Movies, Television, and Media

Is the Regal Unlimited Pass Worth it?

August 29, 2019 by Julie

Last year I bought a MoviePass. At first, that meant that I would pay around $10 a month to see unlimited movies. I could watch one movie a day, every day for the whole month. This sounded SO amazing!

I love going to the movies. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I will even go by myself, and I find doing so very relaxing. But the cost of tickets, even with a military discount, can add up. But MoviePass was going to solve that problem. And I was here for it.

I got my MoviePass in May of last year, and it worked well at first. But then, sometime in July, things fell apart. That was the beginning of the downfall of MoviePass. After that, they kept changing how the pass worked and would only let us see movies from a list. At first the list idea wasn’t too horrible, but eventually, when the movie for each day was the same all week long, I knew I was done.

I also had heard that Regal was going to add their own subscription plan. I couldn’t wait, and then, about a month ago, it finally happened! I signed up the first day I could.

I am now at the month mark and I am in love with this Regal Unlimited Pass. I saw eight movies during the first month, and I hope this is going to be around for a long time.

I do have to pay almost $20 for my pass. Depending on where you live, you might have to pay a little more. I can see any movie I want, even more than once. I also get 10% off of concessions.

I can easily buy my ticket on my app, and pay a $.50 charge or I can buy the ticket at the theater, showing them my app. I can also buy tickets for my family or friends when buying my own ticket. They make it all super easy.

If I want to see an RPX or 3D movie, I just have to pay a small fee to upgrade my ticket. If I go to Nashville, or even home to California where the theaters are more expensive, I would just have to pay a $1.50 charge for them. If I lived near those places and went often, I could upgrade my pass to pay a little more each month.

For us here in the Fort Campbell area, once I see two movies a month, I have paid for my ticket. I go a lot more often than that, and with the pass, I can go even more than I usually do.

You do have to be 16 years old to have a pass, but hoping they might come out with a family plan in the future. I don’t receive Regal Rewards points for my movie, but I do for any other tickets I buy as well as concessions.

So what did I see in August?

Here is my list:

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (saw this twice)
Ready or Not
Aladdin
The Kitchen
Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Angry Birds 2

I am looking forward to this fall and all the amazing movies coming out. I love love love having a Regal Unlimited Movie Subscription Pass and think it is 110% worth having.

Should YOU get one?

Well, how often do you go to the movies? Is cost an issue for you? Check out how much your local Regal Unlimited Pass would be and decide for yourself. It quickly pays for itself if you are a movie lover like me.

If you don’t have any Regal Theaters nearby, AMC also has a pass. The AMC pass is a little different but could be worth getting if you like going to AMC. Keep in mind too that both AMC and Regal has a small military discount of $1 off. At our local theater, it is a special, military ticket.

Now, go enjoy some movies! I know I plan to 🙂

Why You Should Dive Into Books During Your Next Deployment

July 25, 2019 by Julie

This post does contain affiliate links!

Twilight. I read all the Twilight books during one of our deployments. A friend told me about them, and even though I was already 30 years old, I dove right into that series.

I am a huge reader. I usually average about 70 books a year and would love to read more. I always have a couple of books going and always aware of some of the newest books that are out there.

I love most types of fiction, from a sweet romance to a crazy sci-fiction story. I read paper books, on my Kindle, and audiobooks. I always have at least one book with me. I also enjoy certain types of non-fiction, such as memoirs or fun topics that interest me.

There is not one day that goes by where I don’t read some part of a book, I just can’t do it. Reading is like brushing my teeth for me. Reading is just something I always do.

During deployments or any time my husband has been away from us, books have become even more important. I love to get lost in a series, read about some other time in history, or another place that I can’t physically visit at the moment.

I love a good binge-watch but there is something about getting lost in a good book that just takes me away from what I am dealing with and heals my soul a little bit. Stories are so very therapeutic and perfect to dive into during a deployment.

A good book can warm your heart, allow you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and distract you from something you would rather not think about.

Reading a good book can be a form of self-care and as military spouses, we know how important that is. Reading can keep you busy and staying busy is a must during a deployment.

