Double crossed and on the run, an assassin for the British East India Company seeks to redeem his past by thwarting a plot against a young nation's hope for freedom.
The leading mercenary for the British East India Company, Will Reynolds has just been double-crossed and now is on the run in the American Colonies. Working to redeem his name and win back the affections of the woman with whom he's never been fully truthful, Will now hides behind a new mask in hopes of thwarting his former employer. As his past life closes in on him, Will must somehow gain the trust and the help of his beloved Charlotte - as well as Ben Franklin - while he races against time to defuse a plot of historical proportions. Coming to theaters Spring, 2015, Beyond the Mask is a revolutionary new family film that brings history to life in a faith-filled adventure celebrating grace, liberty, and the true freedom that can only be found in Christ.
Showings are throughout April 2015 (deadline to purchase tickets is in March)
I don't know why it has taken me so long to actually blog about Burns Family Studios new film,Beyond the Mask!
Perhaps I fear sounding cliche with phrases such as: ''this is an AMAZING movie''....''you will LOVE it''...and so forth. The truth is, you will love this film and it is absolutely incredible. I'm also afraid that people will think we are just saying this because our own friends the Burns produced it...but although that may have been the case with their first films (most of which were never seen by the public), their newest creation goes far beyond the initial ''I love this movie because my friend's made it'' emotion.
I was thrilled by the context and time period of Beyond the Mask because there really isn't another of its kind that a family can safely watch together! And yet this time period and theme is such a favorite amongst families!
I feel that one of the greatest qualities of this new film is that it presents many enjoyable aspects: romance, action, the 1700s...and combines them in a faith-infused adventure.
The message of this film was especially important at the time that I first saw (a draft of) Beyond the Mask! It is in fact, a timeless and all-important message: who are you before God's eyes? Have you seen yourself as He sees you? (that's not exactly how it's worded in the movie and God can use it in different ways according to what you need to be taught...but that's part of the point I got out of it.)
Have you turned to God, who is the only One who can redeem and cleanse you from your past?
The fact that this movie will appeal to both boys and girls is a major plus. It was a winning idea to combine a beautiful romance with a ton of action...of course this movie does fall more in the adventure category than romance but I find it hard to imagine that anyone would discard it on that fact alone. Other aspects of this movie include:
-No gore (despite a 'healthy' amount of violence)
-Many beautiful dresses, but not a bit immodest- making this movie a win for the entire family!
-No bad language
-The message of salvation is not weak or 'just thrown in there' to make it a ''Christian film''
-The musical score is top-notch. (I especially love the romantic theme...it's so beautiful!)
-The heroine is brave and adventurous without being feministic
Not to mention... the setting is East India Trading Company/ England/ Young America!!!!
British accents mixed with a patriotic American feel...yes!!!
I would totally watch this on Independence Day week!
and...there are the most amazing quotes in this film!
I love a movie which has quotable phrases...and memorable characters....
Such as Ade M'Cormack as Joshua Brand (My favorite scene is the one where he says...nevermind. Just go see the movie.)
It is now time for me to share with you the top 14 books of 2014! Although I kept an organized list of all the books I completed during the year, and even highlighted my favourites from each month, it was very difficult to come up with just 14 favourites.
Because I read so few rereads this year (sadly enough),
I was able to tack them on at the end of the list.
As a bonus.
You're welcome.
Oh, and for those of you who don't know me, I assure you I am not boasting concerning what I've read and such.
If I wanted to boast, it would be about the fact that I remembered every author from my very own noggin without having to look them up. But I didn't remember every author so that would have to categorize as only half true.
Reading isn't too super-heroic for me and my kin (who all read constantly even before we had mastered the English language- or any language for that matter).
It's putting what I read into practice that's special.
Oh, and before you think I just broke my family's bank
fulfilling my reading needs, read this post.
Starting with non-fiction:
They are in chronological (as read) order...
(I know: so practical, right? But then again, I hope to someday be able to put into practice the truths learnt from this book!)
Excellent for wives and those hoping to be.
