Noah's Ark ~ Featurette and Press Release

Here are some more exciting tidbits from the upcoming release NOAH

This just released featurette looks at the Ark and its construction.

It is amazing to see it all coming together and I love

the conceptual aspect of this video - a real behind the scenes extra

that you don't have to wait for the DVD release to see!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

(02/27/2014) Nashville, TN – The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and Paramount Pictures jointly announced today the decision to add an explanatory message to future marketing materials for the upcoming film Noah from acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. 

The move follows an appeal by Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, President & CEO of NRB, to help audiences better understand that the feature film is a dramatization of the major scriptural themes and not a line-by-line retelling of the Bible story. Dr. Johnson’s request to Paramount Pictures to consider adding this clarification to Noah’s marketing materials ahead of release was an idea fully embraced by the studio, and follows a precedent established by other films based on biblical NRB’s reaching out to Paramount was prompted by a special public event earlier this week at the NRB 2014 International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, TN, where Dr. Johnson led an engaging and insightful panel discussion with John Snowden, a biblical consultant for Noah, along with filmmaker, media consultant, and writer Phil Cooke, who is also a member of the NRB Board of Directors.

Together, the panelists - all three of whom had earlier seen the entire film - discussed the cinematic attributes of the film, including examples of adherence to and departures from the biblical text. Exclusive clips from the film were also shown to the crowd of several hundred. 

"Because of the quality of the production and acting, viewers will enjoy watching main themes from the Noah story depicted in a powerful way on the big screen," stated Dr. Johnson in sharing his overall reaction to the film. "However, my intent in reaching out to Paramount with this request was to make sure everyone who sees this impactful film knows this is an imaginative interpretation of Scripture, 

Future marketing materials, including a soon-to-be released online trailer, the film’s official website, and 100% of print and radio, as well as a percentage of the film’s online and broadcast, will contain the following explanatory message: 

"The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis." 

“We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Johnson’s efforts to bring this idea to us,” said Paramount Picture’s Vice Chairman, Rob Moore. "Our goal has been to take every measure we can to ensure moviegoers have the information they need before deciding to buy a ticket to see the film. We are very proud of Darren Aronofsky’s Noah. We think audiences all over the world will enjoy this epic film.” 

Adding to that, Dr. Johnson said, "It is a significant and welcome development when a leading Hollywood studio like Paramount makes a major film about a 

"Many people will go to this film and enjoy it," expressed Dr. Johnson, who holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taught a Cinematic Theology course at the undergraduate level in college, as well as a course on the Theology of Movies and Visual Media at the graduate level in seminary. "Christians should be ready to engage with them about the biblical themes that are portrayed in the film, namely sin, judgment, and salvation."

While Dr. Johnson noted that there are more than a few creative liberties taken that may be of concern to those who know their Bible well, he said he feels that the explanatory message will help make it clear to people of faith that the film is not being presented as a literal presentation of Scripture. 

"We are grateful that Paramount is striving, with this disclaimer, to strike a proper balance between artistic creativity, character development, and honoring the sacred Scripture," Dr. Johnson stated. 

 To learn more about NOAH, which opens in theaters March 28,

visit www.noahmovie.com 

For more about the NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS, 

visit www.nrb.org 

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is a non-partisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. Our mission is to advance biblical truth; to promote media excellence; and to defend free speech. In addition to promoting standards of excellence, integrity, and accountability, NRB provides networking, educational, ministry, and fellowship opportunities for its members. Learn more at www.nrb.org. 

About The NRB Convention 

The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assist those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic Exposition consists of around 200 companies and is an active marketplace for those seeking tools and services to expand their organizations. NRB 2015 will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN, February 21-24, 2015. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org. 

About Paramount Pictures Corporation 

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed  entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. 

Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group. 

Media Contact: 

Briana McElroy 

(818) 762-0000

briana@gracehillmedia.com

NOAH

Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises Present 

A Protozoa Pictures Production

A Darren Aronofsky Film

Produced by Scott Franklin, Darren Aronofsky, Mary Parent, Arnon Milchan 

“Noah” 

Producers Ari Handel, Chris Brigham 

Written by Darren Aronofsky & Ari Handel

 Directed by Darren Aronofsky 

Cast:           Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson,
                   Anthony Hopkins and Logan Lerman

Synopsis:     Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe stars as Noah, a man chosen by
                    God for a great task before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world.

Release:      March 28th, 2014

This film has not been rated.

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

“Noah” is a Paramount Pictures release

Dark Pool: In the President's Service ~ Review

Dark Pool
In the President's Service ~ Episode 2
By Ace Collins

Dark Pool picks up where A Date with Death left us.  Reece and Allison have been abducted and Helen Meeker is in a countdown to save her sister and partner.  But can she get the information she needs from British Army hero Reggie Fister or will he taunt her until it is too late?

But someone is determined to carry out their mission and Reggie Fister is an important part of completing it.  And they are willing to do anything to get their man back.

