Special thanks to FlyBy Promotions for providing a review copy of the movie, book, and devotional. All opinions are my own.
A Look at the Old Fashioned Movie…
Having old fashioned values in relationships in a modern world can turn some heads. When Clay turns his back on his former lifestyle and embraces old fashioned values in his relationships, people look at him likes he’s odd. In fact, over the years, it has cost him friends. When Amber comes into his life, his resolve is tested.
Old Fashioned focuses on two main themes: 1) old fashioned values in relationships and 2) forgiveness.
Clay is struggling with forgiving himself for his past sins, and he’s focusing on the letter of the law rather than the intent. His ideas of an old fashioned relationship are good, but his implementation can, at times, be a little off as he struggles to find balance between the old fashioned relationship scene and grace.
Amber has made a lot of mistakes and is constantly running from her past and relationships gone bad. Clay both intrigues her and infuriates her at the same time.
I wouldn’t classify this movie as a family friendly movie due to the topics being discussed. Clay and his buddies used to be party boys, so the movie covers all aspects of that lifestyle. Clay’s friend has a radio show where he talks about taking advantage of women. There is a good bit of drinking. If you want to use this as a teaching opportunity with older teens, I recommend viewing it first.
A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it, simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America. DVD Releases on June 16, 2015 // 115 minutes // Genre: Drama // Rating PG-13
A Look at the Old Fashioned Book…
Old Fashioned is a novelization of the movie by the same name. It’s virtually the same story as the movie, but you get to read a little more about how the individuals are thinking/feeling. I actually enjoyed the novel more than the movie as it gave greater insight into Clay and Amber’s lives and thought processes.
Book Details:
Turning his back on his reckless lifestyle, former frat boy Clay Walsh has settled down to turn an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town….and to purse lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can’t help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Amber also finds herself surprisingly drawn to Clay, but his ideas about relationships are unusual to say the least, and they bring to light her own deep wounds and fears about love. They say opposites attract, but can Clay and Amber move beyond their differences and their pasts to attempt an “old fashioned” courtship? Softcover; 303 pages
A Look at The Old Fashioned Way…
What does old fashioned really mean? Are we just romanticizing the way things used to be? Is there something to be said for men acting like men and women acting like women?
The Old Fashioned Way: Reclaiming the Lost Art of Romance takes a closer look at the concepts covered in the movie, adds in some commentary, takes a Biblical look at the information, and encourages keeping a personal journal of responses to discussion questions. It’s a cross between a devotional and a discussion guide to the movie/book.
I appreciated the way that Ginger Kolbaba encourages readers/viewers to take a closer look at what an old fashioned relationship looks like within the context of a Biblical relationship. She also cautions against looking at the “good old days” through rose colored glasses.
There are 40 days of devotionals that include a quote from the movie, commentary, and scripture. Other things that may also be included are journaling activities, prayers, and things to consider. The focus really is on getting people to think about what a healthy, Biblical relationship looks like. It’s not about perfection. It most certainly will include grace and forgiveness. A healthy relationship will look different than what society declares is normal.
Devotional Details:
Contrary to popular opinion, being “old fashioned” doesn’t mean you’re dull or unromantic. In fact, a true old fashioned relationship can be more exciting and romantic than anything you’ve ever experienced! So what does it mean to do things the old fashioned way? Sure, it means opening doors, holding out chairs, and taking things slow. But a true old fashioned romance goes much, much deeper than that. Inspired by the motion picture Old Fashioned, this book will show you how to reclaim the lost art of romance by introducing you to romantic love as God intended it. Regardless of your past mistakes, where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or where you are now, you can find and create a love that will last a lifetime! As you work your way through this forty-day journey of inspiring readings and questions for reflection, you’ll discover all the unique and amazing benefits of doing things the old fashioned way. And before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to creating a love story for the ages. Softcover; 222 pages
