Kevin Sorbo’s Soul Surfer “is an example of movies that I want to see.”

Kevin’s movie, Soul Surfer, was released earlier this week in various media from DVD to iTunes in stores and on the internet. Alison from Canada has kindly provided her great review of this exciting film that details the life of champion teen surfer, Bethany Hamilton, following a horrifying shark attack. Many thanks, Alison!

I will have to start this by explaining that I am a die-hard Kevin Sorbo fan and will try my utmost to be subjective with this review.

The movie is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton (played by AnnaSophia Robb), the female surfer who lost her left arm to a shark attack when she was 13-years-old. It deals mostly with her love of surfing and her faith and will to get back to surfing after the attack. With the support of her parents, Tom (played by Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (played by Helen Hunt), she is able to overcome her obstacles and come out on top.

Of course, she had to come out on top; it is, after all, a family-based, inspirational movie. I would like to state that the spirituality of the movie is not rammed down your throat, even though the real Bethany Hamilton is a faith-strong young lady. It is a movie that you can take your family to and know that you can come out with a smile on your face. Yes, they do take a bit of leeway with some scenes, such as the ones in Thailand after the tsunami, but then, it is a movie and not a documentary, and we wouldn’t want to get bored now, would we?

AnnaSophia Robb does an excellent job playing an innocent, but strong-hearted Bethany. Her character is believable and likeable. Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt each do a good job as Bethany’s parents who seem to care more about her injury than Bethany does. Carrie Underwood, unfortunately, does not seem to be a necessary part in the film and barely made it as filler for me. Lorraine Nicholson, who plays Alana Blanchard, is a believable best friend to Bethany who goes through a bit of shock after being present for the shark attack. Last, but definitely not least, Kevin Sorbo plays Holt Blanchard who rescued Bethany and basically saved her life.

Kevin did an excellent job as expected when picked to be the hero. However, and, yes, I know I am prejudiced, I still believe he would have been better used in this movie by playing Bethany’s father, Tom Hamilton. While Dennis Quaid played the part well, I don’t believe he brought his “A game” to this performance. He seemed to be holding back the whole time, and he did not bring any feeling to the part. Being a fan of Kevin Sorbo’s I know the emotions he can emote, and I believe he would have brought all of himself into this part. (I did warn you from the beginning, lol!)

Finally, is the movie worth seeing? Yes, definitely. It is about time that Hollywood started making movies that we feel good about seeing. I am tired of wasting my hard-earned money on movies that I come out shaking my head over and repeating over and over, “Why did I even bother?” This movie is an example of movies that I want to see. It is uplifting and a lesson in overcoming obstacles that I can’t wait to share with my family. Bring on more movies like this one and I will gladly pay the bill.

Purchase Soul Surfer here:

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/soulsurfer/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EPYZZI/

http://tinyurl.com/3t6edpb

http://www.walmart.com/ip/16594956

Download it from iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/soul-surfer/id440742259

(Cannes photos by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Europe;

Movie stills courtesy of Sony Pictures)

Kevin Sorbo & Edgar Allan Poe: The Fall of the House of Usher… A Review

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is one of my favorite authors and Kevin Sorbo is one of my favorite actors. Combining the two is a stroke of genius!

Macabre Mansion, a production company specializing in audio dramas, caught my attention when it announced plans to record one of Poe’s best-known short stories, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” with Sorbo as the Narrator. They upped the ante by donating a portion of the CD’s proceeds to Sorbo’s charity, A World Fit For Kids! (WFIT). Poe and Sorbo together, plus funding for WFIT… I knew I wanted it!

Poe’s classic 1839 tale documents Roderick Usher’s descent into madness following the death of his twin sister, Madeline, and belief that the house, used metaphorically to describe the Usher family as well as the physical building, is to blame. Its Gothic overtones propel readers into a stylistically desolate world, yet, Poe introduces a vagueness of time and place that creates a dream-like quality.

