As the inspirational Bethany Hamilton biopic, Soul Surfer, arrives in theaters nationwide, read what mainstream critics have to say about the movie.

“Soul Surfer” “contains enough platitudes to stock a Hallmark shop.”

The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/soul-surfer,1177152/critic-review.html?hpid=z11

“Soul Surfer” “makes very few waves.”

USA Today

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2011-04-08-soulsurfer08_ST_N.htm

From the production values to the “savvy delivery of its Christian message, 'Soul Surfer' (is) a champ.”

The Oklahoman

http://newsok.com/soul-surfer-rides-wave-of-religious-true-story/article/3556286

“Soul Surfer” “manages to avoid the preachiness found in many Christian films.”

The Gazette

http://www.gazette.com/entertainment/faithful-115876-surfer-film.html

An inspiring true-life story “gets a less-than-inspired film dramatization.”

The Hollywood Reporter

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/soul-surfer-film-review-171674

 While “formulaic in design, 'Soul Surfer' is an authentic and heartfelt movie.”

Entertainment Weekly

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20479680,00.html

“Soul Surfer” is “the best faith-based film ever made... uplifting, entertaining and wonderfully-acted.”

The Orlando Sentinel

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2011/04/movie-review-soul-surfer.html

“'Soul Surfer' can't help patting itself on the back at key moments, undermining its own impact. “

The Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marshall-fine/huffpost-review-isoul-sur_b_846521.html

“Soul Surfer” is a kind-hearted coming-of-age drama with killer waves. “

Variety

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117944896?refcatid=31

GRAMMY nominee and American Idol finalist Mandisa sees her third album’s release April 5, while celebrating—publicly—her personal success of shedding 100 pounds.

First single, “Stronger,” from What If We Were Real (Sparrow Records/EMI CMG Distribution) was inspired by the belief that surviving hardship makes a person more resilient—something Mandisa knows about from her struggle with weight loss.

"I can't think of a better time to have finally lost 100 pounds," Mandisa said. "How appropriate that on the day my single 'Stronger' is released, proclaiming that God is able to take us through the difficult times and bring us out stronger, He gives me a physical manifestation of that truth."

The extraordinary musicians of The Annie Moses Band visited the offices of Christian Retailing this month, performing four songs with their unique blend of fiddle, jazz and classical influences along with folk-inspired vocals.

Their theme song, 1988's "Make His Praise Glorious," first recorded by Sandi Patty, launched the songwriting career of Bill Wolaver (composer/arranger/pianist) and his wife, Robin (vocalist/lyricist/composer/ speaker). Their children joined them in what became a family band: Annie (lead vocals, violin), Alex (lead vocals, viola), Benjamin (cello), Camille (harp, keyboard, vocals), Gretchen (violin, mandolin, guitar, vocals) and Jeremiah (guitar). The older siblings trained at the Juilliard School, and all have studied with renowned instructors.

Learn more about Go Fish's VBS initiative and the group’s latest musical release by listening in on their interview with Christian Retailing Editor Andy Butcher.

{mp3}Go Fish{/mp3}

The Southern Gospel Music Guild (SGMG) recognized industry leaders Lou Wills Hildreth (photo left) and Judy Spencer Nelon (photo right) with the Lifetime Achievement Honor at a Sept. 14 reception held during the 2010 National Quartet Convention (NQC) in Louisville, Ky.

Opening with a welcome from NQC Executive Vice President Clarke Beasley, the afternoon celebration featured The Nelons singing "The Lord's Prayer," and host Jerry Goff introducing the presenters.

SGMG Vice President Beckie Simmons Bates, as well as Jimmy Blackwood, Fay Shed and Larry Gatlin--via phone call--contributed to Hildreth's presentation. Kelly Nelon Clark headed the list of presenters for Nelon, followed by Sue Dodge, Lisa Abraham and Eddie DeGarmo. Aaron Crisler presented red roses to both recipients.

Christian music fans converged on Orlando at two major events this past weekend, Night of Joy and Rock the Universe.

At Universal Studios, the Rock the Universe event headlined Skillet, Newsboys, Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp, Relient K (pictured left; Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort), TobyMac and more.

