To Save A Life Announced On Blu-Ray

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced To Save a Life for Blu-ray release on August 3 (same date as DVD release). This Christian drama dealing with issues of teenage angst and miscommunication comes from Samuel Goldwyn Films, which had distributed similarly-themed movies such as Fireproof and Facing the Giants.

To Save A Life Impressive Opening Weekend

Below is the press release that was posted on Facebook:

Teen Indie Film, TO SAVE A LIFE, Debuts With Impressive Numbers on Opening Weekend

Teens embrace Samuel Goldwyn Films’ release that encourages and inspires, but now has literally saved lives

Social media has kicked off a movement of 90,000 Facebook fans actively building a community of support

OCEANSIDE, Calif. January 26, 2010 - How can a little indie film with no major actors, no real TV advertising, and little attention from the mainstream press catch the attention of 215,000 teenagers who came out opening weekend?

How can it also have the #1 fan rating today on Fandango.com and Flixter.com?

IndieWire.com says “’Life’ Debuts Strong” and “debuted on an aggressive 441 screens and managed to break the overall top 15. The film - about ‘an all-star athlete must change his life - and sacrifice his dreams to save the lives of others’ - grossed an impressive $1,499,400.” (Final numbers in today give the weekend gross for To Save A Life at $1,513,955)

In comparison, To Save A Life was neck and neck with teen horror flick Daybreakers, however To Save A Life was on less than a third of the number of screens. A similar story occurred with Youth In Revolt, which was on 300 more screens, yet To Save A Life grossed nearly $700,000 more.

The LA Times calls the film an “absorbing redemption story” that “is a deftly acted, generally absorbing cautionary tale with wider allure than its faith-based label may imply.”

The Miami Herald reports, “It features good acting, excellent production values and even a solidly eclectic musical score that ranges from rap to alternative.”

Big Hollywood.com, on the making of the film, states, “To Save a Life is perhaps even more a miracle than the average feature film. Not only did it beat the odds, it did so with its soul still firmly attached.” In contrast to more typical teen fair, such as Youth In Revolt and Daybreakers, it begs to ask the question – are teens looking for more?

“I was thinking as I was approached about this film, why aren’t we creating films that can actually make a positive change in the life of teens, movies that don’t just entertain, but also make an impact in the lives of the viewers?” said Brian Baugh, director of To Save A Life. Exit polls from teens after having seen the film show they want be challenged. And, they feel typical Hollywood films aren’t inspiring them to make their schools a better place.

Not only do box office numbers speak loudly, but the social media sites prove this point. The movie’s official Facebook page jumped over 30,000 users in the last five days – with over 90,000 active users. This number, compared to Youth In Revolt’s 42,000 fans, and the Book of Eli’s 44,000 fans, is compelling. Now, local splinter groups are breaking off, creating To Save A Life groups for their own communities.

Teens are coming together on the Facebook site, talking about their lives, their struggles, and inspiring each other to reach out to the hurting and lonely in their communities.

The proof comes from what teens are saying about the movie themselves:

Nicole- This movie saved my life, last night i attempted suicide but didnt succeed and my confirmation sponsor asked if i wanted to go see it today and as much as i didnt want to i did, and it made me think so much. I have been where jake was on top of everything and no matter what was happening in your life i always had a smile on my face but i have also been in jonny's position too, i used to cut, people just dont no peoples breaking points and i wish people could just be who they want to be without being judged or doubted on your abilities. i was, and now i realize if you trust in the lord and just do the right thing, you will be just fine.

Mark - IN 6th grade i felt alone. i didnt feel like anyone liked me. today, i still feel like some people are just acting nice to me. i dont know what to do. i feel alone a lot, and i dont know what to do. Please help me. The movie was great and got me thinking that other people are just like me. I still feel alone, please help me.

Missy - I cried when I saw the movie, because I want real life to be like that. I never had anyone to turn to when I was depressed, and I still don't. I don't cut myself and I don't try to hurt anymore, I've made a few friends but none of them have seen me hurt. I hide it all in a mask of shame, but I'm going to take off the mask, finally I'm gonna start and I'm gonna help other people, I'm gonna help myself too. No longer will I just be [Missy], I'm going to be known to save a life. Because of this movie. You inspired me.

Travis – I saw the movie yesterday and all i can say is wow it has really touched my life and im not gona sit back and watch anymore im goin out and try to make a difference

Dale - When I was in junior high, I was bullied to the point of suicidal thoughts. God is who stopped me from following through. I had previously just pushed the memories behind me and acted like nothing ever happened, but now I want to do something. I want to make sure no one else feels the way I once did. This movie changed the way I look at life. Save a Life!

