Fireproof
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Movie Reviews of Fireproof
Movie Review: A Good Movie with a Great Message
Summary: 5 Stars
Kirk Cameron totally stood me up. "Come to a screening of my new movie," he says. "I'll be there and it would be fun to meet up." So off I went yesterday, along with Aileen and our friends Julian and Stacey (yes, I think all of my friends have their own blogs), to attend a pre-screening of Fireproof in Buffalo, New York. But conspicuously absent was Kirk. He was a no-show. It hurt. (Though shortly after the movie ended, while I was drowning my sorrows in Dairy Queen, he called to apologize and say that his flight from L.A. had arrived late. I guess that's a pretty good excuse.)
On to the film.
Fireproof is a product of the team who brought us Facing the Giants, a film produced with a budget of merely $100,000 that went on to gross $15,000,000. In this new film Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt, a fire chief in Albany, Georgia. While he is loved by the men who work for him and regarded as a hero in his town, Caleb struggles in his relationship with his wife, Catherine. After seven years of marriage it seems that the relationship is growing cold. Caleb finds solace in looking at pornography on the Internet while Catherine finds herself in a growing relationship with a colleague. As the couple begins to steel themselves for a divorce, and as they begin the process of ending their marriage, Caleb's father presents him with a book and challenges him to begin a 40-day experiment he calls "The Love Dare." Caleb decides to give it a shot, though he does so more to respect his father than to salvage his failing marriage. Struggling to show love for his wife even as she continually rejects him, Caleb calls his father and asks, "How am I supposed to show love to someone who constantly rejects me?" This gives his father an opportunity to share the gospel with him and, armed with the reality of a new love, Caleb sets out to win back his wife's heart.
I can be excused, I think, for entering the theater somewhat apprehensively. After all, Christians do not have the greatest track record when it comes to combining great spiritual truths with sound art. But in the case of Fireproof I was pleasantly surprised. The film, though produced with a limited budget compared to most of what we see on the big screen, is very well put together. There are really no occasions where I feel a bigger budget might have improved the film, and this despite a couple of extended action sequences where I would almost expect to see quality compromised by budget restrictions. This is clearly not the case.
This is not to say the movie is without blemish. There are a few occasions when the dialog becomes just a bit stiff or stilted and this is especially true in the film's opening moments. There are a couple of times when I feel that portions of the script could have done with just a little bit more tweaking or when a scene could have benefited from just one more take. Also, I feel that a handful of the minor characters are too weak, either through lack of development or through sub-par acting. But these are really the only downsides worth mentioning. (Is it worth mentioning that everyone in the town has a good Georgia accent except for Caleb? How is it that his father and mother both have that southern drawl and he doesn't?)
Kirk Cameron is very solid in the lead role and was a great choice for it. He is strong throughout and at key moments, when given the chance to shine, is outstanding. Erin Bethea, who plays opposite Cameron as Catherine Holt is also very good, and this despite Fireproof being her first major movie role (and only her second role overall). Caleb's father is excellent as a wise, loving, pastoral father. The prominent characters develop well and I found myself genuinely drawn into the story. While the movie deals with difficult and serious themes, it does not take itself so seriously that it cannot pause for a few laughs now and again.
One thing I like to evaluate in Christian movies is whether the film inserts faith themes subtly or blatantly. In the case of Fireproof the person who watches this film will walk away with absolutely no doubt that it is a Christian movie. Faith figures prominently and the gospel is clearly presented. Sinful actions and decisions are shown to have negative consequences and are eventually rebuked. While "The Love Dare" is used to draw Caleb back to his wife, it is clear that this is merely an instrument used by God to do His work. This movie is Christian by any measure. It sweeps to an ending that is powerful and emotional, stirring to tears at least several of the people in the theater with us.
I enjoyed Fireproof and am excited to know that, come September 26, a film with such a good message will be debuting on hundreds or thousands of screens across America. It is a refreshing film with a refreshing message that speaks boldly to a culture infatuated with immorality and convinced that divorce is freedom. I am grateful for this film and pray for its success.