At Disney, with the performance of Family Force 5 canceled due to a brief thunderstorm, Night of Joy, held at the Magic Kingdom park, saw such acts as Third Day, MercyMe and Smokie Norful take the stage.

Frontman Mac Powell of Third Day (pictured right) was especially pleased with the patience and enthusiasm of the crowd despite the rain delay. At times playing through raindrops, the band finished its set and came back for more--concluding with the hit song "Revelation," giving a gospel message and commemorating the anniversary of 9/11.

Here is the line-up for the eight-track Haiti benefit CD created for Christian Store Day, Oct. 23. Proceeds from the $5 collection will go to support efforts by Compassion International, Samaritan's Purse and World Vision.

Newsboys - "Build Us Back "
Tobymac - "All In"
Sanctus Real - "Face of Love"
Jeremy Camp - "Take a Little Time"
Francesca Battistelli - "Free To Be Me"
Sidewalk Prophets - "You Love Me Anyway"
BarlowGirl - "Stay With Me"
Group 1 Crew - "No Plan B (Remix)"

Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday is set to release Oct. 12 from Inpop Records. The five-track set will feature classics "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bell Rock," "All I Want for Christmas is You," "O Holy Night" and "The Christmas Song." It will be available in physical ($5) and digital ($4.99) formats.

Tait covered the last song on the collection as a hidden track on 2003's Lose Your Life, one of two albums he released with Tait, the band he formed after DC Talk went on hiatus.

The new CD was produced by Dustin Burnett, Michael Tait and Juan Otero of The Write Bros, half of the production team of Newsboys' recent Born Again.

To help promote Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday, the band will join Newsong on the "Very Merry Christmas Tour 2010." The 20-plus city tour kicks off in Whiteville, N.C., Nov. 27, concluding in Albany, Ga., Dec. 20.

Although it is not due in theaters until some time next year, the next movie from the Fireproof and Facing the Giants team will be highlighted on primetime television, Aug. 10. Cameras followed Jim Bob Duggar and members of his ever-growing family, featured in the TLC reality show, 19 Kids and Counting, when they visited the set of Courageous, recently.

The Duggars were on the set the day the crew filmed a 5K race scene for the movie, with some of them drafted as running extras. The TLC episode features the Duggars' visit to the set in Albany, Ga.

(answers by Reuben Morgan unless otherwise noted)

A Beautiful Exchange (Sparrow Records/EMI CMG Distribution) is your 19th recording and you've sold 11 million albums worldwide. To what do you attribute your success?

"For us, the songs and the albums were never about success. They are a part of our local church, Hillsong Church, finding its own way to express what God is doing amongst us and within us. The albums are secondary to our congregation worshipping, and even today, our worship music continues to be about leading people toward Jesus--locally and then globally.

"We have an amazing group of people who write songs from the life of our church, we have dedicated musicians and singers who turn up each week to bring praise and worship for the services. The albums are a reflection of what is happening within the day-in, day-out life of church. If they are successful, then maybe it's because we are helping people to find the words and songs that somehow echo their own desires to bring honor to our God.

The theme of Addison Road's new album, Stories, which releases June 22, is perseverance and trusting God. These truths were put to the test in the band members' lives as they endured numerous thefts to their personal possessions, losing everything after their tour RV exploded and many other struggles, during the last year and a half while preparing the album. Listen as lead singer Jenny Simmons talks about their challenges and the inspiration behind Stories.

{mp3}JennySimmonsFinal{/mp3}

Listen to the single "Fight Another Day" from Addison Road's album Stories.

{youtubejw}HsM2eFJO8J0{/youtubejw}

Civil rights leader and Voice of Calvary Ministries founder John M. Perkins marks his 80th birthday June 16, 2010. Switchfoot helps him celebrate with a video of "The Sound (John M. Perkins' Blues)" from the Hello Hurricane album.

Click here to watch the music video in which Perkins makes an appearance.

Read frontman Jon Foreman's tribute to Perkins here.

Last year, Knapp reappeared, releasing a statement on her Web site that she was indeed returning to making music and offered a preview song.