If you haven’t picked up a book for a while, maybe now is the time? There are so many good ones. So many books to get lost in. So many books that will take you to another place.

If you are feeling lonely and missing your spouse, a book can put you in a better mood. If you are having a rough time with the kids, a book can make you laugh, and help you feel better. If you are dying to be somewhere else, a book can take you all over the world.

On a practical level, reading a book before bed can make you sleepy. If you are having trouble falling asleep when your spouse is deployed, try reading in bed. My Kindle is right by my bed so if I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, I can read for a bit in order to do so. Works about 90% of the time 🙂

If you would love to read and feel like you don’t have any time, let me make a few suggestions.

Try audiobooks. You can listen to these while you are doing chores, while driving, or going on a walk. Use your library card with either Overdrive or Hoopla to check them out for free.

Always have a book handy. Put one in your car, put the Kindle app on your phone, or stick one in your purse. There are so many times you might have to wait somewhere and if you have a book on you, you can read a chapter or two. Jessica Turner’s book, The Fringe Hours: Making Time For You is a great read all about finding those extra moments.

Don’t think you have to read a book all in one sitting. I think part of the reason I can read so much is that I don’t feel the need to finish a book all in one sitting. If that were the case, I would never finish anything. Be okay with a chapter here and there, whenever you have time, and you will be able to get your reading done.

Read in front of your kids. Reading in front of your kids is totally fine. Just make sure they are safe, and you should be okay. You can read while you nurse, read while they are at the playground, or whenever you feel comfortable. Obviously, this is going to be an age thing and things will change as your kids get older but I don’t think kids growing up watching their parents read is ever a bad thing.

Join a book club. If you are really struggling, join a local book club. Usually, a book club will have one book you are supposed to read each month. Beyond that, at your book club, people will be talking about all the amazing books they are reading, and that can get your inspired too.

Join Bookstagram. Did you know that there is a name for all the accounts that share books on Instagram? Bookstagram is a wonderful place. I started an account just for books called The Fiction Book Cafe last fall and so glad that I did. I can talk about all the books I am reading and learn about what other book lovers are reading too. Make sure to join me over there 🙂

Need some suggestions on what to read?

For a sweet love story, check out One Day in December by Josie Silver, One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid, or The Bride Test by Helen Hoang.

For a book with a twist, check out The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine, Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, or Lock Every Door by Riley Sager.

For an amazing story that spans many years, check out Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, the Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, or Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane.

For a fantastic historical fiction book, check out Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, or The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner.

For an emotional story, check out An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel, or The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne.

For a really amazing memoir, check out Educated by Tara Westover, Becoming by Michelle Obama, or Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land

For a book about time travel, check out the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, or 11/22/63 by Stephen King.

Looking for more suggestions? Check out my Goodreads and connect with me there too 🙂

How has reading helped you during a deployment?

Can You Feel The Love Tonight? My Review of Disney’s The Lion King

July 18, 2019 by Julie

I can remember spending the night at one of my best friend’s houses in the summer of 1994, right after watching the original movie. The songs, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” and, “Circle of Life” were now stuck in my head. I fell hard for this movie as a young teenager, and I couldn’t wait to see the new version as a 40-year-old.

The Lion King holds a special place in my heart!

When I was pregnant with my first little boy in 2004, my husband and I went to San Francisco to watch the Lion King Musical. Again, I fell in love with the songs and the story.

We just got back from watching Disney’s newest Lion King movie and I LOVED IT!!!

I started to tear up during the opening sequence and again watching Simba and Nala fall in love. Timon and Pumbaa were pretty hilarious and the storyline pretty much followed the original scene by scene.

I think my favorite part about this re-make is how stinkin cute the Simba and Nala cubs were. I just wanted to hug them. I was even a bit sad when they grew up.

I did have a hard time wrapping my mind around how they filmed this movie. The movie looks like they used CGI animals with a real background, and in some places real animals. But the truth is, they used what is called, “virtual production” which is a mix of CGI and live-action techniques. Jungle Book was done the same way.

