Breakthrough

Recently I attended a preview screening of the upcoming film BREAKTHROUGH. It is based on the book The Impossible by Joyce Smith, which chronicles the miraculous true story of her son's revival. Prayer is powerful.

Parents will be able to relate to Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) whose son John Smith (Marcel Ruiz) falls through the ice while playing with his friends and stays in the freezing water for 15 minutes. The incident puts John into a coma and he is rescued by first responder Tommy Shine (Mike Colter), who seeks John with a determination even unexplainable to him. Doctors are doubtful John will awaken, but Joyce stays with John every day and prays. This causes some friction between Joyce and her husband Brian Smith (Josh Lucas). Brian has faith, but deals with the situation in a different manner than his wife.

The Smith's are referred to Dr. Garrett (Dennis Haysbert), who has more experience working with patients in John's condition. Dr. Garrett verifies that the likelihood for John's survival is slim. Joyce keeps praying anyway. In fact, many people in St. Louis, Missouri pray for John, especially his classmates who sing with conviction outside of John's hospital room in an emotional scene.

BREAKTHROUGH will be released in North American theatres on Wednesday, April 17th and in the Philippines on Wednesday, April 10th. The official Web site is https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/breakthrough.

The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story

The words "The least of these..." are from Mathew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." The movie THE LEAST OF THESE: THE GRAHAM STAINES STORY illustrates the humility required for helping individuals in need. Graham Staines (Stephen Baldwin) is an Australian missionary in rural India with his wife (Shari Rigby) and children, and accused of converting leprosy patients to Christianity. After much speculation by people in town, journalist Manav Banerjee (Sharman Joshi) agrees to investigate undercover for a newspaper. This is the opportunity he needs since moving to the town of Orissa with his wife (Aditi Chengappa) who is expecting the couple's first child.

Manav develops a relationship with Graham and learns about his missionary work. Graham displays love, hope, and forgiveness in a country where his faith is not embraced and seen as illegal. During his investigation, Manav discovers what it means to have faith and humbly serve others. Unfortunately, his ambition gets in the way and he must make a decision, just as he sadly witnesses a tragic situation involving Graham and his two sons.

The movie is a compelling drama, and based on actual events from 1999 in India. THE LEAST OF THESE: THE GRAHAM STAINES STORY is currently playing in theatres in the United States and premieres in India on March 1st. The official Web site is https://theleastofthese.movie/.

An Interview with God

Brenton Thwaites plays a journalist named Paul who interviews God (David Strathairn). They meet three times for Paul's article and have stimulating discussions. Many questions arise that most people have such as, 'Why do bad things happen to good people?' Also, Paul is confronted with conflicts in his life. The situations make him uncomfortable because God is supposed to be the subject and Paul, the journalist, is supposed to be professional by not making it about him. He especially becomes upset when God tells him He wants to talk about Paul's marriage. In fact, Paul and his wife Sarah (Yael Grobglas) are having problems.

The scenes between Paul and God are the best because most people probably do have many questions they want to ask God. The movie provides an opportunity for viewers to observe and consider what questions they would ask. This concept is immense; however, the story could have a larger impact if scenes are added that show Paul's editor Gary (Hill Harper) publishing the interview with God and people's reactions to it. This may not be the intention of the screenwriter or director, but would serve as a catalyst for an even stronger film beyond the wonder of being able to ask God questions.

AN INTERVIEW WITH GOD plays in theatres for three nights this week. The official Web site is https://aninterviewwithgod.com/. You can get updates about the movie and possibly learn about more screening dates.

First Reformed

FIRST REFORMED is a drama thriller movie that stars Ethan Hawke as Reverend Ernst Toller. Rev. Toller is depressed. His church membership and attendance are low, he loses his son who served in the armed forces, his health is bad, etc. But it is not completely clear any of these are reasons for his depression. The journal he writes indicates something is not right with him. And after counseling a parishioner's (Mary, played by Amanda Seyfried) activist husband (Philip Ettinger), he slowly unravels.