Its first-person narrative begins with a desperate letter from Roderick to his unnamed childhood friend begging for an audience at the ancient Usher estate and ends with the grand mansion’s fiery destruction. Poe weaves a nightmarish story using colorful descriptions of physical surroundings in a funeral dirge meter that unlocks the primordial fear of death inherent in us all.

Macabre Mansion’s excellent adaptation, written, directed and produced by Kevin Herren, combines 19th century theatrical melodrama with 1940s radio narrative and adds enough vernacular to captivate audiences of all ages. It is lyrical, descriptive and mesmerizing, and brilliantly pays homage to Poe’s massive talent. The approximately 30-minute recording offers excitement and intrigue via its well-structured plot, realistic sound effects by David Scharf and subtle music by Kevin Macleod.

l-r: Jim O'Rear, John Billingsly, Bonita Friedericy, Kevin Sorbo

The cast includes Sorbo (Narrator), Jim O’Rear (Roderick Usher), Bonita Friedericy (Madeline Usher) and John Billingsly (Doctor Locke). Together they are an amazing ensemble that brings Poe’s unforgettable characters to life.

The story opens as the Narrator receives a letter from his childhood friend, Roderick Usher, requesting his presence at the grand Usher estate due to the latter’s failing health. He embarks on his journey, but experiences trepidation as he approaches the eerie Gothic mansion.

Lady Madeline Usher greets him upon his arrival, but Dr. Locke intercedes, lecturing the woman that she is too ill to be out of bed and must return to her room. He escorts the friend to Roderick’s room where the heir to the Usher estate rests in shadows, but becomes excited by his friend’s appearance. Dr. Locke leaves them, and Roderick proceeds to explain his urgent message’s meaning and the Usher family’s plight that left its two remaining members with an unknown, but fatal malady.

Later Dr. Locke informs Roderick that Madeline “breathes no more,” which exacerbates her brother’s belief that mysterious forces haunt him and killed his sister. Roderick and the Narrator retrieve her body from its grave and place it in the mansion’s bowels where Roderick observes how life-like she looks.

On the 7th or 8th night of the Narrator’s stay he tells of his increasing terror and unwillingness to remain alone in his room. Roderick joins him and they pass the horrible night together with the Narrator reading aloud from the book, the Mad Trist by Sir Launcelot Canning. However, while reading, the Narrator becomes unnerved by various inexplicable sounds. What ensues is the epitome of Poe’s affectation with horror and death.

Sorbo’s narration draws listeners into the story casually, yet dramatically. He spins the yarn as if he’d experienced it, recounting events with such realism and earnestness that he seemingly becomes the author, Poe himself. He sets the story’s mood and tone throughout, skillfully maintaining its enthralling pace.

Sorbo presents a character within a character as he assumes the role of Roderick’s friend while acting as the Narrator, changing parts with ease. As the Narrator he wields his velvet voice like a weapon – decisive and commanding. When placed in the story as Roderick’s friend he becomes a different person, genuine and passionate, portraying the character’s mounting fear that intensifies during his reading of the Mad Trist.

This is my favorite part of the piece. Sorbo’s mounting fear is the complete antithesis of his typical “tough guy” roles. And he is excellent! He surprises with hesitation, stuttering, rapid speech, and increasing agitation that culminate in a “What the hell was that?” type of panic. He then returns to the staid Narrator, relating subsequent events more like an observer than a participant, and concludes the tale as it began in true Gothic style.

O’Rear is perfectly maniacal as Roderick Usher, lending his many talents to this part. At the story’s beginning he is almost child-like, welcoming his friend to his home, explaining his plight, and expressing relief that his childhood companion arrived so that they can relive their memories. He then exudes madness that starts with a slight laugh, crescendos to accusations, then decrescendos to resignation like a symphony of emotions.

Sorbo and O’Rear work well together, complementing each other vocally and with acting styles. Where Sorbo is calm and rational, O’Rear is expressive and exaggerated. Midway, they exchange approaches and Sorbo is believably frightened while O’Rear is unperturbed as if he’d expected these terrors all along.

What terrors, you ask? I won’t tell you more… You need to buy the CD!

But, I tell you this… I frequently listen to “The Fall of the House of Usher” and hear something new each time. Truly, I never want it to end!

