Parents' Guide to

God's Not Dead 2

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Strong acting can't redeem heavy-handed drama.

Movie PG 2016 124 minutes
God's Not Dead 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 9+

Based on 11 parent reviews

1stmeridian
1stmeridian Adult
September 26, 2021
age 10+

Worthy of your time

This is a great film about faith and freedom. We need more of this in our world and less violence and vulgar content.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Jason SkyWalker
Jason SkyWalker Adult
June 15, 2020
age 6+

GOD’s not dead!

Great movie for all ages, especially when one really wants an exposure to the more intellectual look at GOD and great themes of self worth, freedom of speech, loving your neighbour, and educating yourself. Also right on-time for Children or adults who are developing their perspective on faith. Good acting throughout although there are areas of cliche. Great movie

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In GOD'S NOT DEAD 2, during a high school history lesson on the civil rights movement, a student asks about the parallels between Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesus Christ. Teacher Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) gives a thoughtful reply, making a clear link between the two -- and then finds herself in hot water when the local school board claims she's bringing religion into the classroom. Soon Grace is hauled into court to defend her actions, and her lawyer, Tom Endler (Jesse Metcalfe), takes the unusual tactic of arguing that Jesus was a historical figure.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11):
Kids say (13):

The acting is earnest in this faith-based drama, and though it may sometimes veer toward maudlin, it's the single biggest reason to see the movie. Hart and Metcalfe have clearly thrown themselves into their roles, and they're backed by a strong supporting cast that includes Robin Givens, Ernie Hudson, and Ray Wise.

But good acting can't save God's Not Dead 2 from being wholly formulaic. The legal machinations that Tom relies on in the courtroom are somewhat interesting, but the movie's message is diluted by villainizing the characters who are non-believers. And then there's the script: On the surface, it fascinates, but in the end it reveals itself to be relying on cliches and oversimplification. Kudos for the heart, faith, and dedication that clearly went into making this movie, but it's neither original nor compassionate.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how God's Not Dead 2 relays its point of view. What is that perspective? Who is the audience for this movie? How can you tell?

  • Are all movies designed to convince you of something? What's it like to watch a movie that promotes beliefs different from yours? How does it feel when you identify with a movie's perspective?

  • What do you think of the concept of using a courtroom to debate Jesus' existence? Is it effective or heavy handed? And what do you think about the incident that landed Grace in trouble? Did she cross a line, or was the subject a legitimate historical question?

  • How does Grace demonstrate perseverance? Do you consider her a role model?

Movie Details

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