Movie Review: Just Say Goodbye

Disclaimer: This Indie Film “Just Say Goodbye” was sent to me to view by the writer/producer Layla O’Shea. All comments about the film are 100% my own.

Have you ever had someone to tell you a secret and asked you to promise them that you wouldn’t tell anyone? What if the secret they wanted you to keep was detrimental to their life…? Would you still keep it a secret?

Just Say Goodbye Film is about two teenage best friends Sarah Morin (Katerina Eichenberger) and Jesse Peterson (Max MacKenzie) who have been friends since the age of 6. After the death of his mother, Jesse finds himself growing up feeling a little detached from society, his father is an alcoholic and abuser who wish Jesse would disappear, as looking at him daily reminds him of his mom, who committed suicide.

Jesse begins to wonder, why should he live anyway. No one cares or wants him, but someone does care and that’s Sarah, who fights Jesse’s battles at school as he endures taunts, unwanted fights and bullying from the kids at school, especially one kid by the name of Chase Gibbons (Jesse Walters).

With the constant bullying of Chase, a deceased mom and a dad who could care less about his welfare or wellbeing. Jesse decides the ultimate goal of getting rid of all the pain in his life would be to take his own. A secret he’s kept forever is now a secret shared with his best friend Sarah, who’s struggling to keep Jesse’s secret truly a secret between her or getting someone else involved in order to save her friendship.

What would you do, if Jesse was your Best Friend?

This movie was partly inspired by a true event in writer/producer Layla O’Shea‘s life who had a high school friend to confide in her about his attempted plan to commit suicide during an April vacation which at the time was only a week away!! Layla, who thought it was a joke quickly realized her friend was serious. Not knowing what to do, Layla broke her friend’s trust and got his parents involved in their “secret” conversation.

Secrets can kill. Let’s not keep bullying and depression a secret, speak out now! speaking up can very well save a life.

While her friend was disgusted with her that she betrayed his trust in her, days later after much thought, he embraced her, not saying a word but the hug he gave said it all.

This movie is very powerful and challenges us to think about what’s a good secret to keep and what’s a mind-blowing secret we should tell. With bullying on the rise, we have more teens as well as adults killing themselves daily to get rid of the pain and chokehold of society, but what’s really painful, is the secrets friends, family, co-workers, teachers and etc. may know and don’t SPEAK UP and SPEAK OUT about it.

Long live the days of “What happens in this house, stays in this house” – those are words I heard constantly growing up, from my family as well as my friend’s family around me but what our parents and neighbors fail to realize is what’s not said, can ultimately be a friend or family members demise.

This is a movie of Love, Friendship, Secrets, forgiveness & redemption You’ll have to see it for yourself to see what happens in the end. Did Sarah reveal Jesse’s secret?

Do me a HUGE Favor!! Please share this post and follow Layla O’Shea and find out more about the movie and the cast on the social media outlets below:

Check It Out! >> Just Say Goodbye is now streaming on Amazon Prime! http://amzn.to/2VZTpuk 

Just Say Goodbye is the winner of the Indie Spirit Best Director (Matt Walting) at the Boston International Film Festival. Matt was 18 when he directed this movie, making him the youngest in history to win the award. This movie was also nominated as the Stanley Kubrick Best U.S. Feature Film at the Blow-Up International Arthouse Film Festival in Chicago

Related Reads:

Bully, Bully, Bully October Month of Prevention

How to Stay Positive in A Negative Environment

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Have You Seen Them on YTUBE?? – The Holiday CHILLLLLL Mode Is ON!!

The photo above courtesy of Pexels

This week will be a fun post of my favorite YTUBERS in which I feel as though everyone should follow and with the holidays around the corner as we feast on turkey, dressing (I’m from the south, so that’s what we call it =) and giblet gravy…once we spend that quality fun with family and friends, laughing – talking and of course going back for those delicious seconds, We’re on our phones directly right after!!

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Whether you’re catching up with the family who couldn’t make it down to the coveted family feast or watching Netflix and chilling or YTUBING to some of us our phones are like our second family, or first in most cases. So, as you settle into the couch to take a load off those feet and let your tummy digest all that good home cooking you’re going to stuff  it with, I thought it’d be nice to check out a couple of my fav YTUBERS and who knows, you may even like them so much to follow them too.

And No, I didn’t forget about my NETFLIX family – Listed below, I’ll have a couple of movies I watched or will be watching over the holiday break that was/are really, really good and speaking of chillaxing (does anyone say that anymore…lol)

I’ll also have some of the most popular posts of the year below as well. These posts received the most likes/views this year so just in case you missed it – you can catch them below and get your read on as well during this “joyful” season.

Oh and just in case you missed the post on last week “Dysfunctional Family & the Holiday Blues” this will be my very last post of the year. I’ll be taking a break from blogging and social media during this time and using that space and time to relax, renew, refresh and hopefully come up with some new and fresh topics for next year.