Mel - I just got home from watching "To Save A Life" and immediately I came on the computer to Google information. I haven't even taken my jacket off yet. I was so touched by this movie its indescribable; I cried all the way home. I want to make a difference in someone's life. I notice things from the movie that happen around me in school, but it never hit me till now. This movie made me sad, emotional, but most importantly it made me realize that I have the opportunity to help someone. I'm a college student and I cant wait for classes to start Monday cause I already know what I'm going to do. Save a Life

Sara - The To Save A Life Story means a lot to me, because I was the one that needed saving last year. If people could only understand how far one small act of kindness could go, the world would be a better place. I love that this movie is bringing real-life issues that people rarely talk about to light and showing teens how to deal with them. You never know who around you feels he is the outcast - treat others as you would want to be treated. Save a life. This movie is going to change our teenage population for the better.

To Save A Life was created by New Song Pictures and Outreach Films, and is distributed through Samuel Goldwyn Films. After opening on 441 screens this weekend, the film will continue to open in new markets in the coming weeks.

www.ToSaveALifeMovie.com
www.facebook.com/tosavealife

ABOUT TO SAVE A LIFE
An all-star athlete and his girlfriend find their lives spinning out of control when Jake loses a childhood friend. Help comes when he reaches out to others who are hurting, and he realizes some people are just dying to be heard.
The movie asks...
How far would you go?
How much would you risk?
How hard would you fight...TO SAVE A LIFE

To Save A Life Movie - In Theaters Today!

To Save A Life is now in theaters across the United States today. Thanks to being able to attend an advanced screening of the movie, you can search my blog for my review. I encourage anyone with teenagers to take them to see this movie. Definite buy when the DVD is released!

Movie Turns Into a Growing Movement to Reach Hurting Teens

From www.prnewswrire.com

TO SAVE A LIFE, AN INDEPENDENT FILM, STARTS NATION-WIDE GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE YOUTH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
OCEANSIDE, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In impressive local movements across the country, individuals and organizations that work with teens are tirelessly launching grassroots efforts to bring the film TO SAVE A LIFE to their local communities. In many cities, the efforts are led by teens themselves.

Inspired by the film's campaign, these people realize that a film cannot change the world. But the people who see it can change the lives of those around them. In the film, the lead character goes through a series of personal setbacks and a tragedy when a childhood friend ends his own life. Jake Taylor (played by Randy Wayne) begins to ask himself what he could have done to prevent it.

Simply by word of mouth, active street teams and local campaigns, TO SAVE A LIFE has been gaining over 2,000 fans a day on Facebook (now with over 53,000 members) and has received emails from over 5,000 people who have requested to be local "Tower Crew" street team representatives. Original screenings of the film to over 20,000 youth workers, teens, parents, teacher and coaches aided in building interest, as well as a loyal, solid fan base.

Over 200 "Lifeline Squads" have pledged to pre-sell a minimum of 1,000 tickets to the film for opening weekend. 2,500 youth groups across the country have planned to take their students and friends to theaters to view TO SAVE A LIFE.

While the creators hoped the film would be a great tool to inspire viewers to reach out to hurting teens, the massive amount of public support has shown the film has struck a chord with people all across the country – especially teens and those who care about them.

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the film," states Jim Britts, screenwriter of TO SAVE A LIFE. "Hundreds of these groups are banding together to help hurting teens, and truly start a movement of hope. We are encouraged to see the film's powerful message really will help save lives."

In Burleson, TX, a group has organized a "red carpet" opening with cast and crew from the film. Before and after the movie, attendees will be able to attend a free party celebrating the film, and reaching out to teens in the community. To make sure no teens get left out, the group is gathering counselors to attend the event to speak with teens in crisis. Over 500 local volunteers including parents, youth workers, educators and city leaders have committed to helping this event reach as many teens as possible. Five screenings of the film there have already sold out.

In Ohio, a group is raising money to buy out complete showtimes and passing out the tickets to people they think might need to see the film. Then they are going to have a staffed "listening room" set up for anyone who might need to talk about a problem or get help after seeing the film.

A citizen bought 1,000 tickets to a theater in Kansas, so the first 1,000 teens to come to the theater opening night can get in for free. This will be followed up by seven weeks of outreach to hurting teens in the local community.

People across the country are volunteering to sponsor "scholarships" to buy tickets for kids anywhere in the country who cannot afford tickets.


Read the complete atricle here:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/movie-turns-into-a-growing-movement-to-reach-hurting-teens-81766362.html

Movie Review: To Save A Life

High School Kids. Parties. Drinking. Drugs. Sex. Dysfunctional Families. Suicide. This is not your typical Christian movie. And that is actually why this movie hits home with the teenagers of today.

