Life Perspective: Reviews & More

NOAH movie an epic #fail Darren Aronofsky's "NOAH" movie starring Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly, Sir Anthony Hopkins and a galaxy of stars opened in theaters on March 28, 2014. This aspiring-to-be-controversial movie is too dull for controversy or to be inspiring, and it fails on so many levels in spite of it massive star power. Let me count the ways... Continued at: NOAH movie an epic #fail - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner Also see: Russell Crowe's new 'Noah' movie to carry disclaimer - Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

Cheekwood in Bloom was just beautiful yesterday, and so was the weather, but I do wish there had been tulips! The daffodil showcase and flowering trees just about made up for the lack of tulips, however. Cheekwood in Bloom without tulips still a memorable experience  Although Cheekwood in Bloom promised to dazzle guests with colorful tulips from March 22 - April 27 at the Botanical Gardens in Belle Meade, Sat. March 22 presented the more subdued colors of spring with only a handful of tulips starting to bloom due to the late winter. Although the lack of the tulip display was a disappointment, the rest of Cheekwood's offerings more than made up for the non-existent tulip display. More at: Cheekwood in Bloom without tulips still a memorable experience - Nashville Community Examiner  Also see:  Cheekwood in Bloom flowers in March and April   Cheekwood in Bloom brings a splash of color to...

Cheekwood in Bloom flowers in March and April - Nashville community Examiner Cheekwood in Bloom brings a splash of color to the West Nashville area to herald the coming of spring. The floral showcase takes place from March 22 - April 27 at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Belle Meade. Continued: Cheekwood in Bloom flowers in March and April - Nashville community Examiner

  Michael W. Smith's new worship album 'Sovereign' releases May 13 Nashville-area resident Michael W. Smith will release his upcoming project "Sovereign" on May 13, 2014. The new release marks Smith's firs t studio worship album since 2008 as well as his first album with new label partner Sparrow Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. Full article: Michael W. Smith's new worship album 'Sovereign' releases May 13 - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

Kevin Sorbo is currently starring in "God Is NOT Dead" in theaters right now and is also in the process of filming "The Secret Handshake with Amy Grant. The actor who made a name for himself on television as an action hero is sure managing to stay busy as a leading man for faith-based films! Kudos to Kevin Sorbo! Hercules and the singer: Kevin Sorbo and Amy Grant star in The Secret Handshake Legendary Christian singer Amy Grant joins "Hercules" actor Kevin Sorbo to star in the upcoming family-friendly comedy, "The Secret Handshake" now filming in Nashville, Tenn. at several local sites including David Lipscom University. Sorbo has successfully reinvented himself as a leading man in family-friendly, faith-based films including "Abel's Field" and "Soul Surfer" which was written by Howie Klausner. More at: Hercules and the singer: Kevin Sorbo and Amy Grant star in The Secret Handshake - Nashville Gospel Music ...

  Carrie Underwood and Thousand Foot Krutch perform WinterJam song Country music star Carrie Underwood, who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, recently made a surprise visit to the WinterJam stop in Tulsa, Okla . when she joined Christian artists Thousand Food Krutch on stage to sing their song, “Let The Sparks Fly.” Full article: Carrie Underwood and Thousand Foot Krutch perform WinterJam song - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

  Faith & Begorrah but 'twas a lovely evening celebrating St Paddy's Day with these fine lads & lasses! I hosted a Saint Patrick's Day dinner for the Bellevue Meetup group at the local O'Charley's, and it was even more fun than I imagined. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the Irish holiday, eat delicious food, and unwind with friends in the name of the patron saint of Ireland. Almost everyone wore green and seemed to have a great time. You can read about our St. Patrick's Day adventure here: Bellevue Meetup group celebrates St. Patrick's Day 2014 at O'Charley's St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in style--and lots of green--as members of the Bellevue Meetup group formally known as "New to Nashville (or want to meet new friends) in Bellevue " gathered to celebrate the Irish holiday. More at: Bellevue Meetup group celebrates St. Patrick's Day 2014 at O'Charley's - Nashville Co...

  Hercules and the singer: Kevin Sorbo and Amy Grant star in The Secret Handshake Legendary Christian singer Amy Grant join "Hercules" actor Kevin Sorbo to star in the upcoming family-friendly comedy, "The Secret Handshake" now filming in Nashville, Tenn. at several local sites including David Lipscom University. Sorbo has successfully reinvented himself as a leading man in family-friendly, faith-based films including "Abel's Field" and "Soul Surfer" which was written by Howie Klausner. Read more: Hercules and the singer: Kevin Sorbo and Amy Grant star in The Secret Handshake - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

 Saint Patrick's Day 2014 is here! Here are some articles, poems and other info to help you celebrate it in an entertaining way! Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day! General Happy Saint Patrick's Day! St. Patrick's Day is a holiday rich with history and meaning as well as a fun time to wear green and shamrocks! There really was a man who became known as Saint Patrick... Read more at:  Happy Saint Patrick's Day!       Seven Lucky Songs for St. Patrick's Day With St. Patrick's Day coming up on March 17, it is timely to look at some great St. Patrick's Day songs.   Top 3 faith-based songs for St. Patrick's Day: Saint Patrick's Day music    Three songs of faith for Saint Patrick's Day Irish Quotes for St. Patrick's Day A collection of quotes, sayings, poetry and songs about the Irish and by the Irish for your St...

