Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Christian-themed marriage drama won't grab kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fireproof
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is inspirational and offers valuable lessons on marriage, making it an excellent choice for couples, especially those on the brink of divorce, as well as individuals considering dating. While many appreciate the strong message about selflessness and commitment, some viewers noted that the acting was subpar and that it presented a somewhat unbalanced view of gender roles in marital infidelity.
- inspirational message
- marriage focus
- family-friendly
- acting quality
- gender roles
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 20 kid reviews
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?
Despite FIREPROOF's core positive message, the acting is fairly weak, and 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 26, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : January 27, 2009
- Cast : Erin Bethea , Ken Bevel , Kirk Cameron
- Director : Alex Kendrick
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Company
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and some peril.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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