Movie Review: Fireproof-great movie and book
Summary: 5 Stars
There have been many reviews and comments made on this movie and book but I just had to add my two cents to the pot. Since the basic plot has been told in many other comments, it is not necessary to repeat it. I saw the movie first and then bought the DVD. I was not able to find the book in the local stores-finally got it through Amazon. I would strongly recommend getting both. I am aware that the book was made after the movie but it I still would recommend reading it either before or after viewing the movie as it fills in a lot of what Caleb and Catherine are thinking and their attitudes- which I think would be difficult to bring out in a movie. I have watched the movie many times and each time it gets better. True, some of the acting and dialog could have been better, but let's not shoot the messenger for the message, and I don't think it detracts from the movie at all. I believe the best parts of the story are the scenes of Caleb's apology and the next one when Catherine finds out that it was Caleb who bought her mother the bed and wheelchair and not Gavin; all done without telling her and expecting anything in return-true agape love. Those were really emotional moments and if they didn't at least bring a little misty eyed response, then you must be a walking zombie.
A couple of items:
1. Some bloggers commented there were some loose ends that were left in the movie and book. One of which was Catherine's relationship with Gavin. The DVD had a section of deleted scenes and one of them was when she found Gavin flirting with another woman in the hospital. I think the look on her face would tell you that her `balloon' was punctured for Gavin. I am not sure where in the timeline of the movie this scene would have been placed though. There was one other deleted scene with the wedding album that would have added to the story and tied in with the `bay scene' but because of time constraints, it was decided to leave them out. I think they could have shortened some of the dramatic fire and rescue scenes to make room for them or at least add them in the DVD version of the movie. By the way these story lines are also not in the book.
2. The first several times I viewed the movie and read the book, I really felt for Catherine and the way she was treated by Caleb. But in listening to her in the firehouse bay at the end of the story, one is given the impression that she feels that all this was Caleb's fault. I was a little irritated that the last thing she said was `Is it too late for you to grow old with me'. I thought she should have said `Is it too late for ME to grow old with YOU'. I think that would have been better in keeping with the flow of the story. I also felt the scene would have been so much more powerful if she also had added a line saying that she was sorry and asking Caleb to forgive her. I think it would have shown the depth of her love for him. But of course she did not have the kind of love for him as he did for her as she recognized something in him that she didn't have and wanted to have the same thing.
Even with all the faults of the movie and book, you got to go get them. Oh, and get the Love Dare also. It will tell you much more about what Caleb went through and how he was changed.
I would like to add as a late entry that you should really read the novel as it will give you some insight as to why Catherine is not reasponding to Caleb as one might think she should. I must have been a little slow as I didn't pick up on this only after reading the novel a couple of times. In the novel she is depicted as a strong willed, self confident, and, I might add,an obstinate woman. When she gets an idea, such as leaving and divorcing Caleb, she latches on to it and wont let go. Because of this her heart is hardened and oblivious to the change that has occurred in Caleb until her heart is finally softened by the works of God.
Movie Review: WARNING - Diehard fan here!!
Summary: 5 Stars
"You never leave your partner." - The Fireman's Code
I am a woman who struggles with her faith. My family and I regularly attend a Methodist Church, but often times I feel as though I'm just going thru the motions.
We were given this movie by some very dear friends when my husband and I were experiencing a rough patch in our marriage. Like many others, it was just the chaos and nonsense of daily life that had clouded our judgement and made us forget to respect each other. Nothing major or catastrophic happened, but we thought we might be knocking at the attorney's door, if you know what I mean.
My husband watched the movie first, by himself. He admits sniffling a few times.
Then, when we had a night when we were on speaking terms, we watched it together. As we watched it, my tears flowed and flowed and flowed so much that I nearly used an entire box of tissue. It was cleansing.