See Macabre Mansion’s website to purchase the CD or download it digitally:

http://www.macabremansion.com/index.php?room=usher

(Photos courtesy of Macabre Mansion; Collage by Jan)

 

What If… is the best movie Kevin Sorbo has ever done!

Our great friend Rhonda from Georgia provided us with another fantastic Kevin film review. She covered What If…, directed by Dallas Jenkins and produced by Jenkins Entertainment. She had nothing but glowing words to tell. Thanks, Rhonda!

Let me begin with a bit of Sorbo history: Back in 2007, Kevin did a movie for Hallmark called, Avenging Angel. At that time, I said it was the best he had ever done.

Well, I was wrong; that honor now goes to What If…, a heart-warming movie that tells the story of a man getting a second chance at the life he left behind. Ben Walker (Sorbo) left his college sweetheart for a job in the city. He only planned to be gone eight months, a year at the most, then he and Wendy (Kristy Swanson) would begin a life in the ministry.

Fifteen years later, that was the furthest thing from his mind. He was now a wealthy executive with a trophy girlfriend. He really thought he had it made, but God had other ideas.

Enter Mike, a smart-alec angel wonderfully played by John Ratzenberger in the form of a tow truck driver. Thanks to this angel, Ben finds himself in an alternate reality where he and Wendy are married with two daughters, one of them a somewhat rebellious teenager.

At first Ben wants nothing to do with this life, but, Mike tells him he has to accept it in order to return to his old life. His first sermon as the new pastor of the neighborhood church is a disaster, and Wendy wonders what has happened to her husband. Ben learns some important lessons about himself and the choices he’s made in his life. I won’t give away what happens except to say that there are many funny and touching moments throughout this movie.

As you may already know, Kevin was honored with the Grace Award for the “Most Inspiring Performance in Movies for 2010” at the Movieguide Awards (in February, 2011). I must say that after watching the movie, the award was very much deserved. Kevin has always had a passion for his work, and it truly showed through in his role as Ben Walker.

He shared in a (later) interview with “Guideposts” that the overall theme of What If… is second chances and redemption, and I totally agree with that. I think all of us have a “what if” moment, as Kevin calls it. How it affects us depends on how we handle it, and as you will see when you watch the movie, Ben learned how to handle his in a most surprising way.

I wholeheartedly recommend watching this movie. You will not be disappointed in any way, and it will give you pause to think about the choices you’ve made in your life. I know it has done that for me.

(Photos courtesy of Kevin Sorbo; Video courtesy of PureFlix)

Look for What If… on amazon.com TODAY! http://tinyurl.com/3cujjnw

Kevin Sorbo gives his finest performance to date in “What If…” A review

The faith-based film, What If…, currently airing on gmc and to be released on DVD March 1, offers family entertainment, strong Christian values, and a wholesome message. Directed by Dallas Jenkins and produced by Jenkins Entertainment, the two-hour Television World Premiere also enthralls viewers with a superior performance by its male lead, Kevin Sorbo.

The story opens in a small bus station 15 years prior to its current events as Ben Walker (Sorbo), a seminary graduate, bids farewell to his fiancée, Wendy (beautifully played by Kristy Swanson), to accept a position in a high-powered, metropolitan corporation. They discuss future plans that include establishing a family and congregation in their rural home town from which he is departing. Wendy fears he will leave her behind, but Walker assures her otherwise.

Fifteen years later Walker is a well-respected business executive on the verge of becoming partner at his firm, husband to a shallow trophy fiancée, and proud owner of a new Mercedes Benz. Life is good as he prepares to whisk his present love to Paris when he receives a letter from Wendy’s nonprofit organization with a note from her stating that she’s in town and hopes to see him. He casually gives the note little thought, instructing his assistant to instead send a donation.

While testing the new car, Walker’s Benz leaves him stranded with a blow to the head from its airbag. A grungy tow truck driver (skillfully portrayed by John Ratzenberger) stops to help, but with a special brand of aid: He’s an angel sent by God to “straighten out” Walker’s life.