Dark Pool is a fast paced and exciting story you won't want to put down.  Who does Helen choose to go after - her sister or her partner?  Who will she save?  This episode is as exciting as Episode 1 and it will leave you in anticipation of Episode 3.  Cliff-hanger that will leave you gasping!

I was provided a copy of this digital book through BookFun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.

About the Book:

Helen Meeker is up against impossible odds as she races against time to rescue both her sister and her partner. To further complicate matters, however, behind-the-scenes experiments threaten the very survival of Western civilization.

 
From the halls of the White House to the hidden laboratory of a diabolical scientist to the foreign fields of battle, a pervading evil moves ever closer to the successful overthrow of all that is good. Will Helen Meeker be able to stem the tide…or will she be swept away in its dark undercurrent?

The Diplomat ~ Review

The Diplomat
A Justin HAll Novella
By Ethan Jones

Justin Hall is back and he is tasked with recovering a senior Canadian diplomat who was kidnapped 4 months ago.  But his support team are unknowns in his opinion, as he has never worked with them before.  And when the ransom exchange goes south Justin's trust is further shaken.

Calling on people with whom he's had past dealings in Nigeria Justin's case is about to get a lot more complicated.  Why is Duncan so important to the rebels and why make a stand now in the oil trade?

Something is not adding up in what they currently know and Justin is determined to discover it.  What has been overlooked in this kidnapping and can CIS's finest discover it in time to save Duncan's life?

Ethan Jones has created an entertaining and exciting story with The Diplomat!  This is the perfect way to pass a quiet afternoon.  I can't wait for the latest Justin Hall installment!

I was provided a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

The Dream Dress ~ Review

The Dream Dress
Weddings by Design volume 3
By Janice Thompson

Gabi Delgado is in a Cinderella life - unappreciated and hard-working and waiting for her Prince Charming.  But she's sure that she'll never have the chance at a Prince Charming, but she can dream right?

But when reporter Jordan Singer comes to Haute Couture Bridal for a piece in Texas Bride Gabi's life is about take some unexpected turns.  Starting with chocolate eclairs, a designer gown, and a sugar-infatuated bride-to-be Gabi is about to discover God.  And with friends like Bella, Hannah, and Scarlet to support and encourage her Gabi is sure to succeed at whatever she does.

But can Gabi trust herself enough to take the risk of pursuing her dream?  But is it all on her?  Does part of the risk actually involve trusting God?  And what about love?  Is Jordan her Prince Charming?

The Dream Dress was fun because there is more Bella and Club Wed, but some of the situations at Haute Couture Bridal are just too funny.  I love the way Gabi transforms as she works on Scarlet's dress and her dream.  Gabi's boss Demetri is in a word Ughhhh!  And I totally love her grandmother Mimi and her cooking skills and her encouragement and support of Gabi.

I think the biggest message one gets out of The Dream Dress is forgiveness.  And it is amazing how coming to terms with the hurt in her past and learning to forgive opens up Gabi's life and allows her to move on to a bigger and better life and God takes his place as her Prince Charming.

I liked the look in to the world of design, it was a fun glimpse and Gabi's dress forms play an interesting part throughout the book.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher - Revell in exchange for my honest and timely review.

About the book:
Big dreams take big leaps of faith . . . but what if you trip on the way?

A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter for Texas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential--and unnervingly handsome--presence.

Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.

Noah and People of Faith ~ Thoughts about the upcoming movie

Just yesterday I was sent a link to an article about the upcoming movie NOAH.  I'm sure you've seen some of the ads that are starting to be seen on the television.  I don't watch much television but I've seen the ad several times.

But what is the movie all about?  Well, obviously Noah and The Flood but does the story hold true to the Biblical account?  The article that I mentioned reading actually deals with this question and it goes to the source for the facts.  The article is written by Jon Snowden and he is the Biblical Adviser for the film.

What I took away from the article Why People of Faith Can Embrace the NOAH Movie is that the film went to the source for the story - Noah is portrayed as a man who not perfect.  But when we turn to the Bible we read that Noah was just and considered blameless or righteous in his generation.  In other words in the eyes of his friends and neighbors he was o'kay.  Maybe he dropped an occasional piece of trash or crossed the street before looking both ways.  But Noah he's okay!  But Noah's shortcomings are depicted, but he found favor in God's eyes because he tried to live as God intended.

I like Jon's assertion that this film can be an opening to awaken an interest in the Bible where we turn to the Bible for answers that the movie will raise in how accurate it is in portraying Noah, the Flood, and world as it was then.  This movie is your "springboard for holy conversations."  Use it well.

And as to the age of the characters - Jon has a good reason for not using multi-centennials in the film though it would be an accurate portrayal.

This is one article you don't want to miss!  Read it and leave a comment below letting me know what you think!

Skylight ~ Review

SKYLIGHT: A Novel
By Kevin Hopkins

Breathe Deep.

While You Still Can....

It seemed like an ordinary night until Martin Fall's life was destroyed.  Losing his wife, daughter, and best friends within minutes of each other he is left with his daughter's best friend in his care.  How could the air have suddenly lost oxygen stability and become deadly?  The world is left wondering as the deaths mount. And Martin must come to terms with his loss in order to help save what is left of the world.

