Lifted

I have watched this movie several times. After finding this film on Netflix, I loved it so much, I found some copies on Amazon and bought 4 copies to give away. The acting was done beautifully, the singing was awesome, and the reality behind a family's emotional life in the absence of they're beloved service member is so right on point. WOW! That kid can really sing! You will find yourself falling for that kid and rooting for him too. The real love he and his dad share in the film is just amazing! This movie is one of my top three favorites now. What a great tribute to our wonderful troops. There is no greater spirit than the one from our precious American Soldier. This movie provides a glimpse of that...and the end? One of the GREATEST endings ever and completely unpredictable.

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.

Writer slash director Lexi Alexander keeps making her resume more and more diverse, and this entry certainly will not hurt.

The most spectacular achievement here is that she achieves something even the best directors in Hollywood would kill for -- she takes the viewer completely by surprise at the 3/4 point in the film, with a twist only psychics and mediums could have seen coming.

No small feat, that.

The film has flaws here and there but overall it engages almost from the first scene and hold your attention. Again, no small feat, that.

Regional singer Todd Simpson is cast as a competing singer in the story and adds sparkle, virtually stealing all his scenes.

Recommended.

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.**

"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.