2015 saw a continuing resurgence of faith-based films.
So many, in fact, that I'm going to pick only five to write about.
War Room (produced by FaithStep Films, Affirm, Red Sky, TriStar)
True confession: I have not been much of a fan of the Kendrick Brothers. Mostly because their films seemed to fit a predictable pattern.
Not so with War Room.
This film details the relationship that grows between Miss Clara (a seasoned prayer warrior) and Elizabeth (a young mom whose harried life has her on the verge of a spiritual breakdown).
I have never seen a film that chronicled the power of prayer like this one. And I give the Kendrick Brothers full credit for coming up with a unique story that captures the importance of knowing how to pray.
Kudos to Karen Abercrombie who brightens up every scene playing the part of Miss Clara.
Watch the trailer.
Old Fashioned (produced by Skoche Films, Motion Picture Pro Studios)
What a gem of a film Old Fashioned is!
Rik Swartzwelder wrote and directed the film and starred in it.
Old Fashioned details another type of relationship, between Clay (a legalistic-leaning Christian) and Amber (a free-spirit). They meet when Amber's car runs out of gas and she decides to rent an apartment upstairs from Clay's antique shop.
The film is sweet, unique and uncompromising in its convictions without being the least bit preachy.
Noteworthy among all of the impressive performances given is Elizabeth Ann Roberts' portrayal of Amber. She brings a camera-riveting freshness to Amber that is critical to the believability of the film.
Old Fashioned strikes a chord for chivalry in the midst of a hook-up culture; and does it with a disarming amount of charm and grace. All that while being 100% real, which is a very tough cinematic balancing act.
The fact that Swartzwelder wore three hats while making this film only makes the final result more impressive.
Watch the trailer.
Where Hope Grows (produced by GodSpeed Pictures, Stealth Tiger Entertainment, Attic Light Films)
The film's trailer immediately roped me in and motivated me to see Where Hope Grows when it came out. I was not disappointed.
The main relationship here is between Calvin (a former major league pitcher who has seen better days) and Produce (a young man with Down Syndrome).
Slowly Produce's optimism rubs off on Calvin, helping him to turn a corner in his life.
Before Where Hope Grows, I'd never seen a film where one of the major characters has Down Syndrome (in real life David DeSanctis, the actor who plays Produce, has it). But ultimately it's the message of hope, fueled by faith, that forms the foundation for this film.
Watch the trailer.
Do You Believe? (produced by PureFlix Entertainment, 10 West Studios, Believe Entertainment, Toy Gun Films)
This film is about a series of relationships. Starting off with that of a pastor who runs into a street preacher, carrying a life-sized cross, who asks him, point blank: "Do you believe in the Cross of Christ?"
In response, the pastor raises his eyebrows and says, "I'm a pastor." Which causes the street-preacher to stoop down eye-level to ask: "...Then what are you going to do about it?"
Under normal circumstances such a direct approach wouldn't work for me. But this film does.
It does work because the plot consists of a series of interwoven relationships that blend together to answer the question posed by the preacher with the Cross.
Notable among the performances was Mira Sorvino (playing the part of a homeless single mom) and Sean Astin (who, against type, puts in a great turn as an agnostic doctor who witnesses a miracle).
Watch the trailer.
Woodlawn (produced by Jon & Andy Erwin, UA Media Group)
Based on a true story, Woodlawn tells the tale of a Birmingham high school (Woodlawn) that is engulfed in the civil rights movement of the late 1960s, early 1970s.
To their credit the Erwin Brothers stick to the story of a football team that went from the depths of defeat to winning. That, in itself might not be noteworthy, except Coach Tandy Gerelds (played by Nicholas Bishop) desegregates the team to do it, in the middle of the Deep South.
As if that weren't remarkable enough, the team leads the school in a significant revival, led by sports evangelist Hank (played by Sean Astin). Almost everyone on the team gives their life to Jesus, prompting the school's arch-rival to follow suit. In fact, both teams share a summer training camp together, and wind up competing for the city crown in front of more than 30,000 fans.
Caleb Castile does a great job portraying #22 running-back Tony Nathan. Jon Voight turns in a noteworthy performance as the legendary Bear Bryant.
Watch the trailer.
Before signing off on this post, I'd like to put in a word for PureFlix. They have been at the forefront of Christian film for years. Recently they've expanded their efforts to provide faith-based entertainment by initiating a PureFlix movie channel. I encourage you to check it out here.
David A.R. and Andrea Logan White are behind the PureFlix Entertainment company and its movie channel. That's the couple in the photo below:
Photo credits:
www.christianpost.com
www.independent.co.uk
www.fandango.com
www.faithit.com
www.haveeru.com.mv
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