GND MEDIA PRESS
Average Joe Press
“Heartfelt True Story Stresses Redemption and Liberty”
“AVERAGE JOE is a powerful drama about the true story of high school football coach Joseph Kennedy, who made headlines after he was fired from his job for praying at center field after games. AVERAGE JOE is a phenomenal movie based on an inspiring true story. It tells Joseph’s life story in a unique and engaging way, often breaking the fourth wall. It also stresses faith, prayer and how God’s love can heal the deepest of wounds. It highlights the importance of doing the right thing, no matter the cost. Joseph’s story is a refreshing encouragement to fight for freedom, but ultimately that God is the greatest good in our lives”
The Christian Film Review
“Average Joe tells the incredible true story of Joe Kennedy, a high school American football coach who was fired for praying at the end of each game. This story inspires and encourages us to stay strong in our faith, to stand up for Jesus even when everything and everyone is against you.”
The Peach Review
“High school football coach Joe Kennedy (Eric Close) decides to walk onto the fifty-yard line after each game, kneel, and pray. He doesn’t ask his players to join him. He simply does it to give thanks. The movie makes a logical case for its stance, arguing that what the coach is doing harms no one and in no way intrudes on anybody else. At the same time – and this is why I recommend the picture – it studiously avoids outright piousness… the film is well-made and leaves you with plenty to think – and argue – about. On that basis, it has real merit.”
“An Analysis of Religious Nuance”
“Average Joe takes a defined stance in supporting Coach Joe Kennedy’s right to pray publicly, but it does so while raising thoughtful questions about religious expression that still resonate. Yet it also depicts opposing views with care. Not all see expressions of faith as acceptable in certain settings. Where exactly is the line between open worship and covert coercion? The movie poses this debate but has no simple resolution….All in all, solid cases exist on both sides. Rather than conclude, the film starts a conversation as nuanced as the issues themselves. It presents no easy truths, for in real life seldom does any controversy have a black-or-white answer.”
Crosswalk Review
“Average Joe is a compelling underdog story with an unexpected, gripping plot that takes you back to Kennedy’s childhood, revealing the experiences that shaped his resilience and gave him the courage to stand up for God and challenge the establishment…The film cleverly uses humor by breaking the fourth wall…Average Joe is anything but a boring legal drama..”
The Aisle Seat Review
“The movie makes a logical case for its stance, arguing that what the coach is doing harms no one and in no way intrudes on anybody else. Writer Stephanie Katz and director Harold Kronk lay out their points in a well-reasoned manner so that, even if you don’t agree with it, you can understand why people like Kennedy feel the way they do….At the same time – and this is why I recommend the picture – it studiously avoids outright piousness. The movie additionally has a welcome touch of humor to compliment its sincerity. I was surprised at how often I laughed. Right when you think it’s going to start overtly sermonizing, a little joke pops up to lighten the mood.”
The Blind Press
The Blind is Fathom Events’ Highest Grossing Event Ever
“The Blind is now the most successful release in the history of Fathom Events, as the faith-based feature has grossed $15.7 million at the North American box office as of Monday. Originally slated for an eight-day run as part of Fathom’s new specialty distribution model, it was extended twice.”
The Blind Hits Top 5 of
US Domestic Box Office
“During it’s opening weekend, the new biopic of Phil Robertson aka “The Duck Commander” author and star of the “Duck Dynasty” television series, earned $5.1 million, according to studio estimates. It also placed in the top five of weekend earnings, behind “The Nun II” and ahead of “A Haunting in Venice.” The film also earned an impressive 99% approval from the Rotten Tomatoes movie review site.”
The Blind earns 99% Audience
Rating on Rotten Tomatoes
“Long before Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson became a reality TV star, he fell in love with Miss Kay and started a family, but his demons threatened to tear their lives apart. Set in the backwoods swamps of 1960s Louisiana, THE BLIND shares never-before-revealed moments in Phil’s life as he seeks to conquer the shame of his past, ultimately finding redemption in an unlikely place. This stunning cinematic journey chronicles the love story that launched a dynasty, the turmoil that nearly brought it crashing down, and the hope that rose from the ashes to create a foundation for generations to come.”
Dozens Baptized after seeing
The Blind movie.
“A new faith-based film depicting the true back-story of Duck Dynasty’s Phil and Kay Robertson has not only landed in the top five spot during its opening weekend, but has led some moviegoers to make a decision to live for Jesus Christ and get baptized.”
Movie Guide
Duck Dynasty origin story film, ‘The Blind,’ lands in the Top 5 spot at the Domestic Box Office, shocking Hollywood.
Washington Times
The Washington Times: At the Movies Christ takes center stage in ‘The Blind.’
Come Home With Jen Mallan
GND Media Group co-founder and producer, Bob Katz discusses their current feature-film project, ‘The Blind,’ which portrays the redemption story of Duck Dynasty patriarch, Phil Robertson
Good News on Entertainment
Duck Dynasty’s Willie and Korie Robertson talk with Good News on Entertainment about their feature film, ‘The Blind,’ and sit down with the film’s director, Andrew Hyatt, to discuss his cinematic vision for the project.
News Nation
Co-producer of ‘The Blind’, Zach Dasher, sits down with News Nation to discuss what inspired him to share Duck Dynasty patriarch, Phil Robertson’s, story and the role his mother played in Phil’s powerful redemption story.
Reviews – The Blind
Plugged In by Focus on the Family
Millions of reality TV fans made A&E’s Duck Dynasty a surprise hit from 2012 to 2017. Now, The Blind tells the story of this famous clan’s bearded patriarch, Phil Robertson. And while many may know of Phil’s tenaciously outspoken faith now, they may not know the hard and twisting road he walked before surrendering—and that is the right word here—to Jesus.”
Movie Guide Review
“THE BLIND refers to a duck blind where his friend, Al, and Phil Robertson are hunting. Al asks Phil to tell him how he turned around his life, so the movie is basically an illustration of Phil’s Christian testimony.”