This new Lion King is not an animated movie but also not a live-action movie. And while sometimes the animals looked a little computer created, that didn’t take away from the film as a whole. Maybe this is the movie-making technique of the future?

In this 2019 version of The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, you will find Donald Glover as Simba, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, Billy Eichner as Timon, John Kani as Rafiki, John Oliver as Zazu, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, and James Earl Jones coming back as Mufasa. Shahadi Wright Joseph plays a young Nala and JD McCrary a young Simba.

This was a wonderful cast and I think everyone did a decent job. Having James Earl Jones back as Mufasa connected the two movies in a way which I really appreciated.

I loved the songs! I couldn’t help but sing along to them. My favorite was, Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner. Their version of the song was beautiful.

While I love Elton John’s version too, this one will stick with me for a while. I have already added it to my playlist 🙂

As a HUGE fan of the original Lion King, this movie hit the spot. If you weren’t a huge fan of the 1994 animated version, I am not sure if you would enjoy this movie as much as I did. I guess that depends on how much you enjoy these types of films in general.

As far as the scarier scenes go, they might be a little much for some smaller children. Remember that while these are not real animals, they look like real animals and that can be difficult for some people. Knowing the full story of what happens helped with that but for small children and those that are very sensitive to that type of thing, those scenes might be harder to watch.

I didn’t feel like the movie was as different from the original as the live-action Aladdin was. But, I think that was okay. I think this was an entertaining movie where those of us that fell in love with it in the 90s can take our own kids and share a little bit of that magic with them.

Will you plan to go see this 2019 version of The Lion King?

We Went to See the New Live-Action Aladdin and We Loved it

May 24, 2019 by Julie Leave a Comment

Aladdin Was So Much Better Than I Thought

I am here for every single Disney live-action remake. I love that they are doing this. I find them so much fun and love taking my kids.

That being said, I wasn’t super excited about this new Aladdin after I saw the preview. I was worried the movie just wouldn’t measure up for some reason. I was worried I would be disappointed.

I was in junior high when the original movie came out in 1992 and I remember loving it back then. I have seen the movie a few times since then but it has been quite a few years.

We went opening night to see this live-action Aladdin and walked out of that theater super impressed. Sure, the movie was a bit cheesy, and Aladdin is a musical, so if you don’t like musicals, you won’t like this movie, no matter what else I have to say about it.

The Plot

The plot is pretty much the same as the cartoon, with some changes. One of the biggest is the reason why Jasmine needs to find a husband. In this one, her father, the Sultan wants to marry her off for alliance reasons. However, she wants to be the next Sultan, even though she is a woman and not allowed to do so.

They also make some clothing changes and have added characters, such as Dalia, who is Jasmine’s handmade.

The Cast

Overall, this was a pretty amazing cast. Since the movie takes place in an Arabian setting, although fictional, most of the main cast is from Arab, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Southern Asian descent.

Aladdin is played by Mena Massoud, whom you might have seen in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. I enjoyed him as Aladdin, and I felt like he brought personality to the role. He very much became Aladdin for me.

Jasmine is played by Naomi Scott, who was the pink power ranger in the new Power Ranger movie. She was truly amazing in the role, showing us a very strong Jasmine who knew what she wanted, even if it seemed impossible that she could have it. She sings a new song, “Speechless” which is pretty amazing and I think the lyrics were pretty perfect.

The genie is played by Will Smith. He was pretty funny in his own way and he really worked as the genie for me. I wasn’t a huge fan with the way he looked like when he was in his genie form, something was a little off about it, but not enough to ruin the movie. I think the late Robin Williams would have been happy with the way he played this role.

Dalia was played by Nasim Pedrad, who you have seen on Saturday Night Live. She brings some of her humor to the role and allowing Jasmine to have a friend was smart. And I loved her storyline!

Jafar, played by Marwan Kenzari was okay in the role. Some have said he doesn’t seem scary enough but I thought he was, although a lot of his power came from his staff, not from him himself.

Navid Negahban as the Sultan was also a good choice. He played Jasmine’s father as supportive but also someone who felt a bit stuck in his choices because of tradition, and of course, influenced by Jafar.