My wife and I, along with our two daughters had the privilege of attending an advanced screening of the To Save A Life movie last night. The movie will be released in theaters on January 22nd. Both my teenage daughter and I had read the book To Save A Life and both wondered if the movie could live up to the book. Let me just say we were not disappointed (outside of the fact the movie did not include lunch at Cosco, those who have read the book understand what we are referring to…and be honest you have been there and done that…) and the movie was very well done and comes highly recommended.

The actors in the movie (many only teenagers) did an excellent job and exceeded our expectations. I have to admit, when I heard To Save A Life was a Christian movie aimed at teenagers, I wondered if they could make a movie that both Christians and non-Christians could related to, enjoy, and get something out of it. The answer is an astounding yes, yes, and yes!

The movie is centered on Jake and Roger, now High School Seniors who when growing up together where best friends. As Jake grows and becomes a star athlete, he meets the popular girl and becomes part of the “in” crowd during his freshman year of High School, and he no longer hangs with Roger and forgets that Roger evens exists. When no one hears Roger’s cry for help, he takes a gun to school and commits suicide.

Roger’s death impacts Jake, and Jake begins to wonder what life is really all about. Jake thought he was living the life – he had a scholarship to the college of his dreams (Louisville), his girlfriend was the girl all the guys wanted, he attended every party and everyone knew who he was. He was Mr. Popularity.

After Jake returns to the basketball court after Roger’s death and sinks the winning basket, a Youth Pastor (Chris) introduces himself to Jake and gives him his card. During a celebration party, Jake gets drunk, he and his girlfriend (Amy) go too far, and after the police breakup the party, Jake finds that Amy has taken his truck, and he has no way home. Remembering he still had the card the Youth Pastor gave him; Jake calls Chris and tells him he needs a ride home. Jake tells Chris, “I’m not really religious” and is surprised to hear the Youth Pastor say “Good, neither am I”. Jake soon finds out that he and Chris both have very individual regrets about Roger, and both are wondering if they could have did more.

After being invited to come to church the next morning, Jake goes and is amazed at what he sees and hears – this was not his picture of church. He then gets invited to the church Souled Out Youth Group, and meets new friends (people he would never hangout with at school) and enjoys seeing four guys up front who have been challenged by Chris to ‘chug’ a can of Coke…through a sock…and the sock is from the feet of the guy next to them…I am sure this will be played out at Youth Groups across the country!

Jake is offered to keep attending and to get to know God. Jake struggles with knowing half the kids in the Souled Out Youth group are “fake Christians”. Jake decides he will keep “checking out” this God stuff, and it will be his decision on if it is worth it or not.

This movie tackles many of the issues facing our teenagers today. Peer pressure, popularity, suicide, “cutting” and the misconception that fame is what it is all about. I am sure there will be some who state they cannot believe a movie made by Christians contains underage drinking, sex (there are no scenes of sex but it is obvious what takes place), suicide, and girls wearing low cut shirts and so on. I give the creators of the movie and book credit for producing a story that is a very accurate picture of the lives our teenagers are living today. This movie portrays a very accurate picture of life as a High School teenager.

Jake’s world is falling apart around him, and he has a choice to make. Roger’s death, family problems, a situation with Amy and the “in” crowd deserting him leaves Jake knowing he cannot do this on his own and he needs God’s help.

I urge you to see this movie and take as many teenagers as you can with you – both those who know God and especially those who do not. This movie is not about teaching the viewers the Bible, the story of Christ, or painting a picture that once someone comes to a relationship with God all our problems go away. This movie is about real life challenges and coming to a relationship with God.

In summary, I rate this movie 5 stars out of 5 stars and believe this movie will be very popular with Christians and non-Christians alike. This movie also made me appreciate the Youth Pastor at our church even more, and I am thankful for everything that he and the team he leads accomplishes on a regular basis.

To find theaters and showtimes please click on the link below:
http://tosavealifemovie.com/

To Save A Life: Update

My daughter has finished the book and also thought it was very good. As expected, I do not have to pay out on my $10.00 challenge with her!

Coming To Theaters Soon: To Save A Life

Synopsis:
Ever since Jake Taylor was a kid, he was the type of guy you couldn't help but like. For Jake, life is good. He has a ton of friends, a basketball scholarship, a hot girlfriend and a really bright future. Not much to get down about, right?

Enter Roger Dawson. He was Jake's childhood best friend before Jake's growing popularity pushed him out. Tired of not fitting in and having a place to belong, Roger walks onto campus and , with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart, makes a tragic move.

Jake is devastated by what Roger has done, and something in him changes. In seeking answers in his own life, one question plagues him the most: Could I have saved him? He finds himself deeply compelled to reach out to kids on the fringe - kids who aren't viewed as cool enough. But this decision, among other things, threatens Jake's world. He may lose his friends, his scholarship and even his reputation by asking, "What do I want my life to be about?"