The Second Chance
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Movie Reviews of The Second Chance
Movie Review: Great CHRISTIAN movie with a powerful Gospel message
Summary: 5 Stars
I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this movie that I had heard nothing about. I was walking in BlockBuster looking for a movie to rent one day, and saw the title and read the movie info on the DVD jacket, and gave it a try. And I'm glad I did.
Why? Because all too often, we pretend that racial and class issues do not exist in the Church. We don't discuss it. We act as if it doesn't exist. We pretend that Christian people have no issues or problems, no besetting sins or struggles. But that is not reality. What I liked so much about this movie is that it attempted to show the reality of Christians and how they can sometimes act against the very Gospel they are supposed to be fighting for.
Since many reviewers have already done an excellent job of giving many details of the movie, I will simply point out some of the highlights and uplifting moments.
But I have to first say that I am surprised at some of the negative reviews, which seem to me to be written by people who, as Jesus said, "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:24). Ok, so the movie has some cussing in it. I didn't like that either, but that should NOT be used to argue that this is not a "Christian movie" or that it should not be watched. I actually counted the cussing in the movie. And I challenge anyone to compare what I've found to any other "Hollywood" movie. What did I find? There were 8 instances of foul language throughout the whole over 2 hour movie - EIGHT.
When was the last time you saw a Hollywood major motion picture (besides a G rated) that had only 8 cuss words? And even some of those can be considered questionable, as all of them can be found in some of our Bible translations. People are too busy straining out a gnat, and swallowing a camel.
What Jesus meant by that saying is that people made too much of minor things, but overlooked the bigger and more important issues. The central message of forgiveness and racial reconciliation that runs through this movie should not be overlooked for 8 cuss words used to show the reality of how SOME people do talk in the real world (yes, some pastors DO cuss, even though they should not...I've heard it myself).
Two scenes were incredibly funny. One was when pastor Jake was feeding the homeless and talking to the media about how the mayor was kissing the butts of "self-serving corporations." He was about to cuss, but his wife Amanda interjects with "as far as crime and unemployment are concerned..." You'll get it better when you see it. It's hilarious! Then, pastor Jake is sitting up on his bed with his wife watching TV, when he sees "The Rock" church commercial and gets upset that he was put in it. He is about to cuss again, when his wife pops him with a loving elbow in the chest before he does. Now that was classic and comedic. Sometimes a pastor's wife has more sense than the pastors themselves, and that too reflects a reality in the real world of the Church.
One of the most powerful and uplifting scenes in this movie, despite one reviewer's crazy claim that nothing "uplifting" was in the movie, was when "Sunny" asked Tony for forgiveness (a clearly Gospel concept) for being more concerned about Tony using the word "hell" than how he was feeling after taking a gang beating to get a friend out of a gang. Self-sacrifice for another IS uplifting and a Christian concept.
"Sunny," in the church devotional time, proceeds to wash Tony's feet while asking for forgiveness. That action comes right out of the Bible. And as Jake (the black, antagonistic pastor) sees this, he gets convicted for how he treated Ethan, and then goes to the front of the church to pick up the pail and towel to wash Ethan's feet (the white pastor), and both meet together at the front. Then, Ethan proceeds to wash Jake's feet first, showing repentance and forgiveness for both of them. This was the most powerful and uplifting scene in the whole movie, and it brought tears to my eyes.
Forgiveness and redemption are uplifting concepts that are at the heart of the Gospel message. So I simply don't get what some people are thinking, and I wonder if they didn't watch a totally different movie (a bootleg movie with the same title? LOL).
I have to admit that at first pastor Jake's actions and words were disturbing. He's a pastor who uses some questionable foul language at times, BUT he also feeds the homeless regularly, helps men prepare for job interviews, assists his wife in helping women leave prostitution, helps young boys leave gangs and drugs, and helped support a poor African family that barely escaped execution while fleeing their country. Like most real pastors, he had his good and bad qualities. It was refreshing to see both sides in this movie because it reflects reality. But what was even better to see was his change at the end, along with Ethan's, as they reconcile their differences.
Most impressive was when Ethan decided to leave the comforts of his suburban church to live in pastor Jake's area and minister with him in his church with his wife. We need more "changes" like that in the real world.
The overall message of this movie is thoroughly Christian, and I wish it had gotten more "press" and exposure, as this message needs to get out to more people in the church. We need to address the issues that the movie touches on, the issues of race, discrimination, class, and emotional grudges in ministry that cause problems for the body of Christ. WE need to deal with these things and not pretend they don't exist. This powerful little movie CAN help us do just that. Great job Michael W. Smith and company! We need more films like this!