The Knock at the Door- Margaret Ajemian Ahnert
Armenia 1915 genocides biography
Heart-rending and exciting semi auto-biography. See my link above however as there was stuff not all readers should read.
Sweet and humorous children's adventure with the allure of fantasy.
Daisies Are Forever- Liz Tolsma
World War 2 fiction
This is the best Christian romance I've read. Like a movie.
Wouldn't recommend for young readers though.
I am David- Anne Holmes
WWII historical fiction
Sweet and wonderful story!
Good for all ages.
The Heretic- Henry Vyner-Brooks
This ends up being such an exciting story! But see my review...there were some things...that weren't very conservative or tasteful. And it's hard to read aloud, so I don't know what your family is going to do! It's not a book you'll die if you don't read. Like with Robert Louis Stevenson's books. But it was good. Actually, what's odd is that it can't compare to Robert Louis Stevenson's adventures yet the salvation message in The Heretic was excellent!
This promises to be one of the most photo-rich posts of the year! April presented several very special times with friends and thus we have quite a few snapshots. We have such photogenic friends! :)
If you don't have time to read this entire post, feel free to visit the album here
Early in April, there was another fun English Country dance night, with friends!
It was fun having Melanie join us this time! :)
Lovely Rena...it's so special watching these girls grow up!
After the dance was officially over, and volleyball time began, several people wanted to learn/practice the Austrian folk dance the lendler. They have gotten quite good at it!
Leah dear
Then they went on to dancing Laura's Waltz- another favourite
Amelia looking like Juliet or something
Andrew
Melanie
dancing Laura's Waltz
Elodie looked sweet sitting there with that background...so I took her picture :)
Early in April, while the men from church had their monthly ''men's meeting'' at church, several of the ladies spent an evening out together at a thriftstore, and then talking at Panera's! Lovely time. I was the only girl in my family able to go (the others had a guest over and our Mum went to a seminar at our chiropractor's) so we are all looking forward to next time.
Birthday decor stays up for a while in our house...here is the remnant from Valerie's birthday in March. I love this design which Nikola created. It casts a special shadow on the wall!
Nothing says spring like blossoms....our neighbour's heirloom pear tree was beautiful this year!
Sam caught a wee flying squirrel and built a great cage for it. Soon after captivity, we discovered it was a little lady since she gave birth to two tiny pink babies! By now (June) all are still alive and thriving. And adorable. :) They are nocturnal, but poke their heads out during the day. Also come out about twice a day. It's just slightly difficult to sleep during the day in our house.
Nectarine tree blossoms
I will never tire of springtime....the dandelions and red nettle resemble a carpet on our neighbour's lawn....
the back of our neighbours' is also a carpet of wild violets. This is where Jessie and I exercise almost daily...can you imagine the bliss of exercising on violets? With lilacs in bloom nearby?....and the pear tree in blossom...Ahhh....
Katia loves skipping around with her big siblings. Here Sam is testing airguns which he reviews for different companies. They are going to take a look at the results on the target.
One morning Laura-Lise gathered a display of everything in bloom during spring in our yard.
One morning Nikola took some sweet portraits of Katia
One of those pictures where you see a glimpse of the woman she will be in 10 years! This somehow reminds me-a lot- of bridal portraits. :)
Oh....and now we reach April 18th!
We finally had Melanie, Matthew and Micaiah over to our house! We had the Best Time. :)
First, (after gathering at our humble abode), we ''children'' piled into our beloved ''big van'' and headed to our favourite park.
....Fort Bellefontaine. In the spring time. Beautiful.
I know what everyone is thinking....and I will be generous. I will kindly allow 10 wedding's portraits to be taken here. maximum. And may you always remember...this is the Belley's fort! ;)
I wonder who the enthusiastic citizen is who plants these gharish cakes everywhere important in St. Louis? Anyway...Laura-Lise seems to enjoy them. And no- in this pic. we are not worshipping her.
small walls were meant for jumping from one t'other.
....and larger walls were meant for climbing!
Sam looks like he needs some encouragement. Actually- he ended up climbing the wall hands only!
the triumphant wall-climbers.
