Lifted

"Lifted" is a movie I knew nothing about. Now, I would love the whole world to know about it. It is an unashamed tear-jerker - a story that moves warmly along as it covers a variety of items - there are bullies, there is drug addiction and a few other negatives. On the positive side there is family love. The boy and his parents exude pure love.

And, there is talent. Lots of boys and girls roaming the silver screen, but none can hold a candle to the star of this movie. Mom, dad, the preacher, Mr. S and the unbilled Trace Adkins are all magnificent. One great scene is the one with Trace and the boy's grandfather.

All are great scenes in a movie with a gf - for great family - rating. Sure, it is a low budget job, but for heart and entertainment it cannot be equaled or beaten.

One more note. It is also a tribute to our servicemen and women, particularly the Marines. I'm ex-Army, but while the marines are the focus, you will see a beautiful tribute, especially to those who have lost their lives in 'our' behalf.

Heartfelt, entertaining and very sweet. Starts out a little slow, but quickly catches your attention. Rather than keeping you on the edge of your seat with anticipation, Lifted takes a closer look at the passion behind the music, and, more importantly, gives a glimpse into the life of a soldier's family. There was no profanity, no scanty clothes, and no innuendos, which is probably why it hasn't gotten much attention. This is safe to watch with any audience. The purpose of Lifted might have been to show viewers something of what soldiers sacrifice every day, and they did it beautifully. The song "Letters from Home" came to mind several times. Definitely worth watching. Do come prepared with Kleenex.

This is a movie that has one of the most compelling stories i've ever seen. It deals with so many topics and issues and yet its not too broad either. I was amazed at the entertaining story, great soundtrack, good acting, and overall quality of the film. The story is really where this film hits home though. Covering an array of different topics and issues while not being one bit too broad or preachy this movie is a film worth watching. Though not everything is "perfect" this movies quality and heartfelt story makes it almost impossible not to pass up anything that would give it a low rating. Watch it you'll be amazed.

**id also like to note how happy I was that this good of a movie was so "clean" of "questionable content.**

I had never heard of this movie, so didn't know what to expect. I love music and am a military Mom, so with both themes involved in the movie, it was particularly close to my heart. This movie proves to me that it doesn't take big name stars to make a quality, well acted movie. The storyline particularly highlights the plights of military families and how their lives are affected when their loved ones are deployed. People who do not have family in the military may come away from the movie with a better understanding of what military families experience. There are multiple themes within the story, including drug usage, abuse, spirituality, family cohesiveness, etc. I do not think it would be appropriate for younger children,as although the talent of the young star in the movie is inspiring,the seriousness of particular elements may be better served by more mature audiences. In summary, I highly recommend this movie. It is well worth your time, will touch you, will make you want to hug your loved ones afterwards. It really will make you feel lifted and that is how I personally want to feel after watching movies.

Henry is a middle school student who enjoys singing while his mechanic father William raps. His mother Lisa has been sober for more than a year and rides her bicycle to meetings.

For some reason Henry is harassed by bullies at school. One day he is running from the other boys and sees a church as a place where he can escape. Pastor Johnson lets him stay in the church and runs the other boys out, and he listens to Henry sing. Henry is quite talented, and most of his songs have a Christian message.

William gets a letter calling him back into service. Even though he served in Iraq, he is a reservist who can be called back, and this time he will serve in Afghanistan. Lisa isn't sure she can cope, but she is willing to try.

The problems for this family include the fact that the army doesn't pay as much as a civilian job. Lisa and Henry must move in with her abusive, racist father, who despite living in Honey Boo Boo's neighborhood seems to think "ghetto" is a bad thing. Henry's grandfather gets very angry if the boy listens to or performs that garbage. Also, the man next door wants to not only hit on Lisa but give her a "hit", if you know what I mean. She tries to resist, and she tries looking for a job, but life is hard.

There may be a way out. Henry learns of an "American Idol" type competition for Alabama teenagers.

Can Henry make it to the competition? Will he win? He certainly has the talent. The judges include country superstar Jimmy Knox, a redneck named Bubba (at least I think that was his name) and an uppity white woman. And Henry's musical taste isn't exactly what one would expect from a white boy from Alabama.

I won't give away the ending, but this movie honors those who serve our country in a very moving way.

The leading actors all do a good job here. Dash Mihok is a loving father who serves his country honorably. Nicki Aycox delivers an effective mix of vulnerability and drive. Uriah Shelton shows a lot of determination in the face of obstacles, and of course he can sing. Ruben Studdard does a fine job as a true man of God. I don't know the name of Henry's grandfather, but he is genuinely hateful and has no redeeming qualities. Still, that means a good performance.

This is a movie about music, but I will say the only music I enjoyed came from the 40-year-old pickup of Henry's grandfather. I agree with him about good music. Still, the singers and rappers in this movie do a good job even if their style is not my taste. We are not subjected to the really awful performers because the audio continues to come from Kymrence Young as the judges give bad news to pretty much everyone else.

I heard one bad word bleeped, and a racist term that could be heard on "All in the Family". And then there's the way Henry gets treated by his grandfather. There is another violent incident which the audience should enjoy. Let's not forget people who use. There are family values here, but it's not all good clean entertainment.

It's a worthwhile effort.