 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fireproof
- Review Date: September 29, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Christian-themed marriage drama won't grab kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that a powerful grassroots marketing campaign has helped turn this Christian-themed indie drama about a fireman with a troubled marriage into a hit. While the content is age-appropriate for older tweens and up, the marriage-centric story isn't likely to interest them. The plot includes mention of online porn (it's frowned on, of course), but viewers don't really see anything salacious. Marriage is portrayed as tough and often devoid of love, affection, or respect, but something that Christians are expected to endure anyway. Non-Christian viewers might be uncomfortable with some of the movie's dialogue and themes; on the flipside, at least it skips some of the raw language and sex in other Hollywood firefighting movies (like Backdraft).
What's the story?
Caleb (Kirk Cameron) is the heroic chief of a Georgia firehouse. But at home, in a failing two-career marriage, he feels like he's in the doghouse. His wife, hospital administrator Catherine (Erin Bethea), doesn't show him much affection or respect; in fact, she's secretly attracted to a doctor at work, while Caleb's been caught more than once looking at online pornography. Proud and hot-tempered, Caleb isn't religious, but his father is, so he mails his son a handmade "love dare" book -- a 40-day plan, with Bible quotes in the margins, to do nice things for Catherine no matter how much she pushes him away.
Is it any good?
What's not to like about a pro-marriage drama? Well, despite FIREPROOF's core positive message, the acting is fairly weak, the production values are rough around the edges, and even though much of it takes place in a firehouse, there's more talking than rescue action. And some non-religious viewers might be put off by the film's evangelical Christian roots. It's not enough for Caleb to give up his dirty Web surfing and learn to shop, sweep, and do the dishes; in order to earn Catherine's devotion, he must be born again, and the script doesn't make things very easy for him -- the burden is on him to turn the other cheek as Catherine spurns him again and again, with nobody calling her on her own questionable behavior.
All of that said, the film (which was made by the same pastors/filmmakers behind Facing the Giants) earns realism points for frankly acknowledging that marriage can be difficult and even bleak at times. And nobody here is perfect; even characters who mentor Caleb admit to grievous past sins.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the film's messages about marriage. Talk about the concept of "unconditional love" -- what exactly does that mean? How do different groups (religious or otherwise) feel about divorce? Do you have to be a Christian to understand or appreciate what this movie is saying about marriage and life in general?
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AGE
Decent
I found some of the main characters to be rather unlikeable and the acting to be a bit stiff, but it's not terrible.
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AGE
reasons for why i rated things the way i did
caleb gets a little violent when getting angry w/ his wife he throws the trash can, smashes his computer w/ a basball bat. it isnt as much violent as i would say it is a little nerveing while he is fighting fires.there are some scenes where between caleb and his wife and if you dont want your kids to see that kind of arguing back and forth than this movie isnt for you. caleb and his wife gradually grow closer together!iput positive & negative role models because calebs wife does flirt and cheat on caleb ! but the positive part is that caleb later sees the importance of staying with his wife and learned to treat her correctly ! calebs parents are also very supporive of his decision ! if you have seen fly wheel and facing the giants by the same producers and liked either or both of those movies i can asure that you will like this movie too !
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AGE
Best yet!!!!
I LOVE this movie. It is so great. The only reason I would rate this twelve and up is the subject matter. There is no sexual content, and no language. Such a great film.
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AGE
Great family movie 10+
I really enjoyed this movie.
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AGE
"Never Leave Your Spouse"
This movie has a great message. Younger children might not like this movie, but I love it. There's emotion, a little adventure, and the word of God.
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AGE
Good, Christian movie
This movie is good, and I'm 13. My brother, who's 11, liked it as well. I thought it was interesting and it grabbed my attention. I'm glad this movie actually taught a lesson, made sense, and was actually worth seeing. Younger kids will most likely find this boring, and adults (especially those who are married!) will REALLY enjoy this movie!
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AGE
Christian movie highlights important topics!
This was a really, REALLY good movie that my family and I loved. It was an amazing story, and you couldn't help but feel such a range of emotions, like tension and fear at the railway car accident which wasn't at all gory, and sadness at the rejection Catherine gives Caleb, even after he had been working so hard at the Love Dare, and finally happiness after Catherine realizes that it was Caleb, not the hot doctor that works with her that had donated the money to get her ill mother a new wheelchair and hospital bed from the money he had been saving up for so long to buy a boat. This movie has amazing messages, like marrige can be tough at times, but not to give up, and that no one is perfect. Fireproof definetaly dealt with some mature topics, but especially for a Christian- Catholic family, this was an amazing movie that was approprite and healthy for us to watch!
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AGE
Good family movie
I liked the movie it was ok.I would say 11 and up because i dont think younger kids would get it
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AGE
This is a great movie to make you think about your marriage. I thought it was spot on for the differences between men and women. It had a good balance of humor, seriousness, and action.
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AGE
Very good movie has some mature topics...
I am 11 and this movie did grab my attention and I thought it was very interesting and sad. Caleb's a fireman so you expect some violence, but nothing that goes over the PG limit. Caleb is always online for sexual purposes, but it's implied, not shown, so younger kids won't even know it's happening. This movie has a great message and it just lifted my spirit when the two got back together in the end. I rated this movie 10 and older because it has some rough topics like divorce and violence. The Pg rating is accurate and the movie may bore younger kids, may not. It certainly didn't for me.
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| Studio: | Samuel Goldwyn Company |
| Director: | Alex Kendrick |
| Cast: | Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Kirk Cameron |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 121 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 26, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | January 27, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic material and some peril. |
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