New Film Starring Chonda Pierce Brings Heart and Humor to the Big Screen

Let's face it: Clean comedies are hard to come by these days (like...annoyingly rare).
So when I heard a new karaoke-themed comedy starring Chonda Pierce was in the works, my interest was officially piqued. And when I discovered my friend-whom-I-have-yet-to-meet-in-person Chris Dowling was helming the project, my interest was doubly piqued.
Around this time last year, I watched Dowling's 2014 film Where Hope Grows (my first exposure to his work) and explained why everyone and their mother should watch it. Read my full review here.
If you're not familiar with comedian Chonda Pierce's work, I just have one question for you...
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?
Chonda's talent speaks for itself. Her comedy, her accent, her stories...what's not to love?
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram so you don't miss any of her lighthearted, good-natured, hilarious content.
One more fun connection I have to this film is that one of the producers (Ken Carpenter of Nook Lane Entertainment) also produced a film I had a principal role in last year entitled Surprised by Oxford! It hasn't released yet, but the trailer looks AMAZING.
Ok, so now that I've built up a little suspense and anticipation, let me tell you a little bit about the film...
It's called Roll With It and it's about a widow who waits tables at Biscuit Barrel (Cracker Barrel's little-known rival, no doubt) and finds herself entering a karaoke competition to save her house from foreclosure by a man who pooped in her sandbox.
That's all I'm gonna say.
(Trust me...it will all make sense when you watch the movie.)
Check out the official trailer below.
In addition to Chonda as Bonnie Taylor, the cast includes Judith Hoag as Bonnie's best friend Ruby, Evan Hofer as Bonnie's son Spencer, McKaley Miller as Bonnie's new boss and Spencer's new girlfriend Samantha (major plot line alert), and Mark Christopher Lawrence (who I had the pleasure of meeting on the set of last summer!) as Biscuit Barrel's fearless leader Nick (among many other talented cast members).
Who knows? You might even spot Michael W. Smith (yes, you read that correctly) and Elizabeth Hasselbeck if you're lucky.
The last actor I must tip my hat to is Jamie Alexander who plays the 1980s-obsessed showman Mark, a character you can't help but enter into a love-hate relationship with upon his first appearance in the film.
His role is exactly the type of role I love to play: "Out there", obnoxiously cocky, yet somehow lovable.
Kudos, Jamie. You nailed it, buddy.
And speaking of acting abilities...I had no idea Chonda could act, but she certainly proved herself capable of being a leading lady! I certainly hope this film is only the beginning of her acting pursuits in film.
In summary? This film is worth your eyeballs' attention and your wallet's support. If we want more family-friendly films (which we most certainly do), then we need to be intentional to support the ones that make their way to our local theaters.
When Chris sent me the Roll With It screener last month, he included this short note about the film's recent festival appearance:
"Thanks for checking this out! I really wish you could experience it in a theater as there the laughing and singing (more importantly) is contagious. I may have told you, but we were the only 'family friendly' narrative film to be invited to the Dallas International Film Fest last year -- and we actually ended up winning the Audience Award for favorite feature! Pretty wild..."
Pretty wild is right! *cue standing ovation* 👏👏👏
Speaking of wild, be sure to check out the film's epic official poster below. 🤩

Roll With It is only in theaters May 9, 11, and 13th, so please find a theater near you (<-- just click the link and enter your zip code!) where it's playing and make a night of it with family and friends! Maybe even get one of your enemies to tag along. By the end of the film, I have no doubt you'll leave as BFFs.
Oh, and lastly - SPREAD THE WORD! The Roll With It team is relying on a grassroots effort from folks like you and me to get people to hit the theaters this week.
As always, feel free to drop a comment below! I love hearing from you!