Pastor Jeffers' (Cedric Kyles) community, Abundant Life Church, partners with Rev. Toller's First Reformed Church. For example, Abundant Life Church hires a technician to fix the organ at First Reformed Church and they organize a service for First Reformed Church together. Pastor Jeffers does not initially realize Rev. Toller is depressed, but eventually discovers his odd behavior.

Rev. Toller is a friend to Mary, and able to be present when she calls on him. In their scenes, Rev. Toller appears stable. Ethan Hawke's performance is flawless and Amanda Seyfried is equally engaging. The Abundant Life Church choir is also very good. However, the movie's ending is ambiguous.

FIRST REFORMED is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is https://a24films.com/films/first-reformed.

God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness

GOD'S NOT DEAD: A LIGHT IN DARKNESS is a drama film about a church located on a public university campus. Because of controversy, the university wants to tear down the church and make it a student community center, but the pastor, Reverend Dave (David A. R. White), insists he inherited the church from his father, it has been in its location for 100 years, and was in its place before the university existed. When the church is vandalized and a fire starts, killing Reverend Jude (Benjamin Onyango), the university demands the church be removed.

As a result, Reverend Dave seeks assistance from his brother, Pearce (John Corbett), who is an attorney. Pearce represents the church in the lawsuit, and spends time with his brother, staying in the home they lived in with their parents. The scenes that work very well in the movie are the ones with the two brothers, Dave and Pearce. Both actors give genuine performances.

Other conflicts include the university chancellor, Thomas (Ted McGinley). He and Dave are good friends, so the legal situation between the university and the church is tough on their relationship. Also, university student Keaton (Samantha Boscarino) struggles with her faith in God and breaks up with her boyfriend, Adam (Mike C. Manning), because he is unsure about God. Adam does not handle the break up well, and takes his frustration out on the church by vandalizing it and unknowingly starting a fire.

The Newsboys make an appearance in the movie. In addition, if you sit through the end credits you will hear Michael Tait's message. Lastly, Jennifer Taylor plays Meg, Dave's lady friend. The relationship provides Dave with an opportunity to share what is happening to him with someone who is not involved in the legal matters.

GOD'S NOT DEAD: A LIGHT IN DARKNESS is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is https://godsnotdead.pureflix.com/.

Paul, Apostle of Christ

PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is a film about Paul of Tarsus. His Jewish name is Saul, and he persecuted the Christian church. The New Testament book Acts illustrates Saul experiencing a conversion. Later on the island of Cyprus he is called Paul. Paul is author of 13 out of 27 books in the New Testament.

The film chronicles Paul's (played by James Faulkner) later years in a Roman prison during Emperor Nero's reign. Paul is seen as a threat to the Roman Empire and will be executed. This is a very dark time for Christians, and many, such as Aquilla (John Lynch) and his wife Priscilla (Joanne Whalley), lived in hiding out of fear of being burned like candles. Writer and director Andrew Hyatt captures this extremely well, as most of the movie is dark with very little light. Hyatt's direction is excellent and the cast is phenomenal.

Saint Luke, a physician, is played by Jim Caviezel (who many will recognize as the actor who portrays Jesus in THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST). Luke risks his life going inside Mamertine Prison to visit Paul. Christians view Paul as a highly respected apostle who is wise, and Luke writes his words, which later become the book of Acts. Paul's jailer, Mauritius (Olivier Martinez), is the one other person he communicates with, as Mauritius struggles to understand how Paul has such a powerful effect on so many people.

PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is a relevant movie, because not only does it remind the audience that "where sin abounds, grace abounds more," the filmmakers dedicate it to Christians who are currently being persecuted in various parts of the world. PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://www.paulmovie.com/site/.

Samson

SAMSON is an action drama film. It is based on the man Samson who is mentioned in the book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible. Samson is known for his strength. In the movie he expresses God gives him great strength as long as he does not drink wine, touch a dead body, or cut his hair. The great strength allows him to battle an entire Philistine army and kill a lion with his bare hands.