My Final Thoughts On The Movie

The setting did look like a set in some ways, but it works and I couldn’t help but start singing along to the lyrics during the songs. I loved too that they kept the same animal companions and there were many laugh-out-loud moments.

If you have small children, they will probably do okay in the movie but there are just a couple of darker scenes having to do with Jafar.

One of the things I love about these Disney re-makes is remembering the original movies, and watching the stories in a different light, and this movie checked that box. I loved how much more modern Jasmine was, how she went after what she wanted, and what she brought to the film. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, so I will stop there but I think if you are a Disney fan, you will like this one.

Have you seen the new live-action Aladdin yet? What did you think?

What to Watch on Netflix This Summer

May 20, 2019 by Julie 2 Comments

The summer is almost here! Are you ready? My kids get out next week and the weather is starting to heat up here in Tennessee. Soon, we will be going to the pool on a regular basis, BBQing in the back yard, and being a little more low key than we are during the school year.

I am also pretty excited at all the amazing shows that have been added to Netflix or will be sometime this summer. Netflix has really stepped things up, and I love it!

So whether you are not sure what to watch after the Game of Thrones finale or you are in desperate need of some good binge-watching, here is my guide of what to watch on Netflix and Hulu this summer:

The Society

This show will suck you in right away! And once you finish, you will want the second season to start as soon as possible. The Society is a teenage drama, that seems to start out like any other teenage drama. The teenagers leave for a field trip, but have to turn around, and once the buses drop them back off, they soon learn that everyone else from the small town has disappeared. Think Lord of the Flies meets Pretty Little Liars.

Wine Country

This movie is super fun! Six friends take a weekend trip together to Napa Valley to celebrate one of their 50th birthdays. These ladies are so funny, and most of them have been on Saturday Night Live at one point so you know they know how to make you laugh.

Workin’ Moms

This is a Canadian television show about, working moms. There is humor and there are a lot of moments that many will relate to, especially if you are a working mom. Can’t wait for more seasons to come on Netflix.

Derry Girls

Derry Girls takes place in 1990s Ireland. Follow Erin and her friends as they try to deal with teenage issues, amidst the political conflict of Northern Ireland in the 1990s. This is a super quick series you can finish in one night but then, you will want more.

Dead to Me

Dead to Me is amazing! Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini work so well together. The set up of this show is that Jen, Christina Applegate has just lost her husband and meets Judy, Linda Cardellini at a grief group. The two become friends and things go from there. What I love about this one is that every episode there is a new reveal. You can also finish this in a weekend as the episodes are short.

Outlander, seasons 1-2

Finally! Outlander is an amazing show about a time-traveling nurse from the 1940s. However, up until now, it wasn’t available on Netflix streaming. Outlander will be on Netflix later this month, just seasons 1 and 2. But if you haven’t watched the show already, you should. It’s amazing.

Black Mirror, season 5

For my science fiction nerds, Black Mirror is coming back for season 5. I am so happy about this! Black Mirror is pretty much Twilight Zone for the technical age. If you want to start this series, do not watch episode 1 of season 1, just skip it. That episode turns people off of the series and doesn’t even really show what the series is about. Start with the 2nd episode 🙂

Dark, season 2

For those that really love time travel and crazy stories, Dark is a great choice. Dark is a German show, so you will either need to watch with subtitles or with English dubbing. The show is pretty much Stranger Things meets Back to the Future. And season 2 will be on Netflix in June.

Stranger Things, season 3

Speaking of Stranger Things, we are going to get a third season on the 4th of July. Stranger Things is about a young boy who goes missing in the 80s, with a very ET meets Stephen King feel. If you haven’t started this series, this summer is the time to do so.

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Whether you are pcsing this summer or not, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo can get you in the decluttering mood. Watch Marie Kondo work with families to see what brings them joy and get rid of what doesn’t to make their homes a more relaxing place. Although this came out quite a few months ago, this summer is the perfect time to watch and get inspired.