Mickey Rourke Deliver One-Two Punch in "The Wrestler" Kathryn E. Darden , Yahoo   The Wrestler hit on Blu-ray Disc and DVD in 2009 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. One of the most-critically acclaimed films of the year, The Wrestler was featured on dozens of year-end "top ten" lists and garnered numerous accolades for Mickey Rourke. Much like the character he plays in The Wrestler , Mickey Rourke ( Sin City, Man on Fire ), himself a former boxer, resuscitated his career playing Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a legendary professional wrestler who longs to reclaim the fame and glory that surrounded him twenty years earlier. However a heart attack causes Randy to reevaluate his plans and  examine his life. He attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter while trying to move his relationship with an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei (In The Bedroom, My Cousin Vinny ) into a real-world rel...

Paul Baloche set to release new worship album in April It's no April Fool's joke! Christian music artist, worship leader, and singer-songwriter Paul Baloche is gearing up to release his new album "Live" on April 1, 2014. The new project will be available from Integrity Music and will feature a mix of new songs and international favorites, all recorded live with a congregation composed of worship teams from across Canada. The music was recorded live during one of his “LeadWorship” workshops in Ontario. Read article: Paul Baloche set to release new worship album in April - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

  Top Ten Most Amazing True Facts About Ireland & the Irish Ireland: Land of Mystery and Myth-- The Emerald Isle has always been a land of mystery, myth and legend from Irish leprechauns to Celtic Druids. In the land known for fairies and the Blarney Stone, is it any wonder that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction? In honor of the patron saint of Ireland and St. Patrick 's day, here are some of the strangest and weirdest true facts about Ireland and the Irish. Read more: Top Ten Most Amazing True Facts About Ireland & the Irish - Yahoo Voices

Dave Barnes headlines 'Golden Days' tour starting March 30 Nashville musician/singer David Mckee Barnes, better known as Dave Barnes , has announced tour dates for his "Golden Days Tour" in support of his new release, "Golden Days" (50 Year Plan Records) which was released January 28, 2014. The spring tour will kick off March 30 and run through early May, Continued: Dave Barnes headlines 'Golden Days' tour starting March 30 - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

  The Strange History of Irish Witch Dame Alice Kyteler--the Sorceress of Kilkenny - Yahoo Voices Dame Alice Kyteler (also Kytler, de Keteller) is remembered as the sorceress of Kilkenny. Sometimes said to have been the last witch in Ireland, Kyteler was when in fact the first person accused and condemned for witchcraft in Ireland according to the book The Sorcery Trial of Alice Kyteler: A Contemporary Account. Read more: The Strange History of Irish Witch Dame Alice Kyteler--the Sorceress of Kilkenny - Yahoo Voices

  History of The Mark Sorrells Trio: band biography  In the autumn of 1999, Raine Austen, hostess at the Belle Meade Brasserie called local pianist Mark Sorrells to say, "Get over here and try out for pianist at the Brasserie, right now." So began the 15-year relationship between Mark Sorrells and the establishment at 106 Harding Place, now known as Whitfield's Restaurant & Bar. Continued at: History of The Mark Sorrells Trio: band biography - Nashville Community Examiner

Enchanted April 1992 Award-Winning Romance Now on Dvd - a Review Enchanted April is charming romantic film which was originally released to theaters in 1992. This an Academy Award-nominated film makes its DVD debut on May 5, 2009 from Miramax Films. Enchanted April will appeal to fans of movies like A Room with a View, and stars Josie Lawrence ("Eastenders"), Miranda Richardson ( Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) , Joan Plowright ( T he Spiderwick Chronicles ), Polly Walker ("Cane"), Alfred Molina ( Spiderman 2 ), and Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent (Best Supporting Actor, Iris, 2001). Enchanted April is the story of Mrs Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) and Mrs. Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson), two proper but unhappy Englishwomen. The two ladies decide to escape the dreariness of their lives in London by renting a beautiful castle in the Italian countryside for one month. Due to the expense, the two women advertise for two more women to join them to s...

