{"id":6764,"date":"2021-04-22T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=6764"},"modified":"2021-04-22T17:07:19","modified_gmt":"2021-04-23T00:07:19","slug":"walking-with-herb-powerful-message-of-faith-embedded-in-a-sports-movie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2021\/walking-with-herb-powerful-message-of-faith-embedded-in-a-sports-movie\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking with Herb * Powerful Message of Faith Embedded in a Sports Movie"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.poster.jpg?resize=137%2C206&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6768\" width=\"137\" height=\"206\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Sixty-five-year-old Joe Amable-Amo thinks nothing much in his background distinguishes him from other guys his age. He is struggling with his faith after tragedy hits. As the former amateur golfer&#8217;s life continues to unfold, Joe is besieged with his marriage, working as a bank executive, and gearing up for retirement. But as he is about to discover, life has a way of throwing a curve ball that changes everything. Joe is working at his desk when he receives a message from God on his computer screen that tells him he has been chosen to deliver an inspirational message to the world that the seemingly impossible is possible. God tells Joe he is going to play in World Entire golf championship, and if his faith is strong enough, he will win. As Joe embarks on a spiritual journey along with God&#8217;s personal messenger and motorcyclist, Herb, Joe learns to make a difference, he must learn to face his fears, have confidence in his abilities, and commit to God before he can succeed. <em>Walking With Herb<\/em> shows how sports movies can convey powerful messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha B. comments, \u201cOne of my favorite parts of this film is when Herb (George Lopez) tries to restore Joe\u2019s (Edward James Olmos) faith through golf. I also really enjoyed the acting, and how all of the actors convey the message of faith in a realistic and natural way without being preachy.\u201d Allison B. adds, \u201cFull of faith, belief and second chances comes the new indie film <em>Walking With Herb. <\/em>This movie will make you laugh, cry, and will take your breath away with each heartfelt second. If you\u2019ve ever wondered about what\u2019s going on in the world above the clouds, <em>Walking With Herb<\/em> is the movie for you.\u201d See their full reviews and delightful interview with Edward James Olmos below. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking With Herb<br>By Allison Buck, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 14<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XiR9H9sndK0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Full of faith, belief and second chances comes the new indie film <em>Walking With Herb. <\/em>This movie will make you laugh, cry, and will take your breath away with each heartfelt second. If you\u2019ve ever wondered about what\u2019s going on in the world above the clouds, <em>Walking With Herb<\/em> is the movie for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Walking With Herb <\/em>is about Joe Amable-Amo (Edward James Olmos), who is a bank executive and former golfer. He struggles with his faith after a terrible event takes place. Faced with doubts about himself and his belief in God, Joe is stunned when God tells him that he\u2019s been chosen to play in a world championship golf tournament. As he is guided by Herb, God\u2019s special personal messenger, Joe learns that all you need to do is have faith.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.trailer.jpg?resize=224%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6767\" width=\"224\" height=\"126\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While I was watching <em>Walking With Herb<\/em>, I noticed a lot of creativity in the storyline. I don\u2019t know how anyone connected God to winning a golf tournament, but somehow the director, Ross Kagan Marks, found a way to make the whole story seem logical. Even though the story works, I didn\u2019t enjoy that the film seems a bit rushed. I understand that you only have so much time when making a movie, but I would\u2019ve enjoyed seeing a bit more development of the emotional arc of the characters other than Joe. It also almost felt like the story was on a straight line once Joe received the message from God. There are no plot twists or turns until the end. Lastly, I love the relationship between Joe and his wife, Sheila (Kathleen Quinlan.) The relationship between the two actors feels very genuine and real. Their conversations flow, and they have the sass of an older married couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message of <em>Walking With Herb <\/em>is to continue to always have faith, no matter what. This message is shown throughout the movie as Joe turns back to God, even after all that happens to him and his family. His faith is also what leads Joe to do so well in the Golf tournament. If he did not believe in God and himself, he wouldn\u2019t have been able to go from not golfing for years to one of the world\u2019s best golfers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>Walking With Herb<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters April 30, May 1 and May 3 through Fathom Events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking With Herb<br>By Samantha B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GnnlveZ6e98?