Following some bickering, Mike the Angel sends Walker to a different world by sucker-punching him in the jaw. A discomfited Walker discovers that not only is he no longer a power executive, but that he has a wife (Swanson) and two daughters (Disney’s Debby Ryan and newcomer Taylor Groothuis). He enters the scene as they prepare for church at which, to his dismay, he is its new pastor.

Confused and agitated, Walker tries to assimilate to his foreign environment, realizing that he continues to fail miserably, something to which he is unaccustomed. He consults Mike who leads him through a labyrinth of advice that presents more questions than answers, including an unpleasant It’s a Wonderful Life moment during which he declares he will regain his corporate status. Mike reclaims his soul with another hit to the face that returns Walker to his alternative, albeit frustrating, life.

Finally, Wendy confronts him with his strange behavior. She poignantly asks if he still likes his family and gives him a leave or stay alternative. He stays and uses his business savvy to help them and the church while peeling away the years like an avocado lover seeking its succulent pit.

Ripe with symbolism, What If… allows Sorbo to excel in his craft, particularly when Walker comforts a dying man whose industry career paralleled his, and the preacher grasps the moment’s irony and significance. Moments later he receives the final test: He is to return to his former life.

Sorbo gives his finest performance to date, commanding an emotional spectrum that spans caustic to compassionate. He approaches God’s sparring match with ease, realizing that life changes, and that to accept His will is to surrender one’s own. He delivers a definitively superb, believable character who begins as “everyman,” becomes someone whom we aspire to be then ends as the person we truly are: kind, caring, and capable of choosing our own destinies.

He is truly inspirational in What If… Sorbo readily sheds his outer layers, recognizable to most people as an action hero, and demonstrates that he remains an incontrovertible force in the industry. Laughter and tears encompass this film, but, most importantly, his excellent portrayal promotes discussion, which I personally welcome.

The message is clear: Despite our attempts and failures at becoming better people, when we walk confidently with God, we no longer need Him to punch us in the face, if you will, to become His faithful servants. And Sorbo personifies that message flawlessly.

(Photos courtesy of Jenkins Entertainment)

Kevin Sorbo can also be almost heartbreakingly beautiful…

My good friend, RI in Europe, sent this “The Santa Suit” review as a private commentary about Kevin’s Hallmark Original Movie, but, she wrote such compelling words that I wanted to post her story. She kindly gave permission. Thanks, RI! We appreciate your great insight and willingness to share with us.

Thanks to a friend, I got to see “The Santa Suit.”

I never was big on Dickens in general – or on Ebenezer Scrooge in particular. And I thought that A Christmas Carol has been done to death from each and every aspect it could possibly present that yet another version would only bring just more of the same. Well, it didn’t.

Sure, Shakespeare it ain’t, but the beauty of it is… it doesn’t have to be.

I found the concept of having Scrooge not visited by the Spirits of Christmas, but, turned into Santa both funny and highly original.

The dialogues flowed nicely, the scenes held well together, the characters were all of them… well, characters, each and everyone endowed with something to shine by with well-defined and fleshed-out personalities, well-balanced in themselves between black and white with many, many shades of grey (or rather many colors, really). And I liked the pace, since the movie tried to resume itself to the strictest necessary structure and had, thus, a lot of time to develop its atmosphere.

And yes, I tremendously liked Kevin Sorbo here. There never was too much in the delivery, whether he had to be funny, dismayed, touching, cold, sentimental… whatever – he always hit it right. There were so many scenes in which he was outstanding that I would be hard-pressed if I had to pick one. The (scene) checking the mirror and going, “Yep, still there!” is priceless, and the first encounter with “Darth Elf” (is) superb. But, then, in an entirely different way, so is the monologue/dialogue with the social worker when telling her the “hypothetical” story of someone not missed when disappearing. Out of the top of my head I think I can come up with maybe (maybe!) five actors worldwide (and taking into account all generations I’m familiar with) who can transport the exact nuance of a whole gamut of sentiments as precisely and as accurately dosed via expression only as he does here.