Samson (played by Taylor James) is called by God to lead his people. They rely on his strength when dealing with cruel treatment from the Philistines. Billy Zane plays King Balek, who orders his son Rallah (played by Jackson Rathbone) to kill Samson, but Rallah wants to keep Samson alive so he can discover why Samson is so strong. As a result, Rallah pays a woman named Delilah (played by Caitlin Leahy) to ask Samson about the source of his strength so that he can obtain it. Samson is faithful to God (that is his real strength) and hesitates, but eventually tells Delilah. His decision to share with Delilah changes everything.

SAMSON is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is https://samsonmovie.pureflix.com/.

I Can Only Imagine

This week I previewed the movie I CAN ONLY IMAGINE. The hit song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe was inspired by events in the movie. Lead singer Bart Millard wrote the song after finally having a positive relationship with his father. Growing up Bart lived with his father after his mother left, and he was miserable.

In the movie Dennis Quaid plays Bart's father Arthur. Bart is played by J. Michael Finley. Both performances are excellent. Unfortunately, this father-son relationship is dysfunctional. The father is always angry. Bart and his grandmother (played by Cloris Leachman), affectionately called Memaw, just assume it is because his life did not go the way he wanted. He takes that disappointment out on Bart. Bart desperately wants his father's attention so in high school he plays football. This works out great until Bart is injured and can no longer play the sport. This is how Bart discovers music; he is enrolled in the school choir class as a helper, but the choir director, Mrs. Fincher (played by Priscilla C. Shirer), hears him singing one day and insists he start singing with the choir. After graduating from high school, Bart pursues a music career and forms the band MercyMe, leaving behind his father, Memaw, and girlfriend Shannon (played by Madeline Carroll).

Trace Adkins plays Brickell, who becomes the band's manager. He introduces Bart to Michael W. Smith (Jake B. Miller) and Amy Grant (Nicole DuPort). Brickell is the one who encourages Bart to dig deep into his soul so he can write a hit song. At the same time, Bart learns his father has cancer so he spends more time with him, and the two develop the relationship Bart always wanted. After his father dies, Bart writes the song "I Can Only Imagine."

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE will be in theatres March 16, 2018. The official Web site is http://icanonlyimagine.com/.

All Saints

I had the privilege of attending a preview screening for the upcoming film ALL SAINTS starring John Corbett (as Michael Spurlock).

ALL SAINTS is based on the true story of salesman-turned-pastor, Michael Spurlock--http://archive.episcopalchurch.org/81803_103917_ENG_HTM.htm. Spurlock is ordered by the Episcopal Diocese to shut down a tiny church in rural Smyrna, Tennessee. Unexpectedly, a group of refugees change the direction of All Saints Church. The movie is inspirational as Spurlock and his small congregation slowly embrace the refugees from Southeast Asia. Not only does the church multiply in number, but Spurlock discovers the Karen group knows how to farm and fulfills a vision of growing the church even more instead of shutting it down.

ALL SAINTS focuses on the challenges the church faces implementing the farm on its property. Barry Corbin plays Forrest, an older gentleman who attends All Saints Church and a farmer. Spurlock initially has a difficult time communicating with Forrest, as Forrest resents Spurlock for coming to shut down the church. Corbin's performance is entertaining; he provides the humorous moments of the story.

ALL SAINTS is a compelling story, as it also incorporates the relationships that are formed between the English speakers and the Karen speakers. Viewers want to see the two cultures intersect positively and cheer for the church to become a viable resource in the community.

ALL SAINTS will be in theatres August 25th. The official Web site is http://www.allsaintsmovie.com/.

The Case for Christ

THE CASE FOR CHRIST shows the journey Lee Strobel (played by Mike Vogel) takes to disprove his wife's Christian faith. Outside of the movie, Strobel is a best-selling Christian author and former award-winning investigative journalist for The Chicago Tribune who was an atheist. After completing a thorough investigation that lasted for two years, Strobel embraces a new faith in Christ. The experience led him to write the book The Case for Christ, upon which the movie is based.

THE CASE FOR CHRIST gives its audience a true sense of what a spectacular investigator Strobel is. He attends a debate on matters of faith, meets with a priest, speaks with a medical doctor regarding crucifixion, and even consults a skeptical psychologist, played by Faye Dunaway. A captivating scene is when Strobel has an honest conversation with The Chicago Tribune's Religion Editor, played by Mike Pniewski.

