If you're like me, you'd love to see more wholesome, Christian movies come out of Hollywood, but you're often disappointed in the quality of such films when they do come out. It's no secret that productions made by Christian movie makers have much less of a budget than major Hollywood studios. Over the course of the last couple of years, though, I've noticed a shift in this. The last 3 Christian-produced movies I've seen have been excellent, not only in message, but in quality.
Most recently before tonight, I had seen The Wager, a movie starring Randy Travis as, what else, an actor. I won't go too into detail on this movie, as it is not the one I'm reviewing, but I'd like to mention just how much I loved it. Travis did a great job acting, especially for a crossover singer to actor. The message came across loud and clear with no wishy-washy, roundabout way of delivering it. Facing The Giants is also worth a mention here. Great movie, great message, and again, the quality was far superior to Christian movies of the past.
Tonight, on our 5th wedding anniversary, my wife and I went to see Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron (yeah, that Kirk Cameron). I knew little about the movie before buying tickets in advance, except for the fact that several people I know had seen it before it released and loved it. I went on their word and the fact that I liked Kirk Cameron in the Left Behind movies. (I did actually watch a preview at least before we went to the movie) I was not disappointed.
What I witnessed tonight was not just a great film. The movie in its own right was awesome. But more importantly, what I saw was a movie theatre packed with people who wanted to see a "Christian movie". I don't believe that anyone bought tickets to that movie that did not understand that it was going to have a Christian message. Some people may have been invited by Christian friends, sure, but I think the majority of those there in that place knew to what extent this was going to be a message movie. Not only did a huge amount of people show up to see this movie (which we saw at 3:50 pm, and I can only assume that even more showed up for later shows) but they stood and applauded as the movie ended. Sniffles were heard throughout the theatre as the movie reached its conclusion and I did not see may dry eyes once outside. What I did see outside, however, was booths set up for couples to get information on marriage counseling and other services. And people were interested.
No, what I witnessed tonight was not just a great film. What I witnessed was a shift in our culture. Despite all the smutty, sexy movies put out by Hollywood (and they put them out because people go to them) there is a large audience for these movies with a message. People show up and spend their money to see movies that present a gospel message and leave out all the violence and sex. Are you listening, Hollywood? People do want more movies like this one.
Fireproof is a love story. It is a true love story. This movie was not one that presented a view of love that the world believes in. The love story we saw played out was one of biblical love, one of a selfless choice, a love not motivated by lust or self fulfillment. By the end of Fireproof, I wanted to be a better husband to my wife, and I'm sure I was not alone in that. What Hollywood production can you think of that gave you that kind of feeling?
I hope I'm right and that this is a cultural shift. I hope that the money brought into the box offices across the country is a wake up call to film makers. I hope we do start to see more movies with such biblical messages, made with a significant budget as the studios wake up to what audiences want. We can help in this. We can make our voices heard 1) with our money; go see these movies 2) by promoting these movies to our friends and family so that more and more people go see them. I for one will be buying Fireproof when it comes out on DVD because I have no problem having it in my home for my child to see.
Bravo.
Powered by Qumana
