Category: Spotlight

Movie Review: Resurrection – what happened to the Disciples of Christ?

Candace Paul

Resurrection is a bit different from other Easter movies. The Easter movies we are most familiar with tend to depict Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, then ends shortly after. But Resurrection, produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, shows us what it must have been like for Jesus’ disciples in those three intense days after His death – before rising again.

What did His disciples experience? What did they see? We discover what it must have felt like to be a living witness to the Messiah. What a great honor it must have been to spread the Good News – despite the danger.  They knew Jesus. They walked with Him, learned from Him, witnessed His death, believed in Him, and learned that He rose again.

I had to the opportunity to speak with Roma Downey, Emmy nominated actress, director, producer and New York Times Bestselling author, about career, faith, loss, and Downey’s compelling new film: Resurrection. Watch this candid interview below and definitely watch Resurrection on Discovery+ March 27th!

Netflix Star Brandon Jay McLaren offers Words of Wisdom for Creatives

Candace Paul

When speaking with Brandon Jay McLaren, you can’t help but appreciate his positive attitude, relaxed demeanor, and humility. This monumental moment in his career is the result of 20-years of “insanely” hard work. But McLaren wouldn’t have it any other way.

Right now McLaren is busy filming the remake of “Turner & Hooch” – Tom Hank’s 1989 classic set to air on Disney+, while also working on other projects currently in development. And all this comes after the release of the popular Netflix Series, “Firefly Lane” in early February.

“You have to believe…why couldn’t this happen to me?” McLaren said when asked what advice he’d give to young actors and writers. He describes situations where an actor can come so close to getting a role and still not getting it; or having a great audition and not being selected – simply because someone didn’t like your “vibe”.

via GIPHY

But, don’t lose focus!

For creatives who are pitching ideas or auditioning for roles, it can be hard not to get discouraged – especially understanding the subjectivity of the industry. Nonetheless, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who keep pushing. “Sometimes all it takes is convincing one person with influence to like you” said McLaren. “And that could change your life.

GRACELAND — Season:2 — Pictured: Brandon Jay McLaren as Dale Jakes — (Photo by: James Minchin III/USA Network)

Always remember why you started

Ultimately, when times are hard and nothing seems to be going your way, McLaren says to remember why you started – and that will be your motivator.

For him, the answer has always been simple: There’s nothing else he’d rather do.

Watch the Aknowingspirit exclusive interview below!