Nearly a year after the tragic loss of his wife and daughter, Martin is called upon to aid those who have survived.  Someone is attacking the few sources of power that remain and adding to the misery that the middle-class and those further down the societal ladder now call life.  Why would anyone try halt what little progress is being made in an attempt to find an alternate renewable energy source?  It is into this that Martin steps.

Caught between competing entities that are determined to control all sources of energy for their own gain, Martin must choose who is his enemy before he loses more friends and even his own life.  This is an exciting and page turning eco-thriller that will capture your attention until the final page.  Having lived among the downtrodden Martin has a unique perspective that allows him to focus on those who are truly living without while the wealthy and the ruling class continues on much as it had before the Catastrophe that cost millions of lives.

Skylight shifts between Martin's present and his past immediately before, during and after the Catastrophe.  We are offered a glimpse in how Martin was altered by his experience and how it is a testament to his character.  He truly is a champion to the downtrodden and yet he is willing to do what is necessary to do the greatest good, even if there is a cost involved that he doesn't necessarily want to pay - but the lives of the world are in the balance.

This is an intense page turner, but it doesn't sacrifice clean reading just to give you a thrill.  If you like profanity-free reading this is the book for you!

I was provided a copy of this book by SweetWater Books - an imprint of Cedar Fort, in exchange for my honest review and in conjunction with this blog tour.  All opinions expressed are my own.

One October night, millions died when the air suddenly became unbreathable. Miraculously left alive, Martin Fall journeys home to Los Angeles and watches as society collapses all around him, leaving him to pick up the pieces. But when he’s recruited for a dangerous mission, he must confront his tragic past to rescue a technology that could save the earth from destroying itself.

Meet the Author:
Kevin Hopkins is the director of energy and environmental research for The Communications Institute, a Los Angeles-based think tank. He previously served as director of the White House Office of Policy Information, where he advised the President of the United States on economic, energy, and environmental policy, and also was senior policy counsel to the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy. He has published several books on U.S. economic and social policy, including “The Catastrophe Ahead” and “Poverty and Welfare Dependency,” and served for 20 years as a senior contributing editor to Business Week magazine. Skylight is his first novel.

Firstborn ~ Review

FIRSTBORN: A Novel
By Lorie Ann Grover

Sometimes Fate Has a Different Plan...

Since before Tiadone's birth the R'tan have been beneath the Madronians and their oppression. Worship of the Creator Spirit and reading of the Oracles a punishable offense.  And daughters who are the firstborn must be declared male or discarded.

Tiadone is the first declared male among the R'tan and future declarings will be determined by her success or failure.  Can Tiadone deny her true centerself and survive, living the lie chosen for her by her father?  Or will her true centerself betray her to the Madronians?

Tiadone has been raised with a belief in the Creator Spirit, but as she prepares for initiation and her year of service on the Perimeter she realizes that her body has not conformed to the declaration of being born male.  And then there is Mirko, her twined rapion.  Mirko doesn't fit into the accepted category anymore than does Tiadone.  But how can Tiadone and Mirko deny who they are and still worship the Creator Spirit who bestowed life?

Firstborn is a discovery of self and a fight to prove one's worth.  Who or what should decide the worth of a life?  Should the worth of a person's life be determined by man-made rules and decrees?  Or is worth found in the act of living, to simply be?

Firstborn is unlike any book I've ever read before.  As I read it I wondered what would I do in a similar situation?  Could I live a lie, pretend that I was something I was not?  And what would my feelings be towards my parents for forcing this existence upon me mere minutes after my birth? Would I be able to hide my feelings when they threatened to expose me for who and what I truly was?

I found myself in total empathy with Tiadone as she faced the truth of her femininity and as she questioned her beliefs when she experienced losses.  When Tiadone comes to a point where she must make a choice that will forever set her life on a path of no return, I understood the painful loss that would come no matter which she chose.  This is a book that held my attention and I would love to have a sequel that continues Tiadone's story. Did her choice change anything for the R'tan and firstborn females?

I think this book would have an appeal to YA girls who like books that challenge their thinking and makes them think while at the same time entertains.

I was provided a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description

Where does a firstborn girl fit in a world dominated by men?

When Tiadone was born, her parents had two choices: leave their daughter outside the community to die in the wilds, or raise her as male and force her to suppress all feminine traits. Now, as the first female living as male in her village, Tiadone must prove her father didn’t make a mistake by letting her live.

As her male initiation approaches, Tiadone knows every eye on the community is on her, and desperately wishes to belong and finally be accepted. But at every step, traditional feminine gifts and traits emerge, and the bird she's been twined with is seen as a sign of the devil.

Worse, as Tiadone completes her rites, she finds she is drawn to her male best friend in ways that are very much in line with the female gender.

Confused and desperate, Tiadone tries to become what she must be while dealing with what she indeed has become: a young woman who may be able to stand up to her despotic rulers and uncover her real purpose in life.