Solo Mio- The Fun in Getting There

Even before you see the film Solo Mio, you know the ending. Maybe. Well, perhaps not all of it as it holds a pretty big surprise, but there's a great deal of fun in the journey. Including one more unexpected twist that left me surprised and delighted. Kevin James pulls off the jilted lover Matt so well that your heart aches for him and roots for him. Even more so than in his performance as Albert in Hitch. 

Matt's journey of self-discovery leads to an encounter with a local coffee shop owner in Rome, a charming and feisty- but in a lovely way- Gia, played by a great Nicole Grimaudo. Going in, I was asking myself if The Chosen's Jonathan Roumie could play anyone other than Jesus. (Weren't many of us if we're honest?) The answer is "Yes", and his character is so against type that you forget him in his much more famous role. 

Need a date night but have some young teens with you? No worries. There's little to fret over and no need to make them close their eyes at any point. Solo Mio is family friendly without losing its edge. Go see this movie while it is in theaters if nothing else to capture the beautiful Italian landscapes on the big screen. But if you wait, just make sure you see it. There's not a misstep to be found from beginning to end!  

Why I Was Wrong to Ignore The Chosen

The global phenomenon known as The Chosen should have been a must see television event for this Christian man, but I've avoided it. Why? I saw one maybe two episodes when it first came out. It was definitely well produced, but I really didn't want a series that added to the truths in the Bible. I wanted to keep the facts straight from what was conjecture and not confuse story elements with truth. But then, unexpectedly, something changed. We restarted the show, and it was episode three of season one that caught me. "Jesus Loves the Little Children". Actor Jonathan Roumie's tender portrayal of the Messiah, the Savior of the World, as he interacted with a group of kids grabbed my heart. 

I got a bit choked up inside. Then Jesus' words from him that I know so well rung in my head:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” These words of his recorded in Matthew 11 verses 28-30 seemed fresh and new once more. And they were once again very personal. I hope they are personal for you as well.

As I went to turn on the television and watch another episode, a series called Jonathan and Jesus popped up. It's a four episode look that takes viewers behind the scenes. But not of the show per se. It's an in-depth look at what actor Jonathan Roumie has gone through as he wrestles playing the Son of God. It's as riveting as the series which birthed the behind the scenes look. Really challenging and inspiring at the same time.

So now, I've changed my mind and am watching The Chosen. (If I had to pick one episode so far to watch, it would be episode 7 of season one. Jesus encounters different people and asks them to follow him. It's powerful and very heart wrenching to say the least.) 

So, I'm now a fan of The Chosen. I'm still paying attention to what is said and if it's Biblically accurate. But I'm asking God to touch my heart and keep me tender toward Him as I watch. Needless to say, God has grabbed my attention in a fresh way. And I couldn't be happier about it.