What parents need to know
Positive role models
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie, which was produced by the same Protestant church that made Fireproof, is equal parts message movie and Evangelical ministry tool. Consequently, the story focuses on themes about conversion to Christianity and being a good, godly father. There's no language or sex, but there's more violence/peril than in similar films -- the cop protagonists engage in chases and skirmishes with suspects that end in fight fights and, in one case, a child being temporarily taken hostage at gunpoint. Tragedy strikes the central family, and one cop's baby is nearly kidnapped when his truck is car jacked. Because of the grown-up themes that focus on the nature of fatherhood and following God's path as a parent, this isn't a movie that will appeal to kids; it's aimed at the men, particularly dads, in the audience.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's the story?
Adam (Alex Kendrick) is a police officer in a small Georgia town. When Nathan (Ken Bevel) transfers to the squad from a bigger city, the two of them and their partners, Shane (Kevin Downes) and David (Ben Davies), form an easy friendship centered around work and socializing with their families. After a tragic accident strikes Adam's family, he's at first distraught; but then he decides to study the Bible for enlightenment about what it takes to a righteous father. After weeks of research and prayer, Adam creates a special contract that he plans to sign to as a sacred oath. His friends agree to join him -- even David, who isn't a Christian at the start of the movie. Just as the four men are settling into their renewed roles as godly fathers, one of them compromises himself -- and forces his colleagues to decide whether to cover for him or keep him accountable to their shared oath.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
In some ways, this is the best film produced to date by Kendrick and the other filmmakers at Sherwood Baptist Church. The production values are good, a couple of the actors -- particularly Bevel and Davies -- seem like pros, and they're obviously using their profits from Fireproof to up the ante here. But for secular audiences or those who don't already believe in the Evangelical idea of what constitutes a good Christian family, the movie could be off-putting once the focus shifts to Adam's mission in the second half.
Â
It's not that the plot isn't touching or the message inspiring -- every man should aspire to be a wonderful, loving father who puts his children first, even when it's not convenient. But so much of the film feels like an invitation not just to church but to a very specific kind of Christianity that it's hard not to feel preached to, even though there are some genuinely poignant moments. Ultimately the appeal here is for those who already believe, in which case the movie is a call to action and reaffirmation to be the ideal Christian father.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about what makes a good father. What does this movie teach about the meaning of fatherhood? Does that match your own experience?
Do you have to be a Christian to understand or appreciate what this movie is saying about fatherhood and life in general?
Do you think the violent/tense scenes were necessary to the story? Why or why not?
Movie details
| Theatrical release date: | September 30, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | January 16, 2012 |
| Cast: | Alex Kendrick, Ken Bevel, Kevin Downes |
| Director: | Alex Kendrick |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 130 minutes |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some violence and drug content |
Great handpicked alternatives
For kids who love their dad
Browse more movies
Top advice and articles
What parents and kids say
Share your thoughts with other parents and kids Write a user review
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines
QUALITY
love movie
This movie is the best. I hope it will teach people to love there families and GOD.
What other families should know
Great role models
QUALITY
BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!!!
This is one is on my TOP 10 FAVORATE MOVIE LIST!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this movie alot.... I went to see it with my brother and a few friends.... But when I left the theater I wish my dad was there to see it with us! He did pick us up... and I really hope we see it with him soon!!! I have never seen a movie like this. I liked that it had some things in the movie that was on edge for us teenagers, cause even though most Christian movie I've seen are really good, this isn't for anyone under 10... and it give teens some freedom to see a good movie that isn't for younger children, but without any kind of profanity or imorality. It was very good, and when (SPOIL ALERT!) Adam's son said that he wished he had been a better brother to his late sister, it made me think about my siblings... and that if they were gone tomorrow, what if i didn't say I was sorry for something or made them feel bad about something.... SO this is a MUST SEEEE!!! OK? :)
What other families should know
Great role models
QUALITY
Two thumbs WAY Up! An excellent movie
What other families should know
Great role models