MY FAV YTUBERS

Roll with Cole & Charisma

I absolutely love this couple; they’re so sweet and fun to watch. Cole is a quadriplegic that became paralyzed when he fell on a rock during a diving accident with his friends. It’s been a long road for Cole but he’s strong and has an equally strong woman by his side named Charisma who aids in loving as well as helping him. Together, the couple goes on amazing adventures to show that love really does conquer all. I love them and you will too – check them out!

KevOnStage

To say Kev is funny would be an understatement, this guy is HILARIOUS!!! Kev is a Christian comedian who takes videos and talks and/or re-enacts what’s going on in the video. Kev focuses on positivity, enlightenment, and encouragement. I promise you’ll love him and crack up in the process.

Jordan Matter

Jordan is a phenomenal photographer who takes snapshots in weird yet crazy photos in the middle of nowhere “sometimes” and while his places of choice may seem a little risqué the photos he produces from it are a sight to SEE, literally. Follow Jordan as he gets with celebrities and locals to take they are *phenomenal* only Jordan can do it, snapshots.

WillieMooreJr 

This guy right here – words can’t describe. Willie Moore Jr. is an actor, comedian, producer, speaker, radio show host and a Christian R&B artist and minister. Willie Moore Jr and his wife Patricia are a blended family who co-wrote the book “Happily After All” – How to keep your relationship going when you are tired of trying. He’s also famous for saying “Flatout” or “I’ma keep it 100” – I love his short-clipped inspirational video’s on life, love and just random thoughts that make you think. Go check him out – I promise you’ll be glad you did.

I also follow alotttttttttttt of natural hair videos as well…such as

  • Halfrican Beauty
  • OnlyoneJess
  • MsNaturallyMary
  • Chizi Duru
  • Nia Hope
  • The Chic Natural
  • Jane Nashe

So, if you’re a natural like me and need some good hair tips, tricks and/or styles – these ladies will serve you up a good dose.

MOVIES TO WATCH ON NETFLIX

I’m a HUGE, NO – I mean GIGANTIC! movie buff so I love movies especially suspense thrillers. While I talk about my bestie the “Redbox” all the time sometimes I don’t always feel like going out getting a movie and that’s where Netflix comes in at. The movies listed below are all movies that I’ve seen and felt as though you’d like them too.

Look them up on Netflix over the holiday break – I promise you’ll like them ALL!

  • Christian Mingle
  • When We First Met (too funny)
  • The Man in 3B 
  • Amateur
  • Roxanne, Roxanne
  • Irreplaceable You (grab your tissues for this one!)
  • Fifty – a movie based in Lagos, Nigeria (really good!)
  • Sister Code
  • Gerald’s Game

POPULAR POSTS FROM 2018!

Anddddd now lasts but not least – listed below are the posts that received the most likes/views this year. So, if you missed out on one – two – three or ALL. You can catch up below.

My Short Stories (Original Works – By Roshonda N. Blackmon)

Popular “EnSpired” Posts

EnSpired: Guest Blogger Series – Amy Temple 

Sunday’s Thought Posts 

And here’s a couple of oldies but goodies from the holidays last year (2017)

For more post including posts on dating and so forth, look under the popular posts tab – located in the category section above.

Well and there you have it, folks, hope you’ll check out anything from the list above, while you spend time with family and friends. The family is very important and while our relationship with them can be a challenge at times – family is needed and is very special. Love, Hug, Kiss and reach out to family and friends this holiday season.

I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday season and new year. Whatever you didn’t do or get a chance to do this year in 2018, make sure you put it on your list for 2019. Maybe this year wasn’t a great year for you for whatever reason, just remember this – SEASON’S CHANGE! and/or this or that “too” will pass.

I pray your 2019 is prosperous, blessed and full of good days ahead!

Enjoy & Have a Great holiday.  

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Until Next Year!animation (5)Announcement (Shameless Plug OVER HERE! =)

Okay, so I couldn’t just leaveeeeee and NOT say something about my faith-based book that came out this year “Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary” – while you’re out shopping for your nieces, nephews, cousins, kids and etc. Maybe you’ll want to order a copy of this “lovely” book (hehehe) for them or yourself!

The message in it is very powerful and will resonate with a child as well as an adult. Because bullies have secrets and need to be loved too – just as the story below will show. This was sent to me by a good friend of mine with the caption “This story just confirms why this book is so needed…sometimes we just need to figure out the “WHY” behind bullying.” – check out what this father did below when his son told him about being bullied at school. The message and the impact made on “one” life is INCREDIBLE!! 

