An inspirational family film about a preacher, Debbie Laramie (Crystal Bernard) and her son Hayden (Bobby Edner). They are sent from a big city church to the small town of Paradise, where Debbie finds a community in desper... more »ate need of direction and a town that turns its back on its neediest neighbors. She tries to build a new vision for her congregation that embraces everyone, even the poor and outcast, but is the deep rooted veil of indifference too hard to lift?« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 5/4/2019...
What a great family movie! This was so inspirational, I loved it. I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to see a well acted, no violence, no sex, so vulgar language movie.
"I enjoy a good Warm, sensitive family films. However when a film pulls too much on the heartstrings, the feeling is sourness. That is how I feel about Welcome to Paradise
Reverand Debbie Laramie (Crystal Bernard) and her son, Hayden (Bobby Edner), are forced to move to Paradise, Texas due to the unorthodox methods Debbie uses in her sermons.
Then her crisises begin. Her son become distant to her, She also find out her has a reading problem She also meet a lot of resistance from Paradise church-goers who don't believe in female ministers. She opens her friendship to the homeless, which angers her church-goers. Then her church burns down due to one of the homeless people.
Minster Debbie and the small flock ally together to rebuild another church in one or the district bishop decides to not let the charter stand.
Lets say this Bernard and actors Connie ray, Brian Dennehy and William Shockley (who also co-wrote this script) steal this film. Director and co-writer Brent Huff directs this film simple and without too many arty directive angles. The small film is got a heart the size of texas, it is that script that brings this film down
I admit this film tries to inspire. Its message is never give up. However The writers throw too much into the swirling mess of this picture to give the audience a chance to enjoy this
This film ends happy, like a good family film does. I rate it three stars because it is not great filmmaking, but it aint from the dung heap either. It is better than a lot of choices out there for a family to watch
Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD"
Wonderful movie & great music for gospel, country, R&B fans
L. Joubert | Seattle, WA | 10/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I watched this movie twice. Once by myself and once with my boyfriend who prefers action. He liked it too and was glad I found it. The storyline is meaningful for anyone going through life changes. The chararacters are very unique and interesting. I found the movie and the music more entertaining than I expected. My boyfriend and I both cried during some of the stories told as testimonials. Very moving and lighthearted about what a communinty is capable of overcoming when they pull together. Brian Dennehy and Crystal Benard had some great lines that made you laugh. I could watch it again to remind myself of simple "acts of kindness.""
Welcome to Paradise
R. Norris | Orlando, Florida | 10/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What an amazingly inspiring movie. Who knew they still made good movies with hope and meaning?! It was refreshing to see a movie like this. I wasn't sure what I was renting at the time, but after I watched it... I fell in love with the characters and the story. And I could not believe the male love interest of Crystal was the same hunk "Hank" from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Wow.. has he changed and he looks HOT!!! Girls.... if you loved him on the show... check him out now."
Refreshing, wholesome movie instead of the usual trash.
Pain_Banishment_Author | 05/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My husband and I watched this movie together, twice. What a pleasure to find a wholesome film instead of the usual trash with foul language, people hopping into bed after the first kiss on the first date and then moving in together the next week. Our culture has degenerated so badly that a movie this clean is a rare find. I loved the quirky characters, the heart-felt optimism, the Christianity at the core of the story, and the honesty about man's ego in conflict with God's total acceptance of human kind with all our frailties. It was refreshing to see characters unblemished by the big-city degradation brought about from illegal drugs and gang violence. When I watch a movie, I don't want to deal with the gritty realities of the sordid life. Instead, I want to be inspired. To me, the greatest hope in this movie was that such places as Paradise might still exist in this country. I really loved this movie.
Reviewed by the author of:
Pain Banishment, Not Pain Management: A Non-Invasive Treatment for RSD, CRPS, Peripheral Neuropathy, Migraines, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Other Chronic Pain ~ EVEN WHEN NOTHING ELSE WORKS ~"