If you are looking for a feel good movie (although a box of tissues is needed) then you’ll want to pick up a copy of the film Raising Izzie which is now available on DVD.
Raising Izzie stars Vanessa Williams, Rockmond Dunbar, Victoria Elizabeth Staley and Kyla Kennedy.
Gertie and Izzie have a secret. They have been secretly living on their own since their mother passed away from cancer a year earlier. Their father had passed away before Izzie was even born.
The girls did not have any other family members they could go and live with after their mother passed, so their mother made arrangements for her daughters to have an apartment and some money to help pay the bills after she was gone. It wasn’t the most responsible thing in the world, but she loved them dearly and wanted to make sure they would always be together. She feared that child services would separate them and she wanted the girls to always be together.
Gertie attends middle school. Her math teacher was replaced by another teacher name Tonya Freeman. Even though Gertie is a straight A student she suspects something is going on with her at home. When Gertie skips class she asks Gertie to get a letter from her mother explaining why she skipped class. Mrs. Freeman soon discovers that Gertie wrote the note, not her mother.
One night while the girls were out their apartment caught fire, leaving the girls hungry and homeless.
Gertie snuck Izzie into her school in hopes of finding some food in the cafeteriea. Instead they find that Mrs. Freeman was there working late that night. When she learns that the girls lost their home she offered to give them a place to stay that night and then take them to the hospital in the morning (unbeknown to her their mother was already deceased).
Tonya is married to Greg. They have a wonderful relationship but it’s not perfect. Tonya really wants to have a child but she learns she is unable to. This puts a major strain on her marriage.
Tonya and Greg soon learn the truth about the girls. Tonya wants to keep the girls indefinetly but Greg has his reservations.
Faith plays a big part in this film too. Izzie still clings to the idea of God and that he took their mother because he needed her. Gertie does not believe in God anymore. She prayed for God to spare their mother’s life but she died anyway. With their mother’s death Gertie lost all faith.
Greg is also a very religious person and believes that if he and Tonya are meant to have children a miracle would happen. Tonya has also lost faith in God, especially because she wants children and cannot understand why God would make it impossible to have any.
After a major argument ensues between Greg and Tonya, as well as Gertie and Izzie, Izzie runs off and Tonya follows her. Then tragedy strikes and one of them ends up in the hospital in a coma.
Will Greg and Izzie’s undying faith and belief in God and miracles prove to be correct, or will the situation only prove that Gertie and Tonya were right all along.
To find out you’ll need to pick up a copy of Raising Izzie. Look for it where ever movies are sold.
The story in it’s self was really good. I find it a bit hard to believe that a 14 year old girl and her younger sister could live in an apartment complex and no one notices that they have no adult with them.
I was impressed with the acting skills of both the young actresses. Gertie (Victoria Elizabeth Staley) was always cynical and untrusting where as Izzie (Kyla Kennedy) was just the opposite.
This is a religious film, but not too much where it takes over the entire film and story line. I should let you know just in case you are not a fan of religious films that there is a strong religious element in this movie.
The movie runs for 87 minutes. It’s not rated but I would say it’s OK for young children and teens (maybe 8+ years old). It would make a good family movie night movie. I think you can generate a lot of discussion afterwards with your family.
The movie is heartbreaking to watch at times (break out the tissues) but over all it’s a feel good movie, especially at the end (I won’t give away any spoilers).
Here is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Kari says
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this movie. It sounds great and I definitely want to check it out.
heather says
i love movies like this family feel good movies are the best i can’t watch the horrible stuff on tv anymore even the commercials are terrible for kids to see thanks for sharing this with everyone.
Karen Glatt says
This looks like a very good movie. I like movies that are moving and have a good story and this one is so interesting to watch. I have rent or buy this DVD because I have to see it!
Mary Withrow says
I have never heard of this, it looks like a good movie, I will have to look for it!