Perseverance Archives | VoiceAmerica Press Blog

Movie Review: If I Could Ride * An Uplifting And Engaging Film That’s Perfect For Kids, Teens, Families And Especially Horse Lovers

Posted by

Kids First on April 3, 2023

Categories

Movie Review: If I Could Ride * An Uplifting And Engaging Film That’s Perfect For Kids, Teens, Families And Especially Horse Lovers

A young girl dreams of a life riding horses but can’t because of a disability. When Bridget, the reigning equestrian champion is injured, the two girls come together to learn the importance of following your dreams and never giving up.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “I really enjoyed If I Could Ride’s message. The plot is very fascinating and compelling and is cleverly written. The characters are all teenagers that are going through struggles, physically and mentally.” Kyla C. adds, “If I Could Ride is an uplifting and engaging film that’s perfect for kids, teens, families and especially horse lovers. If I Could Ride emphasizes how anyone can form a life changing bond, even if they come from different backgrounds.” Anna Clara B. wraps it up with, “This is a very emotional story, well made. The storyline is well written and the girls’ personalities are well developed. They won my heart!…The film’s message is to never give up on your dreams; everything is possible; just try.” See their full reviews below.

If I Could Ride By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I really enjoyed If I Could Ride’s message. The plot is very fascinating and compelling and is cleverly written. The characters are all teenagers that are going through struggles, physically and mentally.

The storyline follows a girl with a mobility disability who wishes she could ride horses. Another girl who is an outstanding rider gets hurt and the two girls start a friendship because they are both injured. It asks the question, “Who will step in to cover for the champion rider?”

There is more to this movie than a horse competition – the plot left me on the edge of my seat and the emotions of the girls are very relatable, especially for teenagers. The main characters are Jolie (Alexis Arnold), Bridget (Eva Igo) and Coach Jimmy (Tom Vera). Jodie has a back disability and Bridget is a champion rider, coached by Jimmy. They are all entwined in an intricate storyline that is well-planned and intriguing. The sets and locations stay true to the plot, as the action takes place mostly in the stable or the arena. My favorite part is when Jodie becomes strong enough to ride a horse. The look on her face is heartwarming and it’s rewarding to see her develop the strength and courage to ride. Sometimes, the lighting and the sound are a bit off and the camerawork is shaky at times, all of which are unsettling.

The film’s message is that friends and family are extremely important. They’ll always be there for you throughout hardships and we see that between Bridget and Jolie. It’s also about following your passions, especially when they make you happy. It promotes overcoming challenges and reminds us that we are capable of pursuing our dreams.

I give If I Could Ride 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. If I Could Ride comes out on VOD and DVD April 4, 2023.

If I Could Ride By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

If I Could Ride is an uplifting and engaging film that’s perfect for kids, teens, families and especially horse lovers. If I Could Ride emphasizes how anyone can form a life changing bond, even if they come from different backgrounds.

If I Could Ride follows Bridget Van Heusen (Eva Igo) and Jodie Davis (Alexis Arnold), two girls from completely different worlds. Bridget is a rich, talented horse rider who is constantly pressured and berated to do her absolute best and uphold the Van Heusen legacy. Jodie is a poorer girl with a physical disability that prevents her from doing many things, including walking and riding a horse, her dream in life. Bridget must navigate her family issues and her own internal struggles; while Jodie must keep a positive attitude as she takes small steps towards her dream of riding a horse. An unexpected crossing of paths leads to an unlikely friendship that might last a lifetime.

The actors’ performances in If I Could Ride are what make this film so impactful emotionally. Eva Igo amazingly portrays every emotion that Bridget is feeling. Bridget’s life is very difficult, with doubts of whether her parents love her and constant pressure to do her absolute best every time she competes on horseback. Eva Igo shows her frustration and sadness building up throughout the entire film until it reaches its breaking point. The raw emotion truly makes the film’s message so much more effective. Similarly, Alexis Arnold’s performance as the optimistic, determined and unbelievably sweet Jodie is just as important for If I Could Ride’s theme. Alexis Arnold captures Jodie’s delicate personality in a way that gives the audience someone to root for. Both actresses show their characters’ development emotionally and physically throughout the entire film. Additionally, Tom Vera’s performance as Jimmy is vital for the plot. Tom Vera embraces Jimmy’s backstory and turns him into another treasured protagonist rather than just a backup character. Jimmy could just be Bridget’s trainer and the person who cares for the horses, but he instead connects his own background to his job and Bridget’s story. The landscapes in this film are beautiful — from wide open fields to forests crowded with towering trees to horse stables, every setting is simple yet magnificent.

The theme of If I Could Ride is that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. Jodie must overcome many obstacles if she wants to reach her final goal of riding a horse. If I Could Ride also shows how family life can really affect someone’s personality and feelings, as we see with Bridget and her situation. The film also focuses on forming bonds and taking steps towards good communication with people you love. There are some very sad and slightly scary moments, such as falling off of a horse and some scenes in hospitals.

I give If I Could Ride 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch If I Could Ride on DVD and VOD beginning April 4, 2023.

If I Could Ride By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

If I could Ride is an emotional movie filled with amazing life lessons that I enjoyed.