After missing for seven years, a young woman comes home, with new abilities and a mission. OA is quite the adventure ride and the 2nd season just came out. If you like crazy stories that keep you guessing, you will like this one.

Russian Doll

Watch Natasha Lyonne, of Orange is the New Black, in this comedy-drama about a woman who gets caught in a time loop. At the end of her birthday party, she dies, then comes back to the same day. She gets stuck in this never-ending loop. This series is pretty bizarre but quick to watch as well. And don’t forget, the last season of Orange is the New Black will be out the end of July.

Have you watched any of these shows? What are you most excited about this summer?

Westgate Resorts, Gary Sinise and Gov. Ron DeSantis Host Thousands of Military Family Members in Orlando

May 9, 2019 by Julie Leave a Comment

Westgate Resorts will honor 1,500 U.S. military families, veterans and Gold Star families from across the nation with a free vacation at Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort in Orlando, May 10-12.

The event continues Westgate Resorts’ and CEO David Siegel’s eight-year tradition of encouraging our nation’s heroes to spend quality time with their families.

Representing all branches of the military, more than 5,500 guests from 41 states, and Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., will enjoy complimentary accommodations and activities, including an inaugural 5K run, a resource fair featuring 25 military organizations, and admission to Westgate’s Shipwreck Island Water Park.

The event will culminate with an outdoor concert and fireworks show featuring Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, with special appearance by Grammy-winner Lee Greenwood.

2019 Update!

Westgate Resorts, Gary Sinise and Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted thousands of military families in Orlando on Saturday. For its eighth year running, Westgate Resorts honored military families, veterans and Gold Star families from across the nation with a free vacation at Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort.

Representing all branches of the military, more than 5,500 guests from 41 states, and Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., enjoyed complimentary accommodations and activities, including an inaugural 5K run, a resource fair featuring 25 military organizations, and admission to Westgate’s Shipwreck Island Water Park.

In total, the Westgate Resorts Foundation contributed $50,000 to military nonprofit organizations.

The event ended with an incredible outdoor concert and fireworks show featuring Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, with special appearance by Grammy-winner LeeGreenwood.

It’s awesome that Westgate Resorts continues to support both active duty and retired military personnel, military families, and first responders through its annual giveaways and discounts. Whether you’re looking for free vacations for military families, or some great hotel discounts for military, Westgate Resorts has some great options.

Indivisible With Sarah Drew and Justin Bruening

October 25, 2018 by Julie

A few weeks ago I was able to screen a copy of the new movie Indivisible, starring Sarah Drew and Justin Bruening. This movie is a story about a military chaplain, his family, his marriage, his deployment, and his faith.

INDIVISIBLE is based on the extraordinary true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather. With a strong, faith-filled marriage, the Turners are ready to follow their calling: serving God, family, and country.

Fresh from seminary and basic training, Chaplain Turner and his family arrive at Fort Stewart. Yet before the Turners can even unpack their new house, Darren is deployed to Iraq. Heather is left taking care of their three young children alone … as well as serving the families of the other deployed soldiers.

Despite a desire to stay connected with their loved ones, the harsh realities of war take a daily toll over the course of the Battalion’s extended deployment. Meanwhile back home, babies are born, kids keep growing, and nerves are frayed with every late-night knock on the door.

With deeply etched battle scars, the soldiers’ long-awaited homecoming is much different than any of their families anticipated. Carrying burdens the other can’t comprehend, the Turners must decide if they’re willing to face one more battle: the fight to save their marriage.

From the director of THE GRACE CARD and the studio that brought you FIREPROOF and WAR ROOM comes INDIVISIBLE, the story of one marriage … one family … under God. In theaters this fall, the movie stars Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry and Madeline Carroll.

What I liked most about this movie is how they would go back and forth between the soldiers in Iraq and the families back at home. To tell the story of the soldier and their family, we need to be able to see what everyone is doing and they did that well.

Heather Turner (Sarah Drew) looks on proudly with her children (L to R) Ellie (Samra Lee), Meribeth (Abigail
Hummel) and Samuel (Lucas Boyle) during an awards ceremony in INDIVISIBLE–in theaters October 26, 2018.
(Photo courtesy of © 2018 Provident Films LLC and TheWTA Group, LLC. All rights reserved.)

