The Second Chance
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Movie Reviews of The Second Chance
Movie Review: An excellent film about rare spiritual values
Summary: 4 Stars
Movies with a Christian worldview are, for the most part, fairly preachy. As a result, most people who aren't Christians avoid these movies, leaving the films solely "preaching to the choir." To the contrary, "The Second Chance" is a groundbreaking film in that it leaves the salvation message alone and instead tackles the role that Christians and the Church should take in our communities.
Rather than re-hash the plot and characters, which have been covered amply in many other Amazon reviews, I'd rather examine the strengths and weaknesses in "The Second Chance." Fortunately, there are far more strengths than weaknesses, despite a first-time director (Steve Taylor) and star (Michael W. Smith).
On the plus side, the flow of the action and the plot are well above average. Instead of covering the typical Christian ground of salvation or the Second Coming, this film delves into an American inner-city, complete with gangs and opportunist politicians. The characterizations are gritty, and the dialogue is real. "The Second Chance" is also about the right length, so viewers won't have much of a chance to get bored.
On the other hand, some of the acting is a little wooden, especially some of the members of Pastor Jake's congregation. Michael W. Smith also takes a little while during the film to settle into his role, though his performance is largely believable.
Using a balance scale, "The Second Chance" is more than satisfying. It provokes viewers to compare themselves with the people they see in the movie and ask themselves what they would do in those situations. Movie viewers may tend to avoid most Christian films, but that would be a mistake in this case. I highly recommend "The Second Chance" as worthy of at least one viewing, and possibly as an addition to your collection.
Movie Review: Church, Money, Race...and the Power of God...
Summary: 4 Stars
The Second Chance is a drama about the Church and about playing Church. Though there is a unifying reconciliation theme running through the movie, it is largely character-driven with an assortment of characters with different personal issues that makes for a multi-faceted storyline that is paradoxically very intimate, as it addresses individuals, yet also very big-picture, as it raises questions about how to deal with local and global societal challenges, the role of money and power in society and the Church, and how best to love God by loving man.
Plot: Comfy suburban White megachurch meets in-the-trenches urban community Black church, and drama happens. Michael W. Smith stars as Ethan ("Gucci") the White associate pastor forced by his church board to "do time" observing and learning from experience with the Black church's Pastor Jake, convincingly played by jeff obafemi carr. With light humor, the movie focuses on the personal and relational transformations of Gucci and Jake as they meet such PG-13 urban challenges as poverty, stereotypes, addictions, physical abuse, gangs, and drugs.
The situations depicted ring true, and I could relate every character and situation from this movie to personal experience. Though the life struggles addressed are fairly common knowledge, such unpleasant realities are often blocked out or tucked away, and this film is a reminder to stay on spiritual track, remembering one's first love and to serve even as Jesus came to serve. The scene that impacted me the most, and which probably will stay with me, involves a youth pastor caring for one of his sheep to the uttermost. It made me want to reach out and love someone.
Movie Review: Plowing New Ground Here
Summary: 4 Stars
First of all, this film is head and shoulders ahead of most Christian films. It's a film you could show your non-Christian friends without them getting up and walking out. It has great camerawork, and the dialogue isn't canned. The characters seem more realistic than the usual for this genre.
Being a member of a large church, it really hits me that God expects you to get your hands dirty (not just your checkbook) helping the less fortunate. The film is a real wakeup call.
Acting is better than average. Jeff Obafemi Carr does a fine job. Michael W. Smith does a credible job as well. The supporting cast is all first rate.
You may be surprised to hear a few curse words in a Christian film. I always wonder how far you cross the line into the secular world to get a message across. Time will tell, I guess.
Completely out of the character he plays in this movie, Michael W. Smith has done volunteer work without a spotlight, cameras, or his name being mentioned in the press. I personally know of one life he has made an everlasting impact on in just such a situation.
Get the movie and decide for yourself. The curse words shouldn't be nearly as offensive as seeing your Savior nailed to a cross.
Movie Review: Will challenge the faith of MATURE Christians
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are a new believer, or just searching... then I recommend "Facing the Giants". However, if you enjoyed "Giants" but weren't spiritually challenged, then I offer The Second Chance.
The movie's message is essentially being a Christian is more than just showing up on Sunday and tossing money in the plate. This movie dares to ask you what are you doing for others? Are you serving the truly needy in your community? It was extremely convicting and I applaud the fact that a small amount of profanity to show the world is not all bright lights and people in ties. It challenges white, middle class, mega church evangelicals, of which I am one.. to get up and do something.
As for the plot and acting.. I will say there were some holes in the plot and not enough build on why a person would change their actions. Some will be angry there is not a "come to Jesus" moment or a challenge to the audience to accept Christ. I did feel there was a potential for a HUGE moment where one pastor "buys" the life of another, but the movie never seems to build on the moment.
Overall, I found this more of a journey and a challenge as to what happens when my check hits the offering plate and makes it to the street.
Movie Review: A FINE CHRISTIAN DRAMA!
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Second Chance" tells the story of two men who share the same faith, and live in the same city, but are from completely different worlds. One is a celebrity figure who works as music director at the biggest church in town; the other is a street-smart preacher who was once in prison, and now works to prevent the kids from his part of town from going down the same path he took. Through a twist of fate, both men are forced to work together. Together, they each come to respect one another, even as outside forces work against them.
This is a fine Christian drama that shows how people who come from different backgrounds can get along when they realize they share one thing in common: the same faith. Michael W. Smith, in his feature film debut, and Jeff Obafemi Carr gives a fine performances. The supporting cast does an equally-impressive job in their respective roles.
The film does tend to drag a bit at times, but the performances, as well as some very moving scenes and fantastic music numbers, manage to make up for the slower moments in the film. I would recommend this film to fans of both Smith and Carr, and also to fans of good, dramatic films. You're sure to enjoy it.
Movie/DVD Grade: B+