Then there is the “Dickens meets O. Henry” scene with the story of the silver frame, certainly another highlight. The encounters with Marge are, them, too, extremely rhythmed, all of them, as is the low-keyed gentleness in the scenes with the little girl.

Last, not least: I really loved the way he looked/they made him look in this. He was, is and will probably always be ruggedly handsome. But, there is also another dimension to his looks that has been ever since the “Hercules” days (in fact since the earlier “Herc” days) a bit neglected: In addition to being attractive and sexy and all of that, he can also be almost heartbreakingly beautiful in a surprising, touchingly straightforward way. It’s not something he uses (or allows to be used) very often. It happened in “Hercules” here and there. Already in “Andromeda” one got to see it, but, very seldom: Season 1, “Rose in the Ashes;” season 4, “Answers Given to Questions Never Asked;” and season 5, “The Test,” come to mind, but, I’d be hard-pressed to come up with much more in which he lets this… innocent beauty of his (for lack of a better description) shine through and determine the mood of the entire episodes.

It is there also in Last Chance Café to some extent, but, both Avenging Angel and Prairie Fever, as well as the Walking Tall movies don’t use it. Of course, it isn’t something that has to be used; as an actor he has got enough to offer even without it. And I realize that this kind of beauty can be just as much a trap for an actor as it can be a blessing. But, in “The Santa Suit” one can notice how powerful a tool it can also be. I hope they remember it more often in future movies of his.

I was impressed at how easily (and probably without a whole load of money, too) a really… crafty, well-made movie can still come together. I wish they would remember it more often. (Although I have to admit that Hallmark did a good job with Avenging Angel, as well.) And Kevin seems to have had a blast with it and certainly deserves every attention: He always manages to have at least one scene in each one of his works that he does in a completely unique way. This time, though, I noticed at least three.

It’s always such a joy to see talent being let run freely to really accomplish ALL it can.

(Photos courtesy of The Hallmark Channel)

Kevin Sorbo’s eyes said more than words ever could in “The Santa Suit”

Rhonda from Georgia sent us this great “The Santa Suit” review. Thanks, Rhonda!

As a kid I always loved the Christmas specials and movies. That being said, I found a new favorite, “The Santa Suit,” airing on the Hallmark Channel through Christmas Eve.

This heart-warming holiday movie takes the classic story of A Christmas Carol and gives it a modern day twist. Kevin Sorbo plays Drake Hunter, the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Hunter Toys, who has a Scrooge-like attitude when it comes to Christmas… All it means to him is making money, and lots of it, and to that end he plans to dispatch Santas to malls with instructions to tell the kids to remind their parents that Hunter’s Toys are the best!

Unbeknownst to him, the real Santa is watching and is none too pleased with what he sees. So, he decides to teach this Scrooge a lesson, and at the same time, help him find the inner Santa within him. To do so, he turns Drake into his lookalike, complete with white beard and round belly. Thanks to some very creative editing, the T.V. viewers see Drake as he is, but, the characters around him see Santa.

I love the way Kevin played Drake as Santa-in-denial at first, but, then, accepting what has happened and making the best of it. He finds himself having to get a place at the local shelter where he meets a social worker (Jodie Dowdall) and strikes up a friendship with her. In order to stay there, he must get a job as a department store Santa… how ironic!

His first act of kindness comes when he saves the job of the store elf  (Darrell Faria), but, the real turn begins when a little girl comes to the store where he is working. She comes every day, but, seems afraid to say anything to him. He begins to sense that the child needs him for some reason, but, he doesn’t know why until he follows her home one day and makes a stunning discovery: She and her mother live in the same house he and his parents lived in when he was a child!

That brings me to my favorite scene in the movie as an emotional Drake/Kriss tells the social worker about his childhood and the great sacrifice his dad made so he could have the bike he wanted so badly. I had to wonder if this memory had something to do with his hardened attitude later in life.

Kevin has always been able to pull off these scenes in the past, and he didn’t disappoint here. Believe me, it was all I could do to keep from shedding a few tears myself!

