he is mistaken for a vagabond and forced into a homeless shelter where, with no family or friends to worry about him, he befriends a social worker (Jodie Dowdall). Then in order to keep his place at the shelter he must find employment, which he ironically accepts as a shopping mall Santa.

Via his new job Hunter meets “latchkey kid” Gemma (Briana D’Aguanno), a young girl whose mother struggles to make ends meet by working double shifts at Hunter Toys. Her family’s situation, despite how hard and long her mother toils, leaves them impoverished.

Hunter, like Scrooge, finally realizes how much his life impacts others. He discovers that his toys actually bring joy to children and that his company possesses the potential to help those who work there if he provides them with hope and security for a better world.

Convinced that the stereotypical, cold-hearted Fortune 500 CEO grasps the idea of humanity versus profits, the real Santa returns Hunter to his original, but, improved self. Hunter proceeds to approach his newly found mission with enthusiasm and a joy to fulfill dreams!

“Drake Hunter seemed like a fun role to play,” said Sorbo, “and I was wanting to do a Christmas movie for my kids. It’s a touching, funny, romantic, sad, real Christmas story. You will love it!”

See “The Santa Suit” on the Hallmark Channel (listed times are ET): Thursday, December 2, 8 and 10 p.m.; Wednesday, December 8, 8 p.m.; Sunday, December 12, 2 p.m.; Monday, December 13, 8 a.m.; Sunday, December 19, 12 a.m.; Thursday, December 23, 6 a.m.; and Friday, December 24, 2 a.m.

Visit the Hallmark Channel website for more information: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/thesantasuit/home

(Photos courtesy of the Hallmark Channel)

 

Enjoy this cute video clip.  Thanks, Kevin!

Kevin Sorbo’s “What If…” premieres August 9-10 in Chicago, IL, and Grand Rapids, MI

Actor/Producer Kevin Sorbo’s first major film release of the year occurs next week with exciting events, autograph signings, photograph opportunities, and cast commentaries. The faith-based movie, What If…, premieres Monday and Tuesday, August 9 and 10, in Chicago, Illinois, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, respectively.

The first night at Harvest Bible Chapel’s Elgin Campus in Chicago is free to the public on a first-come, first-served limited seating basis. Doors open at 6 p.m. The movie begins at 6:30. Director Dallas Jenkins introduces his film, and Harvest’s minister, Pastor James MacDonald, offers a special message and discusses his church’s media future. Cast members, including Sorbo, add to the evening’s festivities with an interesting discussion following the film, as well as a question and answer session complete with autographs and photos.

“I think it has a chance to be a huge event,” said Jenkins. “The venue seats 1900 and we may have overflow! I’m just excited to have the actors in town for it because it’s not often a Midwest city gets a premiere.

“(There will be an) introduction from myself and the pastor of the church where the event is being held, James MacDonald. Then the movie will play, and then we’ll do a Q&A with the actors and myself, followed by a time for signing posters and getting pictures taken.”

The Grand Rapids showing, open to the public, begins with a VIP reception with the cast beginning at 6 p.m. prior to the premiere at the Celebration! Cinema Wave Room. Jenkins and producer Russell Wolfe introduce the film that starts at 7:30 p.m. at Celebration! Cinema North. The affair is also a fundraiser for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (HDCH) to which all proceeds will be donated. General admission tickets are $25.00 and the VIP reception costs $100.00. Purchase both at http://tinyurl.com/2g8g7dc.

Sorbo explained What If…’s plot.

“My first movie coming out this year is called, What If…,” Sorbo elaborated. “We’re having a premiere in Chicago on August 9, and in Grand Rapids on August 10.

“It’s a wonderful, faith-based film I shot last summer in Michigan that also stars John Ratzenberger and Kristy Swanson. It has a great message that says you can always change your life if you are unhappy with it. It’s a reverse of It’s a Wonderful Life, in which John Ratzenberger is this curmudgeon angel who shows me how I screwed up my life by not following the road I was supposed to.”

The full-length feature, co-produced by 10 West Studios, Jenkins Entertainment, and Pureflix Entertainment, opens with Ben Walker (Sorbo) as a highly paid executive with a trophy fiancée and a new Mercedes Benz, who, 15 years prior, left his college sweetheart, Wendy (Swanson), and his ministerial calling to pursue a business career. He never considers having a family nor attends church following his departure.

But, God decides otherwise. While driving outside of the city, Ben’s new Mercedes mysteriously malfunctions. A tow truck driver named Mike (Ratzenberger) finds him and offers to haul the disabled vehicle to the nearest town, which is coincidentally where Ben left everything and everyone behind 15 years earlier. Mike confesses that he is an angel sent to show Ben his life had he followed his true calling at which Ben scoffs.

Suddenly, after a rude awakening Ben finds himself in the middle of domestic chaos as his wife Wendy and two daughters (Debby Ryan and Taylor Groothuis) prepare for church at which Ben is the new pastor. His confusion continues, and he tries to convince his new family that he doesn’t belong there.