Don’t forget to order your copy of “Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary over the holiday! You can order from one of the major book outlets below:

Books-A-Million

Barnes and Nobles 

Amazon

*Hey, if you have a suggestion of what you would like to see me do more or talk about more on this page, please let me know. If you’d like me to do vlogs or whatever – maybe there are topics (anything but politics) I didn’t discuss that you’d want me to discuss – let me know!!*

OKAY – ROSHONDA’S OUT!!! and in my Pam’s (Tichina Arnold) voice from the show Martin  – PEACCCEEEEEEEE!!!!!

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Anyone Up for a Book Club? (Movie Review)

the photo above from Bing/courtesy of movie “Book Club”

‘Book Club’ is the latest movie I saw over the weekend that really surprised me. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about looking at the movie as in the trailer, it looked as if these “seasoned” women were trying to get their groove back by reading “Fifty Shades of Grey” in which we all know (that is if you’ve seen it) is filled with whips, chains, and very exploratory sex scenes. Honestly, I couldn’t enjoy either the first nor the second without turning my head or cringing in my seat, needless to say – Fifty Shades Freed which is part 3 of the series did not make my movie watch list.

So, I honestly was turned off by the movie because if that, but who can pass up a movie with Diane Keaton, who happens to be one of my favorite actresses ever since I seen her in ‘First Wives Club.’ with also starred the incomparable Bette Midler and funny lady Goldie Hawn (both of which I love as well.  Jane Fonda is also a favorite – in which she killed it ‘Monster-in-Law’ – Which happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time. And let’s not forget Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown, Home Again) and Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers, The Last Man on Earth)

'Book Club' film premiere, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 06 May 2018
From Right: Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda & Mary Steenburgen

As much as I wanted to pass up on this movie – This cast of phenomenal women had me thinking twice about my decision and I’m soooo glad that I didn’t pay attention to my thoughts or skepticism. This movie on a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a full ten. It was liberating, sweet, comical and thought-provoking. I’m not one to believe in Love, mainly because of my horrific experiences with it, but these ladies made me believe that love is not only possible but can still happen no matter what “age” you are. It made me realize that love is not dead and there are people out there who are looking for it, believe in it and want it – just as much as you.

The story follows four friends who’ve been a part of each other’s lives for over 30yrs. One is married, one is wealthy, one is run by her daughter’s who thinks their mom is old, fragile and honestly can’t function in life and the other is a federal judge (Can you guess who is which?). As busy as their lives are, they all come together once a month for their book club meeting and this time it was Vivian’s (played by Jane Fonda) turn to pick a book a boy oh boy did she pick one.

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Diane Keaton – Book Club Movie

To little dismay, the hesitantly decide to accept Vivian’s book choice “Fifty Shades of Grey” in hopes that it will help them discover the women they once were all while adding a little spark to their sex lives as well as their love lives. The suttle instances that happen next for each of them is life changing and while the book was a start, these ladies soon find out that a book has a way of shaping your life more than anticipated.

Book Club is a feel-good comedy that’ll make you want to get together with your girlfriends and start your own book club.  It’s a movie, that will make you laugh, maybe cry and if you’re having second thoughts in regards to love, maybe this movie will change your mind.

Book Club is out now and you can rent at your local Redbox or if you have the firestick, look it up tonight and plan a movie night with your closest girlfriends or by yourself – either way, you’ll enjoy it. Do you enjoy movies? Wondering what other movies are good to look at? Check out my girl, Rakkelle – who has a list of other movie reviews that I’m sure you’ll want to add to your movie watch list!

 

My prayers are with everyone who is impending Hurricane Florence! Please be safe and Take Care of yourselves and your family. 

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Blogger, Motivational Speaker, Author & Encourager

EnSpired: Movie, The Miracle Season Teaches Us To “LIVE LIKE LINE”

The photo above courtesy of bing/miracle season “the movie”

This past weekend I had the privilege of watching a movie entitled “The Miracle Season” this movie was inspired and about Caroline “Line” Found, a 17yr old West High School Trojans Volleyball player from Iowa, City. Line was the teams “setter” a.k.a captain. Caroline was the teams most valuable, popular, loved and an inspirational player who lead her volleyball mates to win two state championships in a row.

Continue reading “EnSpired: Movie, The Miracle Season Teaches Us To “LIVE LIKE LINE””

Tuesday’s Question: What Would You Do, If This Was Your Gift?…

photo above courtesy of jeau/deviantart 

I personally know there have been many instances in my life where I wonder “Hmm, I wonder what I would have done in that situation.”

I loved the show that used to come on, on Friday nights, hosted by John Quinones entitled “What would you Do?” – it was a show in which where they would take random life instances and have them played out in front of people to see “what would they do” on one show I watched this guy and girl were on a date – the girl leaves to go to the ladies room and while gone, the guy slips something into her drink. The goal of the show was to see if anyone would stop the girl from drinking the drink or just look away as if they didn’t see anything at all.

Continue reading “Tuesday’s Question: What Would You Do, If This Was Your Gift?…”