There were many times during the movie, that I started to tear up. From seeing what FOB the soldiers first went to in Iraq (my husband had also been sent there) to a lot of the emotions Sarah Drew’s character felt as the spouse of a service member.

While this movie is faith-based and has that element, it is also a very military family-based too. They had many different characters who experienced the deployment to Iraq a little differently and I think a lot of military families could relate to at least one of them.

Jason George plays Michael Lewis in INDIVISIBLE–in theaters October 26, 2018. (Photo courtesy of © 2018
Provident Films LLC and The WTA Group, LLC. All rights reserved.)

That being said, this movie might be hard to watch. The movie does deal with PTSD, and what can happen in a war. It takes place in Iraq in 2007, and during that time, things were so very difficult over there. So please, keep that in mind before going into this movie.

What one service member or military spouse can handle is different from another so use your best judgment when it comes to this movie. And plan to bring your tissues if you go. You will need them.

What soldiers and military spouses go through can be so complicated and fragile. To portray them on screen isn’t easy and they might not always get everything right. I really appreciate when movie studios want to make a movie about our lives as military service members, families, and spouses. This one gives us some pretty real and raw scenes that can hit you emotionally and I feel as though they did their best to show us what one family went through during a deployment to Iraq as well as what life was like when they came back home.

L to R: The Turner family, Heather (Sarah Drew), Meribeth (Abigail Hummel), Samuel (Lucas Boyle), Darren (Justin Bruening) and Ellie (Samra Lee), pose after an awards ceremony in INDIVISIBLE–in theaters October 26, 2018. (Photo courtesy of © 2018 Provident Films LLC and The WTA Group, LLC. All rights reserved.)

If you are a fan of Grey’s Anatomy you will recognize “April” and “Matthew” and I think they work well together as a couple, no matter the setting. Jason George, who plays “Ben” is also in the movie as a fellow soldier. I loved seeing these actors again as well as other actors you might recognize, Tia Mowry, Michael O’Neill, and Eric Close.

Indivisible comes out October 26th, 2018 and hopefully will be coming to your local theater.

Have you seen Indivisible? What did you think?

A Super Long List of Military Themed Movies and TV Shows

April 10, 2018 by Julie

A Super Long List of Military Themed Movies and TV Shows

Being a military spouse, I get asked all the time if I watched Army Wives. There is something about military themed movies and tv shows that can show our civilian friends a window into our world. Some of these are really good at showing our military lives and others, not as much.

Most of the military themed movies and tv shows out there focus on the service member. Either showing a war, life after war, or a humorous take on it all. Some include the military spouse, and of course, we have Army Wives.

When watching some of these movies, we might laugh at how wrong they are wearing their uniform, or cry at how real they were able to show the emotions of those dealing with deployments and everything that comes with military life. We might get excited to see our favorite actor putting on a uniform, or watch with nostalgia, a movie or television show we remember watching when we were younger.

Whether you love them, or they drive you nuts, here is a super long list of military themed movies and tv shows to watch:

Military themed tv shows and miniseries

Army Wives

The Astronaut Wives Club

Band of Brothers

The Brave

Generation Kill

Enlisted

Hogan’s Heroes

The Last Ship

The Last Post

The Long Road Home

Jag

Mash

McHale’s Navy

NCIS

The Pacific

The Unit

Military themed movies

12 Strong

13 Hours

American Sniper

Black Hawk Down

Born on the 4th of July

Brothers

Captain America

Coming Home

Courage Under Fire

Dear John

Dunkirk

A Few Good Men

Forest Gump

Full Metal Jacket

Fury

Good Morning Vietnam

Gone With the Wind

The Great Escape

Green Zone

Hacksaw Ridge

The Hurt Locker

Jarhead

Lone Survivor

Love and Honor

Lucky One

Max

Megan Leavey

Men of Honor

The Patriot

Patton

Pearl Harbor

Private Benjamin

Three Kings

Sand Castle

Sands of Iwo Jima

Saving Private Ryan

The Shooter

Stop Loss

Thank You For Your Service

Top Gun

We Were Soldiers

Unbroken

White Christmas

Zero Dark Thirty

What would you add to this list? What are your favorite military themed movies and television shows?

