( I am typing this really quick from my phone so I apologize for any errors in grammar and spelling!)
I just went with my family this past weekend to see the Courageous movie. We made it a family event because I was told by some other people that the movie would "really change our lives." Usually when people tell me something like that I shy away and run in the other direction. Really? Change my life? I doubt it. HOWEVER, while I don't believe the movie can change my life (Only Jesus can), I decided to go and see if all the Christian hoop-la over this movie was really worth it. As a pastor, I have my own criteria for critiquing a Christian movie. While I didn't sit in the movie with a pen and paper, I was expecting some important elements in the movie that would put it in at least a category of "impacting lives." So below I have some questions I asked myself about the movie and how it did in satisfying those questions. Hopefully, this little review will help you in determining if it is a good movie to bring your family and friends to or not.
1. Is the movie realistic to Christian life?
Answer: Yes. This movie deals with real life problems and trials faced by not just Christian families but non-Christians as well. It deals with divorce, death, unemployment, family dysfunction, conflict, broken relationships, etc. You will find yourself relating to many of the people and themes the movie touches on...without a doubt...for sure...this is no glass-stained window of Christianity or some propped-up religious flick.
2. Are the actors good?
Answer: Yes. The actors are some of the same actors that played in "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof." They all do a great job making you believe in the characters and the story. Since most of these guys are not "Hollywood" actors, I was once again impressed with how they did.
3. Is the story good?
Answer: Yes. The story has everything you want. It has suspense, action, drama, humor, and a great ending. Beware! This film is a tear-jerker big time and you will at times feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster but it is not one of those roller-coasters that you want to get off. The story was not just good for me, it was great! I won't give anymore details than that.
4. Is it a film I want to take my family to?
Answer: Without a doubt. this movie is meant to be viewed together as a family. Especially for fathers and sons. We have many ladies in our congregation that attend church without their spouses. I don't know any of these men per se, but I do know many of them are lost or have some issues with being a godly dad or husband. I think this movie challenges every man to be godly and not just a better husband or dad but a Christ-like man. Regardless of where a man is at in his walk with the Lord, this movie should rock every guy to the core. I think it needs to be seen together to get the full impact of the movie. Not only did we enjoy the movie together, we enjoyed talking about it after. That's what this movie does, it gets you thinking and talking. It provokes every family to look at themselves and really answer some tuff questions.
5. Is it distinctively Christian? Does it mention Jesus?
Answer: Yes. This movie did have me worried at the beginning because it seemed like it was going to just be a movie that mentions the name "God" and that's it. Today, just saying the name "God" can be so misconstrued. It could mean the Muslim god, the Mormon god, the Jehovah Witness god, or any god, and doesn't necessarily refer to the one true living God of the Bible. My criteria is I want to hear the name of Jesus. I don't have to hear it but I want to hear so that there is no mistake in people's minds about who we are talking about. The movie did mention his name multiple times and made a clear distinction.
6. Does this movie present the Gospel?
Answer: Yes. Two specific times I can remember. One at a funeral and then more in-depth in a one-on-one situation in the movie. It clearly presents the gospel and does a better job at it than most Christians do! This was a big factor for me in determining if the movie can "change lives." I still don't think the movie can do that because it's just a movie but the gospel message in the movie surely can!
7. Can this movie help someone become a godly parent or kid?
Answer: Maybe. As far as how the movie communicates the need for a "resolution" to become a "courageous" parent for God, it does an awesome job. The last 5 minutes of the movie leaves you feeling charged up to be a godly parent and you find yourself saying, "I need to change the way I am living my life and raising my family!" All of that is a good thing but we should caution ourselves. The movie alone or the resolutions alone or the bible studies that I am sure they will come up with as a result of the movies, will not do it alone. Having Christian men you hang around with and have accountability with will not do it alone, as the movie communicates towards the end. All of these things can help but ultimately it will be up to each of us prevent a shallow and superficial response to what we see in the movie. This movie in a way was like going to church. It communicates a great message but you have to do something with it or you will remain unchanged. It will be up to us to read and obey the Bible and live Christ-like lives. The movie can't do that and a firm resolve cannot do that. While I am sure their will be plenty of people who begin a process of change after seeing this movie, many will just do the, "Oh, that was a great movie!" thing and not really change the way they are thinking or living. This movie can help you but it can't change you. Only Jesus and the gospel can do that.
8. Would you recommend this movie? Would you show it in your church?
Answer: YES! If you haven't figured out by now we loved the movie and will recommend it to anyone we know, especially people who are going through family difficulties and lacking a real spiritual leader in the home. I will eventually show this movie in our church to impact the guys that were too busy, too lazy, too fearful, or too financially constrained to take their family to the movies. I may not get all of them to come and watch but I know I will get some of them. As the movie communicates, some will mock it and some will take the challenge to be "courageous."
I hope this review helps and you are able to see the movie. Everyone in the theater when we attended applauded and cheered at the end and I think you will too. Just make sure you do more with the movie than that and you pick up your Bible and do what it says, not just what the movie says.
For the Fame of His Name,
Pastor Ryan