  Saint Patrick the Shepherd - a Poem - Yahoo A poem for children for St. Patrick's Day

  Don't forget to Spring Forward and set your clocks ahead one hour tonight! Bellevue springs forward--time change tonight Blame World War One for the fact that Bellevue residents and the rest of the country will lose an hour's sleep during the wee hours of Mar. 9 as Tennessee and the rest of the country springs forward for the time change. Read more at: Bellevue springs forward--time change tonight - Nashville Community Examiner

My good buddy Mark Sorrells is playing at Whitfield's Restaurant & Bar in Belle Meade tonight as part of the Mark Sorrells trio. Mark and I have been friends since 1984, so to say we go WAY back is an understatement. I learned a lot about publicity and promotions from him back in that day and it has been a pleasure to reconnect now that we are Bellevue neighbors. If you live in the West Nashville area and don't have Saturday night plans, his group is playing jazz and more from 6:30 - 10.You should definitely check them out! Find out more at: Mark Sorrells Trio performs at Whitfield's March 8 The Mark Sorrells Trio, based out of Bellevue, is playing at Whitfield's Restaurant and Bar on Mar. 8 from 6:30 until 10:30.The band will play their popular "Whisper Quiet" jazz and Latin sounds... Continue

Matthew McConaughey may be best known for his many versatile movie roles from a buff dragon-hunting para-military type in "Reign of Fire," to a slick lawyer in "Lincoln Lawyer" to his latest Oscar-winning role in "Dallas Buyer's Club." Or he may have come to your attention for his many shirtless photos and partying ways. However, it appears Matthew McConaugheyis growing up and achieving more than a little maturity at 44. At this year's Oscars, McConaughey was one of few entertainers who stopped to thank God for his success and for teaching the actor about gratitude. Find out more at: Oscars 2014: Matthew McConaughey expresses gratitude to God Actor Matthew McConaughey raised more than a few eyebrows and garnered both praise and hate speech for thanking God profusely when he won the best actor Oscar for his role as Ron Woodroof in "Dallas Buyer's Club... Continue

Holly Hunter, Wikimedia Commons A Poor Decision on the Part of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Resulted in Only Two Review Episodes Being Offered of Season Two of "Saving Grace" Holly Hunter is a fine actress, so when I was offered the opportunity to review "Saving Grace" - Season Two on DVD, I jumped at the chance. However, in an effort to save money, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment decided to only issue reviewers the last two episodes of "Saving Grace" - Season Two not the entire season on DVD. Really. That fact was mentioned in the promotional email, but it was hidden between the lines of hype. Imagine if you will, being dropped into the second season of a show, not at the beginning of the season, but at the end. It is hard enough to come into a series at the BEGINNING of the 2nd season. Being dropped into "Saving Grace" - Season Two at the end for purposes of reviewing it makes no sense. Two episodes didn...

Another good movie and a questionable DVD from 2009! This time I take a look at Isla Fisher's movie Confessions of a Shopaholic' and Holly Hunter's former series Saving Grace ." Both had strong casts. "Confessions" featured Isla Fisher, John Goodman, and Joan Cusack among other big names and "Grace" starred Holly Hunter and Laura San Giacomo. However, both fell flat, especially "Saving Grace"... or did it? Due to an extremely poor marketing decision on the part of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, I will probably never know for sure. Here's my take: 'Saving Grace' with Holly Hunter and Laura San Giacomo -- Season Two on Dvd 3/2/2014 I love Holly Hunter, so I was filled with eager anticipation when I was offered the opportunity to review “Saving Grace” - Season Two. I needn't have bothered. Confessions of a Shopaholic' with Isla Fisher, John Goodman, Joan Cusack--D...

Dove Award winners Phil Keaggy and Cheri Keaggy joined singer/songwriter Jason Bare as guests on TBN's " Praise The Lord " program last week. The two Keaggys and Bare performed music and were interviewed by show host Jason Crabb. This photo was taken at the show. L-R: Jason Crabb, Jason Bare, Phil Keaggy, Cheri Keaggy Continued: Phil Keaggy, Cheri Keaggy, Jason Bare on TBN's 'Praise The Lord' - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

Irish Quotes for St. Patrick's Day Ireland is known for the Blarney Stone and Irish quotes and sayings. Here are some of my favorite quotes from and about the Irish for St. Patrick's Day. Find some great Irish quotes and sayings at: Irish Quotes for St. Patrick's Day - Yahoo

Russell Crowe's new 'Noah' movie to carry disclaimer The new blockbuster Hollywood movie " Noah " looks like a great film to me! Based upon the Genesis account of Noah and the Great Flood, the movie offers a stellar cast in a dramatic -- and TRUE -- end of the world disaster story based upon the Bible. But there have been complaints... Honestly, the Christian community clamors 9rightfully) for more wholesome, faith-based movies from Hollywood, and when we finally get one, don't you know there is some group protesting it! Now Paramount and the National Religious Broadcasters have come up with a disclaimer for the new Russell Crowe movie so no one's knickers get in a wad. You can read the story about the "Noah" disclaimer and how it came about at:  Russell Crowe's new 'Noah' movie to carry disclaimer - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner.