But the movie won’t leave me. The discussions on-line
continue. There have been negative reviews, as well as positive reviews – some
of it only opinion based, but other commentary about the movie has been
flat-out inaccurate. So, I guess I will end up adding my “two cents” worth,
after all.
First off, let me include a disclaimer. Kevin Sorbo has long
been one of my favorite actors! I think the quality of his acting is as good as
any recent television or movie star. He isn’t some fly-by-night actor randomly
selected for this movie; and in my opinion, he was perfectly cast for this
part. That being said, I guess my
disclaimer also proves that it wasn’t a bunch of unknown, inexperienced actors
involved with this movie, as claimed by some.
I also thought Shane Harper, who played Josh, was perfectly
cast in his part as the student. I thought he offered a believable and precise
disposition portraying a humble, even sometimes unsure of himself college freshman.
He acted exactly like a beginning student might act if found in the same
situation as presented in this movie. I read one review that lamented that
Harper played Josh as "underwhelming and brooding". That may be so,
but I believe Shane Harper's part was purposely played as "underwhelming
and brooding" and I thought that temperament presented perfectly for this
scenario. In my opinion, he played his part exactly like a new college student
would act in that same environment and situation.
So after dispelling the myth that the acting is always poor in Christian movies, let me
continue.
There were several important points that I was extremely
glad to see weaved throughout the theme of the movie. These points are all
found to be Biblical; and backed with Scripture, I have listed the ones I felt
were most important, though not in any particular order:
- We are
all sinners in need of a Savior – “For
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
- Man’s free will was an extremely important part of this movie. God is sovereign; but one of the greatest parts of His sovereignty is allowing us our own free will. As example: Lucifer and the angels that fell, displayed free will – Ezekiel 28:13-19 and Isaiah 14:12; Adam and Eve displayed free will – Genesis 3:6 ; Cain displayed free will – Genesis 4:4-6; Noah; Pharaoh; The Israelites; even Mary, mother of Jesus gave an answer showing free will as her answer easily could have been “no”. – And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38. The examples are endless in the Bible regarding our free will.
- There
are false religions in our world; all faiths are not the same; and the
movie caved to no politically correct agendas. – “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” - Acts 4;12
- We can
be effective for the
- We are
saved by grace. – “For by grace are
ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
- Redemption
– “But God commendeth His love
toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. - Romans
5:8
- And God’s not dead. ;-) “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” - Matthew 28:6
Having set the preface to show that I believe the movie to
be Biblically sound, let me offer some examples as to why I found the movie so gripping.
The story was well written with a plot that had twists and turns, surprises and
adequate comic relief. Included were some examples of probable symbolism, and situations
and experiences that offered opportunity for after remarks, questions and fervent
discussion among viewers.
It was refreshing to see some one speak out eloquently and
with strong facts for ones beliefs. That seems to be a rare commodity these
days. The arguments that Josh presented regarding the scientific notions atheists
usually profess, were excellent. And there was actually much to learn and note
from his oral dissertation, if one hasn’t studied that topic very thoroughly.
This part of the movie was actually riveting, and I found myself wanting to
yell, “Go Josh!” throughout the debate.
I thought it so important that this movie offered an answer
for those that might not understand and have asked that age old question, “Why
does a good God let evil happen to good people?” This movie was a powerful expression of the
free will God allows mankind.
I loved the fact that there was no more importance placed on
someone who is famous or who might be overseas in a mission field than there
was placed on someone who was simply an everyday Christian in everyday life.
The pastor, played by David A. R. White, often felt inadequate and ineffective,
but in the end we see just how important we all can be in our everyday walk as
a Christian exactly where we are.
I also loved that this movie cowered to no political agenda
and wasn’t afraid to expose the rigidity, lack of acceptance, and sometimes
even cruelty of other religions.
Neither were they afraid to mention that not so popular
topic of sin. We see in this movie that we are all sinners in need of a Savior.
This movie contained a good old fashioned Gospel message that isn't politically
correct these days, but that was 100 % accurate. I was so happy to see that the true, old
Gospel message and a mention of the need for repentance of sin were included in
this movie. That is a discussion that we find to be more and more rare these
days.
It is a shame that there are those that couldn't seem to
find any redeeming grace in this fine movie. I have to wonder, have we all
become so "sophisticated" and worldly that we can't simply enjoy a
movie for its message? Yes, there were a few cameo appearances from people
whose line of work isn't really acting, but even secular movies have been known
to do that, incorporating those that will be a draw and an additional added
attraction to the movie. I enjoy seeing them for who they are, and I don't
really care if they are going to win an Oscar. In this case, the cameos were
necessary allowing the plot around the hardened journalist (a very real
personage) to expand and show a necessity as to why a few popular entertainers
were added to the movie.
Some of the reviews I read included criticism that all the
unsaved people were painted in an overly negative light. That simply isn’t
true! I saw at least 80 students that
were non-Christian who weren't portrayed in a negative light – all of them
open-minded and eager to learn. A Chinese student named Martin, in particular, was
portrayed as kind and only searching for answers. He was supportive of Josh
throughout the movie. As well, the man from the car rental agency was also a
nice man who offered some comedic relief. These are a few obvious examples from
the movie that shows non-Christians were not all painted in a poor light. This movie is in no way a movie showing Christians ganging up on non-believers, rather it is a story of love.
While some believe all non-Christian were painted as evil,
those same reviewers failed to point out that there were also Christians
pointed in an equally negative way. Josh’s girlfriend, who was a Christian
college student played by Cassidy Gifford, let us all down with her selfish
behavior and treatment of Josh. But that is also often times a very real life
scenario, as we all know Christians are not
perfect.
Many claimed that the professor was extreme in his actions,
and what took place in the movie would actually never take place on a real
campus. However, this movie was in fact
based on true life scenarios where religious discrimination and harassment
occurred. In fact at least 29 examples that actually took place in universities
across our nation are listed in the credits at the end of the movie.
I watched Kevin Sorbo in an interview recently, (shown
below) as he explained how there is a myriad of subplots each revolving around
different characters and intertwined throughout the movie. I thought the
writers did an exceptional job of pulling it all together with one underlying
theme and that is: We are all sinners in need of a gracious Savior and therein resides
our Hope. The movie was without a doubt thought provoking, entertaining, inspiring
and up-lifting. I found myself so encouraged that in this world that seems to
be withdrawing from traditional Christianity, we finally find a movie that
discusses or refers to almost every topic important to fundamental Christianity
that might be under attack today. I couldn’t have been more pleased with this
movie, and I am thrilled to be able to attempt to garner support for a movie
that was made with top-notch quality in every aspect. And most of all, this
movie’s purpose wasn’t only an apologetic -proving God is alive - as much as it was
an offering in a dramatic way to show the need of Jesus Christ in every life.
To those with a critical eye seeking perfection: What is so wrong with supporting a movie that
has finally been produced that one can take their family? If only for that
reason alone, it is worth it. When you add to that fact, there is a pure Gospel
presented, every sincere Christian should be excited to take an unsaved loved
one or friend.
Finally, the more these movies are sufficiently supported,
the better cinematically they will become, too. This one can definitely hold its own.
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