New Life Movie Review
By: Rebecca Moore
“…it’s all the moments, good and bad that make up a life, and the most important thing to do with life, is to live it.”
Some films are made to entertain, while others leave you changed. New Life is one of the latter, and no matter how you look at it, we can all relate to the ebbs and flows of the stages of our lives where the days that seemed ordinary, are one day reflected upon as treasured memories.
Ava Kennedy and Ben Morton’s story is a sweet love—one that is destined to last a lifetime and beyond. From the moment the seven-year-old boy from England who ‘talks funny’, arrives in the neighbourhood of the vivacious little Ava, a connection begins that ties these two souls together forever.
In this deeply moving film about life and love, we see a friendship that starts from small beginnings grow into something very special. The bond that intertwines Ben and Ava from a young age grows stronger with time, and despite a few setbacks, they realise their love, though not always easy, is worth every moment—the good with the bad.
The dreaming of one day sailing a boat around the world together; the humour as Ben pursues a career with his scallywag of a best friend driving limousines for a living; Ava’s desire of one day becoming an elementary teacher; and her flirty French best friend’s attempts at trying to find true love, are all part of the ‘ordinary days’.
As Ava and Ben set out to find their place in the world, life draws them back to each other, teaching them lessons of what is worth fighting for. As they learn to navigate their new life together as husband and wife, life is full of possibilities and promise. With Ben holding a comfortable job in his dad’s (James Marsters) architectural firm and Ava living her dream of being a teacher, life couldn’t be sweeter, but things are about to change as life gets busy. It is at this point the film enters a new level where we as the viewers become more invested and emotionally involved. Ava and Ben’s lives soar from the highest of heights to plummeting depths of personal challenge beyond their imaginings.
With a strong theme of time, we see that time is not as generous as they had first believed. What seems to be ‘all the time in the world’ quickly becomes something that is more precious than the finest gold. When Ava is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, everything pales into insignificance as they realise the most valuable possession they have is time, time together—and perspectives are changed.
New Life is one of those movies that will capture your heart and take you through twists and turns fully invested. It has a beautiful sub-story of human kindness, of loved ones caring for each other in times of need and being triumphant through adversity.
Ben and Ava will have you laughing with them, hoping with them and crying with them. You will feel their joy and their pain but, in the end, you will also be left with hope.
When a movie can delve into your emotions and pull out a heart-wrenching sob, you know the writers, producers, cast and crew have done their job well. Achieving strong emotional connections and taking the viewer to a deeper level is a skill that is vital in keeping the audience involved with, not only the characters, but the story itself.
Jonathon Patrick Moore (also known for his roles in Savages, Christian Mingle and Neighbours) plays a convincing role of Ben Morton who is a devoted husband to Ava. Ava is played by Erin Bethea (Fireproof) who also co-wrote and produced for the film New Lifewith her company Argentum Entertainment—this being the company’s flagship film.
As their flagship film, director Drew Waters and Argentum Entertainment have done an outstanding job in presenting to the big screen a film with integrity and one that has the potential to change hearts, change people and embrace new life. If you haven’t already seen New Life, call your friends and book your seats—but don’t forget to take your tissues.
To find out more about this movie go to: movieschangepeople.com
Article supplied with thanks to Movies Change People.