Erika Christensen plays Strobel's wife, Leslie, who befriends a nurse named Alfie (played by L. Scott Caldwell) who saves her child's life. Leslie is impressed with Alfie's unwavering faith, and that is what leads her to examine her own beliefs. THE CASE FOR CHRIST exhibits how Leslie becomes a Christian and the conflict it causes in her marriage. The situation is probably familiar to many viewers, and is handled delicately by screenwriter Brian Bird and director Jon Gunn.

THE CASE FOR CHRIST is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://caseforchristmovie.pureflix.com/.

Caged No More

Human trafficking is a huge problem throughout the world.  Often the victims are young and unsuspecting. It is disturbing knowing that every 30 seconds someone is captured.  The movie CAGED NO MORE offers an illustration of how the process works and affects people who know the individual being enslaved. The movie stars Kevin Sorbo, Loretta Devine, Cynthia Gibb, Alan Powell, Debra Wilson, Abigail Duhon, and Cassidy Gifford.

Devine plays Aggie, the godmother of a dying woman who pleads with her to save her girls from their malicious father, Jack, played by Sorbo (Sorbo gives an outstanding performance as Jack and his righteous twin brother Richard). Jack is the one responsible for the human trafficking of his daughters. When Aggie discovers this, she does what is necessary to seek help from Richard. Richard, his family, friends, and church help Aggie through the process of locating Jack's daughters.

Richard is a wealthy man. Human trafficking can happen to anyone, even to people in the most affluent communities. CAGED NO MORE does an excellent job of bringing awareness to the issue. At the end of the movie, writer, producer, director Lisa Arnold and cast members speak to the audience, explaining how serious the problem is and informing there will be two more films; CAGED NO MORE is part of a trilogy.

For more information about CAGED NO MORE and how you can get involved, visit the official Web site at http://www.cagednomoremovie.com/.

The Masked Saint

A unique film released this year is THE MASKED SAINT.  It stars Brett Granstaff (as Chris Samuels),  Lara Jean Chorostecki, Diahann Carroll, Roddy Piper (his final film performance), and Mykel Shannon Jenkins. The movie is based on the book The Masked Saint by Chris Whaley. Whaley is a former professional wrestler (The Saint) who became a pastor.

THE MASKED SAINT is a family film with an inspirational message (The wrestling sequences may frighten some, but most will be able to view them.)  Chris Samuels is a professional wrestler who decides to retire, despite threats from his wrestling promoter, Nicky Stone (played by Piper), and become a pastor of a church in a small town.

When Chris, his wife (Chorostecki), and daughter arrive at their new home, he discovers the town has quite a bit of crime activity.  Chris decides to fight injustice by masquerading as The Masked Saint, a vigilante superhero.

The plot may seem silly, but ultimately the story is an allegory.  Chris is a man of faith who wants to help people. His methods are unconventional, but his heart is in the right place.

In addition to the crime in town, Chris' church experiences financial difficulties. As a result, he goes back into the ring to raise money. Unfortunately, he is greeted by wrestling promoter, Nicky, with a comment like, "I knew you would be back," but stays focused on his goal.  Eventually, being a pastor, father, husband, "superhero," and wrestler starts becoming too much for Chris. He is forced to make an important life decision.

For more information about THE MASKED SAINT, visit the official Web site at http://themaskedsaint.com/.

War Room

This week I had the pleasure of attending a preview screening for the movie WAR ROOM.  The film is produced by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick.  The Kendrick brothers are the creators of FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, and FACING THE GIANTS.

Usually people see prayer as a last resort, but WAR ROOM shows how having prayer as a daily part of one’s life can make a difference.  Relationships with others can be more positive and one can be at peace. In the movie a couple’s marriage relationship is strained.  Elizabeth, a real estate agent, meets a new client, Miss Clara, who shows her how a “war room” and battle plan for prayer can help her family.

WAR ROOM is an entertaining and inspirational film. To learn more visit the official Web site at http://www.WarRoomTheMovie.com.  The film will be in theatres on August 28^th.