Ben struggles to make sense of his situation and finally consults Mike only to discover that before he can return to his old life, he must first embrace his new reality. He must discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those whose hearts he wounded 15 years ago: Wendy’s and God’s.

“It’s a tear-jerker, comedy, and romance. You will love it!!” continued Sorbo. “It opens in theaters August 20, so all of you get a chance to take a look at it.”

“Our website, http://whatif-movie.com, has all the info on the release,” Jenkins added, “including a link on how you can find out how to bring the movie to your area.”

See the following for updates and more information:

www.facebook.com/what.if.movie

www.twitter.com/what_if_movie

www.thechurchyard.net

(Photos and videos courtesy of Dallas Jenkins)

Support Kevin Sorbo and “Wolf Canyon”

Okay, my friends, I know I sometimes ask a lot of you, but we really need to support “Wolf Canyon” if we want to see it in our respective countries.

Please send comments to APTN on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/yegfflp

and Twitter: http://twitter.com/APTN

And to “Wolf Canyon” on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/ybg9vmh

and Twitter: http://twitter.com/WolfCanyon

Here is a cast list with descriptions so you know who’s who:

Kevin Sorbo (Rick as Sheriff Wolf)

Rick first starred in the 1970s action/war series, “Foxtrot Zero,” then went on to star in such film (hits) as, “Ears of Midnight,””Deal Some Murder,” and, “The Marine and the Monkey.” A marginal box office draw, Rick tried to expand his acting chops by taking a disastrous star turn as the lead in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in Branson, Missouri, but his career continued its failure spiral. Spending more time gambling, drinking, berating people and drinking more, he is prone to sudden losses of consciousness that he blames on an inner ear disorder instead of acknowledging that his blackouts might be the result of years of substance abuse and total disregard for his health. Despite this problem he is still an imposing physical presence and, when he desires, a formidable charmer who still makes time with the ladies.

Lorne Cardinal (Hoyt as Donovan Heavyfeather)

He is an old crony of Rick’s who plays the role of now-wealthy rancher, Donovan Heavyfeather. He doubles as the show’s stunt coordinator since he possesses many decades of experience as a stuntman. Unfortunately, this means many decades of receiving blows to the head. He can be lecherous and profane, but also childlike and endearing .

Barbara Tyson (Carol as Kate Wyatt)

Carol, a faded beauty and former vixen in her late 40s, plays Canyon City’s mayor and most distinguished scientist: Her Most Honorable Doctor Mayor Wyatt, the confidante to Sheriff Wolf and possible romantic interest. In reality, Carol hates Rick. The essence of “cougar,” Carol is world-weary, horny, and Scotch-drunk.

Jessica Harmon (Samantha as Frankie Walkabeckanowski)

She plays Deputy Francis “Frankie” Walkabeckanowski, whose love interest is the former lead actor of the show, Johnny Wilkes. She is repelled at the notion of having to repeat the same thread with Rick. At age 26 the clock is ticking on her career, and she is desperate for any other roles.

Casey Manderson (Joey as Billy Barrett)

A classically trained actor, Joey is co-star of the show portraying Deputy Billy Barrett, the young, completely naive sidekick. Miffed that he didn’t get the lead, Joey is resentful and arrogant. He is physically short compared to his costars, which makes him believe that everyone and everything are against him. Socially blunt and snobbish, Joey has few friends.

Nikki Payne (Diane, Producer)

Diane is the very urban, 30-something asexual flinty secretive show producer. Neurotic and hypertense, she pushes the Hollywood Studio Exec to keep “Wolf Canyon” on the air.

Matty Finochio (Quincy, Director)

Director of “Wolf Canyon,” Quincy is the long-estranged son of Rick, and they share no love for each other. His father was a boozing, womanizing, macho, egomaniac who basically ignored him his entire life. Throughout Quincy’s career he took great pains to disguise his relationship to Rick. Quincy, in his mind, is a more creative and talented light than his father, and resents Rick’s success.

Ali Liebert (Jan, Assistant Director)

Jan, although never quite recognized as the glue of the production, keeps things moving with inspired improvisation and a vast array of soft spoken social skills. A multi-tasker extraordinaire, she is also hot nerdy-girl Plain Jane. As the voice of reason and decency on the set full of dysfunctional and depraved specimens, she admits a certain fascination for Rick.

Jesse Wheeler (D’Arcy, Production Unit Manager)

D’arcy is the “Go-to” person, with the exception of Jan, the stable professional rock on the crazy set. A young man just becoming aware of his Cree heritage, he spends most of his time observing the flawed excess and quirks of the Wolf Canyon bunch with a bemused fatality.

Evan Adams (Chief Stan Irish)

His business card simply reads, “Chief” Stan, leader of the Horse Head Lake community, and he is the man to see for anything.

Brendan Beiser (Matthew, Writer)

Although several writers are credited for writing the show, only one actually does: Matthew. An enigma, he never comes out of his trailer and is never seen from the front.

Allan Harmon (Studio Executive)    Richard Harmon (Intern)

(Photos and descriptions courtesy of Really Real Films. Kevin screencap courtesy of Loli.)