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.b.jpg?resize=240%2C180&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6766\" width=\"240\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.b.jpg?w=480&amp;ssl=1 480w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.b.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Walking With Herb<\/em> shows how sports movies can convey powerful messages. One of my favorite parts of this film is when Herb (George Lopez) tries to restore Joe\u2019s (Edward James Olmos) faith through golf. I also really enjoyed the acting, and how all of the actors convey the message of faith in a realistic and natural way without being preachy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The storyline follows Joe, a 65-year-old amateur golf champion, and bank executive, who experiences deep personal loss causing a crisis in his faith in God. His wife (Kathleen Quinlan) is also frustrated that he hasn\u2019t been attentive to fixing things around the house and especially in their garden. His daughter\u2019s business is also failing. I appreciate that this storyline is rich and complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Walking With Herb<\/em> really excels in its portrayal of characters who are quite complicated. One of my favorites is Edward James Olmos\u2019s (<em>Stand and Deliver<\/em>, <em>Battlestar Galactica<\/em>) portrayal of Joe. Joe\u2019s character experiences significant personal growth over the course of the film. The dialog in this film feels natural and realistic, especially during the emotional scenes. It doesn\u2019t feel overly melodramatic at all. Through Joe\u2019s friendship with Herb, he is able to overcome his grief and make peace with his religion. My favorite scene is when he wakes his wife to show her a beautiful surprise outside. The cinematography in <em>Walking With Herb <\/em>is beautiful in how it uses different angles and lighting as well as close-ups depending on the actor on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.e.jpg?resize=225%2C108&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6765\" width=\"225\" height=\"108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.e.jpg?resize=300%2C144&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/walkingwithherb.e.jpg?w=350&amp;ssl=1 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The message o<em>f Walking With Herb <\/em>is about maintaining your faith in God despite challenges and hardships you may experience in your life. You should know that it does have heavy religious themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>Walking with Herb<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults.&nbsp; It is available in theaters April 30, May 1 and May 3 through Fathom Events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sixty-five-year-old Joe Amable-Amo thinks nothing much in his background distinguishes him from other guys his age. He is struggling with his faith after tragedy hits. As the former amateur golfer&#8217;s life continues to unfold, Joe is besieged with his marriage, working as a bank executive, and gearing up for retirement. But as he is about to discover, life has a way of throwing a curve ball that changes everything. Joe is working at his desk when he receives a message from God on his computer screen that tells him he has been chosen to deliver an inspirational message to the world that the seemingly impossible is possible. God tells Joe he is going to play in World Entire golf championship, and if his faith is strong enough, he will win. As Joe embarks on a spiritual journey along with God&#8217;s personal messenger and motorcyclist, Herb, Joe learns to make a difference, he must learn to face his fears, have confidence in his abilities, and commit to God before he can succeed. Walking With Herb shows how sports movies can convey powerful messages. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha B. comments, \u201cOne of my favorite parts of this film is when Herb (George Lopez) tries to restore Joe\u2019s (Edward James Olmos) faith through golf. I also really enjoyed the acting, and how all of the actors convey the message of faith in a realistic and natural way without being preachy.\u201d Allison B. adds, \u201cFull of faith, belief and second chances comes the new indie film Walking With Herb. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and will take your breath away with each heartfelt second. If you\u2019ve ever wondered about what\u2019s going on in the world above the clouds, Walking With Herb is the movie for you.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15],"tags":[2878,2873,1783,470,2866,203,370,2867,2869,2863,2876,2872,2868,2875,2865,2874,2871,1166,2864,2870,2877,1279,2862],"class_list":["post-6764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-antoni-garcia","tag-blade-runner","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-drama","tag-edward-james-olmos","tag-faith","tag-fathom-events","tag-george-lopez","tag-golf","tag-herb","tag-high-school-teacher","tag-jennifer-lopez","tag-kathleen-quinlan","tag-latino","tag-mark-medoff","tag-mexican","tag-miami-vice","tag-movie-reviews","tag-new-movies-2020","tag-stand-and-deliver","tag-tony","tag-tragedy","tag-walking-with-herb"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-1L6","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6764"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6764\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7057,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6764\/revisions\/7057"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}