Christian Movie Reviews: Facing The Giants

I’m sure I don’t meet all the criteria that is required of an outstanding film critic. I know this because my movie assessments never seem to match that of other critic’s reviews. It’s true the professionals need to judge how well a film is made, how well the storyline is told, how well the actors perform their parts, soundtrack quality, and most importantly the success in directing. I’m a results oriented individual who wants to know if the job is getting done, and done right. This movie meets that criteria.

Facing the Giants portrays Coach Grant Taylor (Alex Kendrick) as a struggling football coach with a 6 year losing streak. Fans, parents, and players have lost hope in him to do anything significant for season number seven. In addition, he and his wife are having difficulties conceiving a child as well as maintaining a decent living. At the brink of despair, due to the countless number of personal and profession setbacks, Grant is visited by a spiritually guided older gentleman who steps in to give him a message of encouragement just in the nick of time. This message uplifts his spirit and becomes the catalyst for a change in focus, heart, prayer, and coaching style. Now, as he inspires his players to give it their very best for God, and after a series of wins, his life is on the upswing. On a winning streak and God in there hearts, his team will now need to face the opposing Giants team as the underdog and overcome the odds.

Recommendation: I’m certain you, and the critics, can find a plethora of things wrong with this movie, but a lacking list of positive messages and a few tear jerks will surely not be amongst them. Made on a reported $100,000 budget and church volunteers, I’m impressed by what Alex Kendrick and his crew have accomplished.

Directed by: Alex Kendrick
Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
MPAA rating: PG

Christian Movie Reviews: Forever Strong

Forever Strong is the story about Rick Penning (Sean Faris) a talented but troubled teenager who lives life on the edge. Rick plays on the Razorbacks rugby team where his coach and father (Neal McDonough) doesn’t ever seem to give him a break. Rick, after almost killing his girlfriend in a car accident while intoxicated, winds up in Juvenile Detention where the guidance counselor (Sean Astin) convinces him to join the longtime rival Highland rugby team in an effort to give Rick another shot at playing. He joins reluctantly, torn by the loyalty he feels for the Razorbacks and the valuable lessons and the disciplines for living a clean life he learns while playing for Highland coach Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole). Of course, as Rick is eventually released back into the custody of his parents, the national championship game between Highland and the Razorbacks is about to commence.

Recommendation: Unfortunately, some non Christian movie reviews have given Forever Strong a weak rating based on story line and weak character roles. My feeling is that Forever Strong is both educational and entertaining, especially if you enjoy sports. Based on a true story, the facts behind the movie make it an even more remarkable film, especially considering the philosophies employed by coach Glewix’s and how incredible they have worked in real life.

Christian Movie Reviews: Faith Like Potatoes

Based on a true story, Faith Like Potatoes tells of a struggling hot tempered Scottish farmer named Angus who attempts to make a living during tumultuous times in South Africa. Angus Buchan (Frank Rautenbach), his pregnant wife Jill (Jeanne Wilhelm), and his 3 children settle down on a dilapidated plot of land in South Africa to build a life away from the mounting violence where they had just come. Unfortunately, Angus possesses his own turbulent lifestyle with bursts of anger and fits of rage when things don’t go as smoothly as he plans. His life becomes consumed by his work and all the troubles that it seems to bring. At the prompting of his wife, he reluctantly attends a church service which awakens him to the spiritual void in his life. This awakening then sets off an evangelical rollercoaster ride that ultimately and quite miraculously confirms and strengthens his walk of faith.

Recommendation: This is a great movie that speaks volumes of a life lived in faith. The fact that it is based on a true story only amplifies the intensity and struggle that a spirit lead individual endures during their walk of faith. My Christian Movie Reviews highly recommends this to more mature audiences due to an accident scene and some mild language.

Christian Movie Reviews: Fireproof

The movie Fireproof, staring Kirk Cameron(Caleb) and Erin Bethea(Catherine), portrays a typical couple that experience the degradation of their marriage in a scenario where many of us can relate, whether in part or in whole.

Caleb is a dedicated fireman who gives more attention to his job than he does his wife Catherine. His irritation, whether from the demands of his job or of his working wife's supposedly delinquent domestic duties, escalates into several arguments and fits of rage with Catherine.

Catherine, who appears to be a somewhat frigid individual and doesn't seem to give her husband the attention he needs, works at a hospital where she has caught the attention of a flirtatious doctor. Because of her problems at home, the doctor begins to woo her over as she begrudgingly succumbs to the only solution she feels plausible. However, with the help of Caleb's father and the "Love Dare", the couple eventually learn to return their attention to one another and regain their love (but not without some soul searching and a willingness to look past prior hurts)..

This movie was directed by Alex Kendrickand produced by David Nixon. Alex Kendrick also directed movies like Flywheel and Facing the Giants.

Recommendation: Christian Movie Reviews recommends this movie for new and existing couples wanting a glimpse at the realities of marriage. Other reviews have noted the shaky beginning and less than stellar acting abilities, but as the storyline unfolds, it ends on a very strong note. If you are looking for a wonderful message and a recipe for a stronger marriage, you will be glad you saw this one.