Movie Review: 4 1/2 Stars...Colors and Glimmers
Summary: 5 Stars
With numerous examples of poorly made Christian films--and, even worse, preachy ones--I feared getting my hopes up for "The Second Chance." Though billed as something other than the churchy norm, the obvious setting of churches and pastors and pews made this an easy film for non-churchgoers to avoid.
Which is too bad, really. This is a movie worth being watched and discussed by those inside and out of "the fold."
Steve Taylor's story addresses issues of racism, class, hypocricy, and spiritual arrogance--and shows that all of these things exist on both sides of the economic/religious tracks. The story revolves around two pastors, both from similar church backgrounds, but having gone vastly different ways in their purposes and styles of ministry. When the rising suburban "pop star" pastor begins to truly involve himself in the community of his urban counterpart, his motives are tested. The relationship between the two ministers gets off to a rocky start, and, thanks to Taylor's directing, never seems too easily resolved. Eventually, they are challenged to find reconciliation by unexpected sources.
The photography in the film is nicely done. The acting drew me into each of the characters' lives (Carr is great, and yes, Michael W. Smith pulls off his parts with surprising ease and credibility). The music is understated, yet fitting. Although I would've liked to see a bit more grittiness in the gang-related scenes, I think the story captured the basics of urban life. And those who have complaints about any brief swear words are apparently far removed from the much harsher language that goes on in such settings.
Sure, the movie has a few glitches, but it has many things to be commended. It doesn't paint issues in black and white; instead it paints them in the very real colors of the human experience, with glimmers of Godly hope shining through it all.
**the DVD has nice extras, for those wanting a deeper look**
Movie Review: Take a chance on Second Chance
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I buy or even review a movie from amazon.com I always read the 1 star reviews first so that I may have a fuller understanding of both sides. The "bad"reviews said this was not an uplifting movie, that the Christianity is questionable and that no examples of Christ were present.
Well to be honest, no, this was not an uplifting movie, but it wasn't intended to be. It was an in your face realization that we don't do enough in the way of homeless, drug abuse, and at risk youth in our communities. The main point of this movie is to become doers of the Word and not just listeners. Get involved with local charities or homeless shelters. Rolling down the window and giving spare change or a dollar is good, but it doesn't have a lasting impact on you. This movie shows what happens when you get involved.
I believe this movie held up it's Christian values. The church was open to anyone that wanted to change. From hookers to gang members, the church did not turn their back.
In a example of Christ, a boy that wanted out of a gang had to have a ritual beating. But it as a friend that step in and took that beating for him. He was put in the hospital the beating was so bad, but he did it out of love.
I believe we hear about Jesus at church, but to find him, you have to leave your comfort zone. In closing, yes Michael W. Smith can act.
Movie Review: A Very Effective Movie, Though Not A Typical Christian Movie.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not the first reviewer who saw this movie because of the fact that it was directed by Steve Taylor. This is the first movie my wife and I went to see at a theater together in over a decade, and it was worth it.
One reviewer complained about the profanity. I agree with another reviewer that it fit the character and what might really happen. There is a realism in this movie that a lot of Christian movies miss.
One thing that this movie does well: It silently argues for racial reconciliation. The protagonists are of different races, and so are the antagonists. The focus is putting your faith into action.
This is not a family movie, but very suitable for a group of teenagers, especially shown with a time given for discussion afterwards. Actually, I would recommend it being shown to a group of adults with said discussion following.
One final treat is the closing song, co-written by Steve Taylor and Michael W. Smith. I have been a fan of both separately, and this collaboration brings out the best of both artists.
Movie Review: The Second Chance
Summary: 5 Stars
Steve Taylor and Michael W. Smith usually would bring to mind music of the 80's. But they've both developed and kept their careers going and it was neat to see that they collaborated on a movie.
First off, my expectations are not high when I view a Christian movie. Simply because they are usually low budget and preachy. After seeing this one, I'd say they have raised the bar on quality.
The message was simple yet very challenging. Though the plot was predictable, there was a lot of events and a few twists to keep you watching. At the end, it made me wish that our church could be involved in something like what they did. I did cringe when the pastor swore in the pulpit because I wasn't expecting it in a "Christian" movie. But it was true to his character and it showed how Christians are more realistically.
I hope that this movie is the start of something new. Steve Taylor did an excellent job as a newer director and Smitty did a fine job in acting. I look forward to seeing Taylor's next movie efforts!