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

January 5, 2018 by Julie

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

* This post does contain affiliate links!

I am always a fan of a good historical fiction book. I love learning more about the past within a fictional story. Susan Meissner is one of my favorite authors that does a good job of this. Her latest book, As Bright as Heaven, is coming out February 6, 2018, and I got the chance to review the book through NetGalley.

About the book: In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters–Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa–a chance at a better life.

But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without–and what they are willing to do about it.

As Bright as Heaven is the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.

My thoughts:

I didn’t know too much about the Spanish Flu and this book takes place right in the middle of it as well as the Great War (World War I.) The way the characters are immersed in that world makes you really feel for them. I found myself wondering how I would be acting as a mother if I had to deal with that with my own children.

As with any book that takes place during a war, it is always interesting to me to read about how things were so different back then, but also how some other things are still the same. Saying goodbye to someone going off to war is difficult whether it is to Europe in 1918 or Iraq in 2017.

This was also the first book I have read of Susan Meissner’s that did not have a connection to present time and I admit that I missed that part of her books. I like how she ties that in usually. That being said, this book was still so enjoyable.

There are quite a few points of view as the story is told from the perspective of a mother as well as her three daughters. Susan Meissner does an amazing job of weaving all these stories together and giving each of them their own voice, even though some of them are children.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, if you are looking for a good book to dive into this winter, or you want something to get lost in during your spouse’s next deployment, order your copy of As Bright as Heaven (you can do so on Amazon) or check out any of Susan Meissner’s other books she has written. You won’t be disappointed.

What Adam Driver, Former US Marine, Does For the Military

January 3, 2018 by Julie

What Adam Driver, Former US Marine, Does For the Military

By Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Have you seen the Last Jedi yet? If not, go, I loved it! And I have a house full of boys that do too. If you are a fan of the Star Wars movies you might know a bit about the actors that play in those movies. One of the new villains in these recent movies is Kylo Ren, played by the actor, Adam Driver.

Did you know that before he started acting, Adam Driver was in the Marine Corps? He joined after 9/11 and served for almost 3 years. He injured his sternum while mountain biking and was medically discharged. After that, he went back to school, ended up at Julliard, and started acting in New York City both on and off Broadway.

His first movie was J. Edger in 2011, in 2012 he started his role in the HBO show Girls and in 2014 was cast as Kylo Ren for the upcoming Star Wars movies.

By Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Even though his career in the military ended years ago, his support for the military did not. In 2008, he founded Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF.) This organization’s goal is to bring high-quality theater programming for active duty service members, veterans, military support staff, and their families.

AITAF perform’s domestically and around the world and chooses plays that feature diverse themes as well as ages, ethnicities, and experiences. This creates a unique experience for the audience. After each of their performances, the actors will interact with the audience, answering a Q & A and having an informal time to talk to everyone.

The first performance of 2018 will be at Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina on January 5th and 6th. They will be doing a reading of Top Underdog.

In celebration of their 10th year, Arts in the Armed Forces announced the Bridge Award that will grant 10K to a playwright who has or is serving in the military. In addition to the money, they will also stage a professional reading of the play that was submitted. All entries must be received by March 1st, 2018. The winner should be announced around May 1st, 2018. Go to their website for more information.

As you can see, Adam Driver and Arts in the Armed Forces want to bring amazing theater to the military as well as support the talents of those who serve. This is such an important thing as the military is made up of people with all different strengths and talents. Arts in the Armed Forces is one way to help support that.

Movies, Television, and Media

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2019 Update!

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A Super Long List of Military Themed Movies and TV Shows

Military themed tv shows and miniseries

Military themed movies

What would you add to this list? What are your favorite military themed movies and television shows?

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As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

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What Adam Driver, Former US Marine, Does For the Military

By Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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