Jodie Dowdall, Briana D’Aguanno, Kevin Sorbo

Something I’ve always admired about Kevin is the way his eyes express the feelings of the character he’s playing. In this movie, despite the amount of dialogue he had, his eyes said much more than words ever could, especially in the scenes with Gemma and the social worker. His facial expressions told the story in such a heart-warming way.

What can I say? I hope Hallmark does the right thing and releases this wonderful movie on DVD, so everyone can enjoy it and learn an important lesson: that there is more to life than making money.

(Photos courtesy of The Hallmark Channel)

Upcoming air times (many thanks to Kevin’s Official Website) U.S. Eastern Time:

Thursday, Dec. 23, 6:00 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 24, 2:00 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 31, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 1, 4:00 a.m.

In Canada on the W Network:
Friday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.

In the UK (courtesy of the OESKFC Website) on Sky Channel 327 & Virgin Media Channel 419:
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 23, 1:00 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 27, 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 28, 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 29, 9:00 a.m.

A scary Merry Christmas: Kevin Sorbo’s “House of Usher” in the classroom

Lori from Ohio sent Macabre Mansion’s CD audiodrama starring Kevin, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” to her sister, Jean, a middle school teacher in Ohio.

Here is Jean’s great story, including a few of her students’ responses! Thanks, Lori and Jean, and all of the participants. How fun! And remember: Christmas is coming… Hmmm… Stocking stuffer??

For the past 10 years I have been teaching 8th grade English at a public middle school. Trying to instill a love for literature in my students can sometimes be quite a challenge. Since they have been exposed to so many forms of media and entertainment I am always trying to find a unique way to present material.

Somewhere near the end of October or beginning of November I usually begin a unit that focuses on American literature. I usually begin the unit focusing on the works of Edgar Allen Poe as his work is perfect for the “haunting” time of the year. This year, however, I began the unit with another author, moving Poe back a few weeks. I’m ecstatic that I did.

My sister (Lori) lent me a copy of a new CD featuring one of Poe’s short stories, “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Looking at the CD case I wondered if my students would enjoy it. Yes, I knew the cast was comprised of some great acting talent, but, what reaction would a group of 13- and 14-year-olds be? Would they enjoy it? More to the point, would they come to understand the essence of Poe’s work?

After each of my five classes listened to the CD I asked them for written reactions. Here’s a smattering of what was said:

“I could close my eyes and see the actors as if they were in a movie.”

“I knew the voice of the narrator…It’s on one of my X-Box games.”

“Can we hear more stories like this? I loved it when each character has a different voice.”

“This story is much creepier listening to it like this.”

“It’s like hearing our own private movie!”

“I loved their voices. It really brought the story to life.”

Suffice it to say they all loved the story. Not only were they entertained, they were able to follow the story more easily and comprehend the part each character played.

I’ve asked Santa to put this CD in my stocking this year and have recommended it to many colleagues. I look forward to hearing more from Macabre Mansion.

Don’t forget: a portion of the proceeds benefit WFIT!

(Photos courtesy of Macabre Mansion)

Something about Kevin Sorbo in “The Santa Suit” haunted me… A review

The fact that I have this blog demonstrates that I’m an avid Kevin Sorbo fan. I’m also a freelance writer with many years’ experience in the industry. When I write articles of an impersonal nature to post here, such as interviews, previews, and reviews, I try to remain objective.

I watched both airings of the Hallmark Channel’s “The Santa Suit” starring Sorbo on Thursday, December 2. The first time was to enjoy his work, and the second, to form an objective opinion. I realized, however, that the two were synonymous.

Initially, I wanted to write this that night, but, my instinct said to wait. I was glad I did. While outlining a story and constructing my words the next day, something nagged at me inside. Sure, the new two-hour Christmas Special offered universal themes like good triumphs over evil, helping people versus greed, and ultimate redemption. But, there was something more… something in Sorbo’s expressions, gestures, emotions, voice… something called passion.

Sorbo exudes passion throughout the movie with every glance, movement, sentence, and silence. He brings to the screen an honesty rarely exhibited by today’s “big Hollywood stars,” demonstrating that not only has he outlasted his action hero stereotype, but, that he has transcended it to great heights.

