Grace Unplugged

If you don't mind the predictable plot twists, this is a feel-good tale about the power of faith and family. It's a classic "prodigal son" story but with a daughter and no faithful older sibling to contrast with her rebellion. Instead, the movie features two steadfast Christian teens to act as her foil: Grace's best friend Rachel (Jamie Grace) -- who doesn't understand why she complains about her caring parents and wonderful life -- and Quentin, the record-label intern who encourages Grace to stick to her beliefs. The movie really lays on the melodrama: Grace can't seem to have a leveled conversation with her dad without devolving into a whiny, diva-ish brat; and later Grace doesn't have any real friends (including her lantern-jawed celebrity boyfriend) in LA, which might as well be Sodom and Gomorrah the way it's portrayed in the drama.

Eventually, as in the Biblical parable, Grace finds her way -- humbled and true of heart -- back to her forgiving parents. The problem is, in the end, she doesn't really suffer any consequences from her decisions. Everything is far better than it was when she was being rebellious. And that's an overly simplistic message to send. It would have been preferable for her to end up like her father -- satisfied performing at church instead of being tempted to contradict her beliefs. Still, the happy ending is pretty welcome after a second act full of so much eye-rollingly obvious anti-Hollywood drama like her being asked to pose for a sexy album cover, record a suggestive single, and perform at bars.