Lori's Culinary Creations: The Woodcarver DVD Review and Giveaway

I remember John Ratzenberger from when he was on Cheers years ago. I always loved Cliff Claven and his knowledge of some of the oddest things. He really brought that bar to life. So, I was quite pleased to see him in this movie and he did a remarkable job portraying Ernest Otto, the somewhat reclusive woodcarver with a positive attitude, behavior and faith change the lives of the Stevenson family.

About the Movie:

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

My thoughts:
The movie starts out right away with Matthew's destruction of church property and how his parents try to deal with it. The parents are separated and on the verge of divorce and they do not see eye to eye on anything, which has negatively affected their son. In order to avoid criminal charges, Matthew is put to work repairing the damage he caused to the church. Along the way, he comes to know Ernest Otto, a recently widowed man who carved the woodwork Matthew destroyed. With all the bickering between his parents, Matthew stays with Ernest who begins to witness to Matthew. Together they work to restore the church, and while doing so, build a friendship and a renewed faith in God.

I love a heartwarming movie and this one certainly qualifies to be called heartwarming. The characters are likable and watching the changes that take place in them throughout the movie warms the heart. I loved the way Matthew grows close to Ernest through the movie and I love Ernest's philosophy on life. At one point, Ernest says to ask yourself a question anytime you need to make a decision; WWJD (What would Jesus do?). Such a simple question, yet one we don't often ask when faced with tough decisions. Since watching this DVD, I have incorporated this into my everyday life. I love a movie that solidifies my faith in Jesus and how He affects and influences my everyday life.

Buy it!
You can purchase "The Woodcarver" by going to Christian Cinema and ordering it online.

Win it!
One lucky reader will win their very own copy of "The Woodcarver" DVD. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Giveaway is open from March 13, 2012 to March 27, 2012 at 11:59EST and is open to US entrants 18 years of age or older. Terms and conditions noted on the Rafflecopter form. Please keep in mind that any mandatory entries must be completed before you do any of the extra entries.