To say this movie changed my life would be maybe a bit dramatic. But, well, you know what? I've always been "a bit dramatic". This movie did change my life. This couple was us, during our worst moments. While not us to a "T" (i.e. we have two small children), their arguments and disrespect for each other when they were angry WERE us. Their lack of appreciation for all that the other does WAS us. The 50/50 equation WAS us - we don't have to participate 50% of the time - sometimes we need to be 100%, carry all the weight, to help our partner.
There is no fine print in marriage. It is what it is. A sacred covenant. And, while I can't speak for my husband, I can say that maybe I had taken that for granted. Maybe I had just assumed "well, if it doesn't work out, we can always get divorced". Maybe too many people in the world feel that way.
To see the progression of how Caleb is so full of himself, the heroic firefighter that he is. How he felt victimized because he had done so much to be a "good person". The way Caleb comes to Jesus with his dad (my most favorite part of the movie followed by the montage with "Waiting on you Lord") and how he fights against everything, against all odds to save his marriage to a woman who has all but dismissed him, was inspiring.
I have to admit -- I haven't watched this movie in a while. But I've seen it at least 20 times. It is an emotional film for me. I have to be able to cleanse myself when I watch it.
Hubby and I both started The Love Dare. Neither of us finished - we feel it was because "we got it". We both stopped near Day 20. I will finish someday - my reasons for stopping stem more from my struggles with faith.
We have been in such a good place. The respect has returned. We still have a lot of work to do. One aspect of our relationship that has monumentally changed is the "pick up the slack" attitude we share. If one of us is having a down day or is sick or is working late, the other willingly and even happily takes up the slack. Makes dinner, bathes the kids, cleans house. That part has really been so noticeable. It's almost unbelieveable.
So we'll keep working. We'll keep trying. But this film is inspirational, to say the least. If you are looking for Oscar-winning performances, you probably won't find them here. However, almost all of the actors are volunteers. They did this out of the kindness and genuine love for others. And this film has helped countless couples reconnect with each other AND with the Lord. This is my most favorite movie. It will be for eternity, I think. Because I have never had such a visceral reaction to seeing my life reflected back at me. I hope everyone who watches it or reads this finds the same peace that I have.
Movie Review: Great movie overall (great for Mormons, too)
Summary: 5 Stars
I recommend Fireproof to anyone, religious or not. For me, this movie ultimately transcends it's weaknesses. In spite of some awkward acting and cinematographic weaknesses, this was a great movie overall.
I thought Fireproof effectively portrayed a troubled marriage and the factors that can cause that. In this aspect, the movie engaged me totally and made me care about the couple. I found the central message of the power of love convincing and emotionally moving.
If you are not a Christian in the same way the characters are, then I think this movie is still a worthwhile two hours of your time. First of all, it could teach you a lot about marriage and divorce. Also, if you are the type of person who appreciates the ability of movies, books, etc. to teach you about the entire range of human experience, then this movie is a way for you to try to see beyond the stereotypes and experience a little of how some religious people see life. That is a very valuable thing.
It is nice, too, to see (what seemed to me) respectful portrayal of Black people, more so than in a lot of Hollywood movies. Kudos to the filmmakers for that. That shows an authentic Christian attitude, in my opinion. Kudos to the Black actors as well - I thought some of the movie's acting was weak, not from any of the Black actors.
On the aspect of religion I thought the movie had some mildly awkward moments. Although, I think people who are already believers in the actors' exact version of Christianity would probably feel the awkwardness less and would appreciate the religious message more directly.
From what I've seen of movies with a religious message, it's is exceedingly hard to portray religious experience in an authentic way. (Maybe partly because there are so few models of how to do it in mainstream Hollywood moves, which are mostly agnostic or hostile to religion.) Either a religious movie becomes too didactic, or the actors fail to convey religious faith that seems genuine, or the movie fails to communicate effectively to those outside its circle of believers and break through to reach a universal audience. Perhaps it's also the intensely personal nature of religion that makes it so hard to translate into a visual medium such as film. Fireproof does suffer some from these challenges. Maybe the producers weren't even trying to reach a universal audience, I don't know. However, in any case I think this movie is a leap forward on the learning curve, as religious filmmakers try to find how to translate religious experience onto the movie screen.
