Faith-based films begin a Saturday surge

In the midst of TV’s late-summer blahs, the Great American Family cable channel has a new-movie spree.
It will have a new, faith-based film at 8 p.m. ET for six straight Saturdays. That starts Aug. 3, with one starring Carlos and Alexa PenaVega (shown here), a married duo that has made several Hallmark and GAF films..
GAF began after the Hallmark Channel decided to diversify its films. Former Hallmark executives bought and retooled Great American Country.
Most films aren’t specifically faith-based. On Oct. 5, for instance, Candace Cameron Bure starts what could be a series of mysteries based on the Ainsley McGregor novels, about a small-town Texas crimesolver. And at Christmastime will be a modern, holiday version of “Little Women.”
These six films divert from the usual formula in one way: Four have a man as the central character. Most have new stars, but older TV names in support. The films, each at 8 p.m. ET:
— “Mr. Manhattan,” Aug. 3 (rerunning at 10 p.m. Aug. 4). Carlos PenaVega plays a businessman who broke up with his fiancee (Alexa PenaVega). His life changes, via a commitment to be godfather to his brother’s children.
— “God’s Country Song,” Aug. 10. A country singer is on the verge of top stardom, even if it means ignoring his children. Justin Gaston stars, with Mariel Hemingway in support.
— “Nothing is Impossible,” Aug. 17. When a pro-basketball team has open try-outs, a janitor sees a second chance. David A.R. White stars, with Harry Lennix and Steven Bauer in support.
— “Finding Faith,” Aug. 24. An anonymous Christian advice therapist suddenly finds her own life in chaos. Ashley Bratcher stars, with John Schneider and Vivica A. Fox in support.
— “Divine Influencer,” Aug. 31. An internet “influencer” loses everything and works at a shelter. Lara Silva stars, with Jesse Metcalf in support.
— “The Engagement Plan,” Sept. 7. Jack Schumacher plays a rich guy whose marriage -proposal plan is upended. The contrasting parents are played by Todd McGinley and Faith Ford and by Eva LaRue and Judd Nelson.