Welcome to Paradise

It was great to see a movie that works through difficult life issues Raising a teenager as a single parent, getting fired from your job, going into a settled community and bucking the trends are things we all have to face. The scenes cut back and forth frequently to cover several of the characters and to weave the story line into a flow that was quick enough to get to the points across that were being made. Crystal Barnard did a terrific job and really got into the role effectively. Even though the story was not about Crystal and Shockely you can easily see where it could lead this way and that felt good to me. This was a nice touch.

The use of a female minister in this type of role was well done and should be well received. She is the "new breed" and breathes new life into a community that was in a rut---like so many of ours are today. Her message appealed and should be embraced by all levels of audience. The good in people comes from the grass roots and this movie was able to bring this out effectively.

I saw the movie twice and was not disappointed either time. Crystal faces several very challenging issues and through her positive outlook and faith she was able to connect with a community to bring them to a higher and better place. This was done without getting too corny---the director was very good about keeping the tone "modern" but kept the message on track. Good job all around.

Not an attack on churches in small towns or big cities - but a wake up call to what "church" is really about. Not the building or the bank account, but the "body" rooted in love and forgiveness.

Good character and plot development in the storyline. Tugs at your heart and opens your eyes.

Obviously edited for television with fade-to-black every so often (reserved for commercial breaks). Clean, only one or two incidences of mild language, no sex, no violence other than a brief instance of teenage bullying. Good family film for preteens and older. Musical score is inspirational but subtle and not overpowering. Good casting.

Writer and director Brent Huff hit a home run with his movie "Welcome To Paradise."

Starring Crystal Bernard, Brian Dennehy, Beth Grant, William Shockley and Bobby Edner, this family movie will have viewers crying and laughing as well as leaving the theater feeling good. I enjoy leaving a movie theater inspired and focused on the good in mankind.

Don't miss the chance to take your children to this show.

"Welcome To Paradise" would make an excellent Hallmark TV movie. I highly recommend it to everyone, kids and adults.

Bryce Yarborough

A female minister from Dallas (Crystal Bernard) is "exiled" to a town a few hours south of the city to pastor a rural assembly. Will she be accepted? Will she be successful? Will her reluctant son adapt to life in "Hickville"?

"Welcome to Paradise" (2007) is a drama involving Christians in a small Texas community, centering around the believers of a local fellowship, their new pastor, and her son adjusting to a new home and school. It only cost $500,000 so you have to have mercy. It understandably has the typical issues of low-budget productions, like questionable acting by some of the no-name peripherals and dubious geography that doesn't resemble northeast Texas (but rather SoCal).

Yet the flick has heart and that's the most important thing. I like how this isn't just a tale concerning the challenges of a female pastor, but also a coming-of-age story of her son, as well as a tale of redemption for believers in general who've fallen into one pit or another, whether legalism, charlatanism, homelessness or what have you.

Then there's the interesting commentary on the practical realities of ministry: It costs money to have a church facility and pay the perpetual bills, which means the ministry depends on generous people who have money in order to exist. If those givers are offended and leave, how will the bills get paid? You'll have to set-up shop in a barn or whatever.

The proceedings perk up whenever inimitable Brian Dennehy is present. Meanwhile William Shockley is effective as the amiable coach, who befriends the teen. At the end of the day, The flick's honest, warmhearted and even amusing, despite it's obvious shortcomings.

The movie runs 1 hour, 50 minutes, and was shot in the Los Angeles area, including Santa Clarita, which is 30 miles north of the city (for the new church and country club scenes), and Torrance, which is just south of the city (the high school scenes). I heard the conventional church was located in Los Angeles.

GRADE: B-

As a mother of a 13 year old child, I find that there is a serious lack of family oriented films available to us. For years, we've been reduced to watching animated films, films with talking animals, and now that my daughter is older, we find formula films about teenagers that our children can't relate to, nor do we want them to relate to. "Welcome to Paradise" fills that void. Last night after the screening, my daughter talked for hours about the plight of 'Frances and Trevor' (two homeless characters from the film). She was very moved by their situation, and was touched in a very good way by the movie.

Brent Huff is a fabulous director whose family - "feel good" - faith based message is wonderfully presented - and long over-due.

I sincerely hope that Out of Pocket films continues in this genre as the need for quality family films with a real message is very real. See this film. Demand more of this kind!