I imagine there are a lot of Mormons who will hear good things about this wholesome, clean movie - but who will wonder about the religious aspects, since the movie is apparently sponsored by a Baptist church. Here's my response to that question:
As a Mormon I believe in Christ, but I'm not quite in the same circle of Christian believers that the movie characters seem to be in. However, the Christian aspects are pretty general, and the religious message did ring true to me. The characters could just as well be good Mormons, as far as I'm concerned.
The core of Jesus' teachings is love, forgiveness, repentance (i.e. personal change and growth), and unselfishness. I thought Christ's core message was communicated effectively by this movie. There were several points where, as Mormons would describe it, I felt the Holy Spirit witness to the truth of what was being said. For a Mormon, that is the highest compliment you can give any movie.
Movie Review: What does God mean by love?
Summary: 5 Stars
There was a good message about Love, and how true love, sacrificial love, is the model the bible speaks of for a marriage, as well as your relationship with Jesus Christ. This message is not known or sometimes forgotten in this world of distractions. People get married with preconceived notions about what marriage will be. One must have the right foundation to get through the rough times which will come. If not, divorce is the result, or for those who just stay together for whatever reason without love in their marriage, an empty life searching endlessly full of regrets.
It also shows how a marriage falling apart, hate abounding in those who once were in love, can be saved by soul searching and looking at yourself as the problem, or the problem you should be focusing on. Many problems are related to selfishness and pride, in marriage and other relationships. With the Holy Spirit's direction, study of scripture, and input from Godly parents/ pastor/friends, marriages can not only be saved, but strengthened. Input from unGodly friends/councilers will put a nail in the coffin of your marriage.
With an intimate relationship with Jesus, a peace comes upon you, problems will occur, but you deal with them in a Godly fashion and a smile, because God will be faithful.
I didn't see it the way Chad did. There IS a lot of hostility in his message not related to the quality of the film directed towards Christians. If Chad is a Christian, and any of you, I want you to pray for me, my marriage, and a strengthened personal relationship with my Lord and Savior. I need all the help I can get. We are all of the body of Christ if we are indeed Christians. If I wasn't seeking help, and I was pretty comfortable with my life, perhaps I might pick a movie apart for theatrical reasons. But Hollywood is so full of garbage, I would applaud this movie just for it's absence of an anti Christian bias, nudity, blood and gore, and sleaze seen in most films. I am not a movie critic, some movies that get rave reviews I can't stand and vice versa.
As far as FIREPROOF: Great movie, great message, marvelous acting and dialogue, good impact, no cuss words (imagine that) and an actor who will only kiss his own wife (that was his wife in the final kiss scene). You should have seen the talk show hosts drool over that one. Imagine that, personal integrity over profit. Love of your wife and your commitment over the world. Mr. Cameron shakes it off as an opportunity to get the cream of the crop roles. To be a man, you have to know the MAN. Actors with personal qualities one wants to emulate? (Madonna, Brittany anyone?)
This is a message that may be helpful to married couples, whether married once or several times. As a matter of fact, if one has multiple marriages or a failing marriage, learning to follow the biblical teachings on selfishness, pride, and agape love may be very helpful. The examples in the movie were to get a point across, not to be a concrete example. It is a call to bring attention to true love, a life long partnership, peace with God, with Jesus having a central role in your marriage.
Come to Christ and everything WILL be alright eternally, challenges will continue in this temporary pilgrimage however. Read King David's response when he did not heed the Lord's teachings. Listen to the HOly Spirit's call to repent, have faith in Jesus, read His Word. It will change your life.