Things are so much different these days then they were 30+ years ago when I was a child. We didn’t have the same technology that is available to today’s youths. Computers only existed on TV shows like Buck Rogers and Lost in Space. The idea of a tiny portable phone just didn’t exist. I did have a TV video game (Intellivision – remember that gaming system?) and arcade games, but the images were little pixelated squiggles and not 3D and realistic like today’s games.
I cannot imagine what life would be like being a kid in today’s world. As a parent I do see how much time my kids spend with gadgets and technology. Sometimes it’s impossible to carry on a conversation without grunts from my son for interrupting his computer time, or texts from my daughter because she’s too lazy to walk 10′ from the bedroom to ask me what is for dinner – she rather send me a text. Ugh!
We do have rules when it comes to technology. The cellphones are not allowed in the room at night. There are no cellphones at the dinner table and they are only allowed to use their computers (aside from school related work) on Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday.
I make every effort to make sure our family has a lot of “together time” where it’s just us. Whether it’s hanging out by the river skipping rocks or hanging out together for Family Movie Night, I make sure that we do as much together as a family as possible. Soon my kids will be on their own so it’s very important for me and my husband to enjoy each and every moment we can with our children.
There is a new movie available that follows along with what I am talking about when it comes to “disconnecting” from technology and doing things together as a family. The movie is called The 3 Day Test. It’s a faith-filled comedy from writer and director Corbin Bernsen. You might remember Corbin Bernsen from the hit TV series LA Law.
The 3 Day Test stars George Newbern (Father of the Bride 1 & 2), Megyn Price (Rules of Engagement, Grounded for Life) and Taylor Spreitler (Melissa & Joey).
Here is a brief synopsis of the film.
Family man and accountant Martin Taylor has it all… a great job, a wife and 3 kids, and a house in the suburbs. But the vision of his perfect family is unraveling right before his eyes as a busy, fast paced, high tech world threatens to pull them apart… can he keep them together? He’s losing his top client, his teenage daughter is pulling away from him while his 10 year old son lives in a world of gadgets and electronics and doesn’t talk to people. His wife’s schedule never aligns with his, and their 4 year old daughter is being raised by the television. To get back in touch with his family, Martin takes matters into his own hands and kicks off a 3 Day Test of family endurance and every survival. He turns off the water, power and electricity coming into their home, blacks out the windows and locks the doors. Nobody come in or out for three days. The hilarious family adventure that follows will bring them together in ways they never imagined.
Here is a brief trailer for the film. If you are reading this via e-mail you can find the trailer here, http://bit.ly/W7mSII.
I think a lot of parents can relate to the character of Martin in the film. That is why my husband and I make sure that our children’s lives are not overshadowed by technology. My husband and I also make sure not to fall victim to technology either. Sure, it’s easy to shoot each other an e-mail and tell each other how our day is going, but we rather talk face-to-face about it. We also feel that it’s necessary to disconnect and unwind every day.
The film was a bit silly at times. Martin’s family has to deal with a pair of intruders who break into his house every night while taking part of the three day test. The intruders are his own brother and nephew. At one point it’s almost like The 3 Day Test meets Home Alone because some of the boobie traps they set up for the brother and nephew are something you would expect Kevin to do in the Home Alone movies.
I like the idea of taking away their children’s gadget and technology, but I think turning off everything, including the heat and water, as well as chopping up furniture for the fireplace to keep warm is a bit far fetched, but it does go along with the over all plot of the movie.
This would make a fun Family Movie Night movie. I think it’s also a great way to get into a conversation with children before and after the film about the importance of togetherness and the need to take some time away from Facebook, Twitter and shooting zombies to spend quality time with their family.
I found it interesting in the movie to see that the family used Bil-Jac products for their dog. I reviewed Bil-Jac foods and treats in the past. Here is a review for Bil-Jac dog food (which is seen in the movie) – http://bit.ly/12RRJi8. I also have some health tips from Bil-Jac too (http://bit.ly/WW1lc6). My dog Espn also loves Bil-Jac treats.
If you would like to learn more about Bil-Jac products visit www.Bil-Jac.com.
If you are interested in learning some great tips on training your dog you might want to check out their YouTube channel.
For more information about the film visit www.EchoLight.com/3DayTest. The movie is available at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and other retail locations. You can also find the film on Facebook.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.