We went to the base of the hill for the best view of the river. After throwing half the shore's supply of sticks in to the water, we got a group picture. Somebody suggested each of us hold a stick. That is why everybody is sporting sticks.
I love all the different and conflicting facial expressions in the next pictures :)
that's better. A picture with Melanie
;)
Sam and Matthew having a discussion atop the pillars of stone. I am reminded of those monks who spent their lives on similar piles of rock. Never saw the point to that.
what happens when an 11-year old finds the ''fish-eye'' setting on the camera....sigh...haha.
Melanie got an impromptu mini photo shoot. :) It actually only took a couple minutes, but we had three cameras snapping so the results were great. :)
I love this one!
Of course, Melanie makes every picture look perfect....
Micaiah on the wall
Laura-Lise on the wall...I really like this picture, Elodie!
while we were on the wall having a stick fight with those below, Katia watched. She was not allowed up on the wall according to the safety precautions of the family. ;) (the hospital is the last place I wanted to end up with her that night)
the guys found the perfect diving board....if you want to swim in the Mississippi, that is!
They built this in honour of me, I see! :) It's a 'waterfall' thingy. Which rushes into the river. I'm so fond of those numbers.
On the way back, the guys ended up the day with more scaling of the wall!
trying to pack as much fun into the day, we played several lively, crowded rounds of Nerts.
Thank you, Thomases for that GREAT day! :) So much fun. The next day we wish't we could do it all over again. With friends you never run out of things to do or talk about.
just a glimpse of one of the weddings Nikola and I served at in April. I'm trying to take more pictures of the place instead of just serving wedding after wedding and having them all jumble up in my memory!
Later in April, we went to a WWII reenactment at Jefferson Barracks. A bunch of great friends also went so it was a really nice time.
We spent a while at the German quarters.
Laura-Lise and a German motorcycle
Matthew and Marian
How special it was to see the Niednagels again! Marian is getting so big...and so pretty!
-Phillip-
Elodie took these good pictures
too sweet to be true! :)
this gentleman looked just like someone in a movie we've seen.
still at the German camp
Lots of people pictures.....
I like people.
Hope you do as well. :)
(these are pictures from Sam's camera, btw. Which means either he took them or Elodie did.)
pretty little Marian! Love her eyes.
view of the battlefield
a young Mr. Brown
watching the battle...
SO SWEET!
small friends
looking for bullets or something
Marian liked Elodie.
But then, all children love her! I'm trying to understand her trick. Or maybe it's just something about her.
the same day as the reenactment we headed over to some friends' for volleyball. Some little friends from earlier in the day came as well and therefore I spent the evening swinging and playing with little Victoria. She's quite the character. Love her.
Resurrection Day, after church, we went to the Burnses for a meal and a lovely walk. Of course we talked quite a bit as well. :)
our sweet friend Sara
walking and talking
Nikola on Resurrection Day
Katia on Resurrection Sunday
my lovely, lovely sister Nikola
the B's and B's. One of the families is getting smaller and smaller in number, (although in the process, adding on more members) but we are still close and love spending time with our 'Burns'!
Speaking of. just a few days later Valerie and I were able to travel a couple of hours up in Illinois with Mrs. Burns and Sara to spend 2.5 days with their married daughter Lisa and her family. They are moving into a new home which is better for their growing family! We had a great time painting and watching the kiddos.
the painting/babysitting crew
Lisa finally gets her blue kitchen/dining room!
painting was so much fun. We talked the whole time- covering every topic possible, it seemed. And we listened to just as varied an array of music on spotify! Christian songs, Beauty and the Beast songs, Nick's ''love'' playlist, etc. :)
The first night Mrs. Burns, Sara, Valerie and I talked about courtships and weddings for a few hours.
The second night we piled onto the blowup mattress and watched the Amazing Grace movie. V and I had never seen it before! That was fun. I liked the actor Rufus Sewell best actually.
The last day we finished up painting and then spent some time at the local park with the children, before heading back home.
Good times. There's nothing like working with friends.