As a modern counterpart to Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge in a A Christmas Carol, Sorbo’s character, Drake Hunter, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hunter Toys, all but says, “Christmas, humbug!” in the film’s beginning. He’s an unlikeable character for the most part, feared by his employees, disliked by his fellow executives, and abandoned by friends. He has no family, girlfriend, or anyone who cares when he disappears.

And disappear he does only to assume the image of Santa Claus when the real Father Christmas desires to teach him lessons in humility, humanity, and reaching his inner Christmas spirit. Although viewers see Sorbo as Hunter, some great editing provides glimpses of what those around the CEO witness: Santa Claus.

Naturally, Hunter is in denial as he goes to jail then finds himself in a homeless shelter, a far cry from his silk Armani suits and personal table at a local upscale restaurant. He begrudgingly accepts his lot and takes the advice of the shelter’s social worker (Jodie Dowdall). The mighty Hunter becomes a toy store Santa.

He befriends his off-beat elf assistant Sebastian (Darrell Faria), an aspiring actor with dreams of glory, but, an approach to his role more like Night of the Living Dead than a happy children’s character. Hunter’s first act of redemption is saving the young man’s job when the store owner discovers Sebastian’s “dark elf” make-up that scared away potential Santa seekers.

Kevin Commins’ fine script continues in this manner, culminating in Hunter caring for a young “latchkey kid” (Briana D’Aguanno) whose single mother struggles to earn a living, ironically, at Hunter Toys. He and the social worker visit the girl’s house, which is Hunter’s childhood home, where he learns of the child’s Christmas wish.

After much soul searching, Hunter acquires it for her and almost lands in jail a second time. The real Santa Claus intervenes. But, to find out more you’ll need to watch it!

Sorbo aptly weaves his acting magic throughout the movie. He drags viewers to Hunter’s nasty depths, and through sheer pathos and determination appeals to the humanness in us all. Then he shares his awakening as if arousing from a deep slumber to find Hunter transformed. This metamorphosis is one of the oldest literary motifs with Hunter as the proverbial Jungian archetype, and Sorbo plays it extremely well.

Why did his performance haunt me? Was it his portrayal of the bad guy turned good, his finely honed skills, his sultry voice, his breaking away from a stereotype that has followed his career?

No. Sorbo’s passion reached into the depths of my soul and said, “I will find the beauty behind the pain,” which I believe is the underlying, yet amazing and uplifting message of “The Santa Suit.”

(Photos courtesy of The Hallmark Channel)

A review of Kevin Sorbo’s audiodrama, “The Fall of the House of Usher”

Our wonderful pal Rhonda in Georgia purchased and listened to Macabre Mansion’s new audiodrama CD, “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Here is her great review. Thanks, Rhonda!

“The Fall of The House of Usher:”  A review!

This audiodrama is based on a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe. The main characters are Roderick Usher, his sister Madeline, her doctor, and the narrator, who is an unnamed childhood friend of Roderick.

Kevin plays the narrator, and through his first person descriptions brings the listener into the strange and Gothic world of Roderick and the eerie mansion known as The House of Usher. Special effects provide a spooky backdrop to the story of a man on the brink of insanity who seeks solace in the only friend he has left in the world, a friend he has known since childhood.

Once the friend arrives at The House of Usher, he realizes all is not as it seems and is slowly drawn into Roderick’s nightmare. Part of the nightmare is Roderick’s obsession with the health of his sister, Madeline. She is dying of a mysterious illness, and Roderick really doesn’t seem to care. Soon, she dies, and Roderick begs his friend to help him bury her in a vault located directly below the friend’s sleeping quarters. The friend agrees (a decision he soon regrets).

Days later, the friend hears noises in the night and is unable to sleep. Roderick checks on him and the two spend the rest of the stormy night awake.

The friend reads a book to Roderick, hoping to keep him somehow occupied, but, the friend hears noises coming from the vault and soon realizes that Madeline is not dead, as she appears in the doorway. The friend then leaves the house and moments later The House of Usher is no more.

I really thought the cast did a marvelous job bringing this horror story to life. I was really surprised by how much Kevin’s narration drew me into the story, but, then again, Poe always wrote his stories in first person narrative.

As I listened to the story unfold, I was reminded of a Gothic soap opera I watched in the 1960s called, “Dark Shadows.” I could just imagine The House of Usher being similar to the Collinwood Estate with all of its eerie sights and sounds. The special effects, such as the sounds of wind, moans, and creaks really brought an extra dimension to the story and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

The cast is as follows: Kevin Sorbo as the Narrator, Jim O’Rear as Roderick Usher, Bonita Friedericy as Madeline Usher, and John Billingsley as The Doctor. Everyone involved is to be commended for a job well done.

I know Kevin is particularly proud of this project since a portion of the proceeds benefit A World Fit for Kids, and I was proud to support the cause by purchasing a copy. I encourage all of Kevin’s fans to do the same!

I read Edgar Allan Poe stories when I was in high school and somehow this story escaped me. But, thanks to a friend, I was able to get a link to the short story and read it.

For anyone who is interested, the link is as follows:

http://www.enotes.com/fall-house-usher-text/the-fall-house-usher

It can be downloaded in a PDF format if you wish. I would recommend reading it while you are listening to the CD. I think it will really bring (the story) to life.

Here is the link to purchase Macabre Mansion’s “The Fall of the House of Usher:”

Check out Macabre Mansion’s latest vid of a few excerpts:

BUY IT TODAY!!!

(Images and video courtesy of Macabre Mansion; collage by Jan)

Review of Kevin Sorbo’s “What If…”

Lori from Ohio helped acquire a screening of What If… in her town. Here is her marvelous review:

Every adult goes through a period of time when he asks himself is this really my life? Is this really where my life is going? Is there an outside force at work? If given the chance, would I live my life the same? What should I do to make changes?

The movie What If… takes a look at one of those questions many people ask themselves over the years: What If… I had chosen a different life? This movie is a combination of romantic comedy and faith-based film filled with an all-star cast. Ben Walker, played by Kevin Sorbo, finds himself living the high life as a wealthy, successful investment banker: great job, beautiful fiancée, lots of material things, and, of course, lots of money. He has the perfect life, or so he thinks, until Mike the tow truck driver, played by John Ratzenberger, enters his life. Ben then finds himself in the “great What If” with a wife (Kristy Swanson), two children (Debby Ryan, Taylor Groothuis), and a career in ministry; it’s the life he turned away from 15 years ago.

Throughout the movie Ben slowly comes to understand what is truly important in life. Ultimately, God’s guidance and willingness to embrace him comes to fruition as Pastor Ben sits at the bedside of a dying man, counseling him that it’s never too late to accept God into his life. The lesson is understood by both men, and they both turn to embrace God’s will.

“It’s never easy,” the classic line many Sorbo fans anticipate hearing, easily sums up Ben’s predicament as he realizes (that) real happiness lies in making the tough choices and allowing for divine guidance. Sorbo fans have come to appreciate Kevin’s comedic timing, and won’t be disappointed here. Lots of laughter, tears of joy and sadness easily flow throughout this two-hour movie.

Christian Movies, the company behind marketing the movie, What If…, looked for volunteers to help bring it to local theaters. They asked for pastors or those involved in church ministry to offer a free screening of this movie to their community. Although neither a pastor nor a member of a church ministry, I had an interest in bringing this movie to my community, so I worked with one of the priests at my parish and made it happen. We had the screening on July 9, 2010, and had a packed house, probably 350 to 400 people.

Everyone loved it! People enjoyed the fact that it was a great story that didn’t need lots of special effects, swearing, or blood and gore to entertain its viewers…something many would like to see more of. They also enjoyed that fact that there was a life message woven into the movie theme.

Personally, I’ve watched the movie about 10 times and still laugh and cry at the same points. What If… is scheduled to open at only one theater near here – I will be one of those purchasing a ticket for opening night!

(Photos courtesy of Dallas Jenkins)