The storyline follows two girls living in two different worlds – Jodie (Alexis Arnold) who dreams of a life riding horses but can’t because she has a physical disability and Bridgett (Eva Igo), the reigning equestrian champion. When Bridgett is injured, the two girls come together to learn the importance of following your dream and not giving up.

This is a very emotional story, well made. The storyline is well written and the girls’ personalities are well developed. They won my heart! Jodie’s live is difficult and, with the passing of her father, her hard-working mother works even harder. Bridgett lives at a beautiful farm, rides well, and is very competitive. She is unappreciative of what she has and is mean and belittling to everyone. These two girls’ paths cross and the story follows the success of one and the failure of the other. My favorite part is when Jodie’s mother motivates her when she’s sad. I enjoyed the soundtrack for the film, especially the voice of (name the singer here).

The film’s message is to never give up on your dreams; everything is possible; just try.

I give If I could Ride 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on VOD and DVD April 4, 2023.

FIT AND FAITHFUL: GUIDELINES FOR PEACE OF MIND By Hemda Mizrahi and Maria DiGiuseppe

Posted by

Editor on March 18, 2017

Business

FIT AND FAITHFUL: GUIDELINES FOR PEACE OF MIND By Hemda Mizrahi and Maria DiGiuseppe

Fitness coach and personal trainer Maria DiGiuseppe describes her book, âFit and Faithful,â as âa personal testimony of faith with professional fitness and nutrition guidance.â Identifying Christianity as a major influence in her life, she shares scriptures that provide universal direction for good health, regardless of your cultural affiliations.

Maria suggests, âwe need the same principles, commitment and endurance with regard to our physical body as we do to our spiritual body in order to have good health and peace of mind. Living your life honestly and being mindful of how you influence others is one of the greatest contributions you can make.â She further advises:

ENSURE YOUR COMMITMENT TO CHANGE.
âRepentance or metanoia means, âto turn away from.â What modifications do you need to make to create a healthier lifestyle, such as âturning awayâ from overeating, excessive drinking, and a lack of discipline? Make these changes and write them down. Practically speaking, we can replace old habits with new ones. For example, instead of watching TV at night for two hours, take a one-hour walk around the neighborhood. How many days a week can you commit to exercising? Make a pledge to yourself to stick to that plan. Beyond changing habits, commitment is about staying on the healthy lifestyle path! When you are steadfast, even if you lose the weight you want, or are in the best shape of your life, in the face of an upsetting experience or difficult challenge youâll persevere! There is not a quitting option. If youâre going through a stressful event, the progress youâve already made may help you to handle it better.

DEVELOP A MINDSET OF PERSEVERANCE.
âIf your life has taken a turn and you have to define a new sense of ânormal,â thatâs okay. Over time, you may be able to do something that you couldnât do last year. If someone suggests that something you want to do is out of your reach, that youâre too old, or that itâs too late to accomplish your goals, keep in mind: If you can see it and plan it, you can achieve it!

While we live in a world in which so much is permissible, for some even one glass of wine is not a good idea. Addiction doesnât mean that you do it daily or canât live without it. It means that youâre doing something that causes you to suffer adverse consequences and yet you continue to do it. I believe this applies to relationships too. If a relationship only causes pain and stress, itâs probably best to put boundaries in place or get away from it all together. Try not to let the world dictate how you choose to live.

Romans 12:2 guides, âDo not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.â Once you change your patterns and think differently about things, you will start becoming the best version of yourself and live an amazing life! Pray for direction.â

ENGAGE FAITH AS A STANDARD FOR HEALTH & PEACE OF MIND.
Health is also being able to handle stress. Since some things are out of your control, Iâm an advocate of trusting in something bigger than what you can understand. I believed the Bible had all the answers and knew that one day I would get around to reading it, but didnât realize that I shouldnât take time for granted. Define your standard today while you have the opportunity. Delineate what you believe. A strong foundation sets norms for how you live spiritually and with regard to good health. As the standard for Christians, the bible offers hope and answers to lifeâs questions. Matthew 7:7 says, âask and you will receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.â

I think people can get caught in a vicious cycle. When one bad situation occurs after another, you might feel that your life is spiraling out of control. This is why I think itâs so important to have faith. Itâs the umbrella over everything else. Faith according to Hebrews 11:1 is being certain of what you hope for, and confident of what you cannot see. Look for ways no matter how small, to pick yourself up. Suffering without seeking support can lead to disability and depression. Doctors may not have the answers but there may be other resources available to you, such as counseling or family support. Donât give up! Eventually you will see the light that is shining in the dark. Psalm 119:105 states: âyour word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.â

Maria suggests that following the standard of a âhigher powerâ makes for a disciplined life, much like how athletes train to be their best. She offers the guidance of Corinthians 9:24: âDo you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.â

As you construct a foundation through which you can uphold your commitment, a mindset of perseverance, and discipline, Maria urges: âWhen you lack motivation, you can rely on the purpose that God gives you for your life, âfor it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).â

Listen to my conversation with Maria on âTurn the Page” to learn about the four concepts that she sees as essential for physical and spiritual health.