The movie Fireproof, for the most part, never played in theatres in Canada, so this week’s video release was our first look at the film. Once again, the people at Sherwood Church delivered an amazing production. This is the work of one local church. Where were these people when I was forced to view tacky Christian flicks as a kid?
While the result might not impressed more regular cinema attendees — hey, we don’t get out much, but we know no film is perfect – I found myself constantly thinking, “Okay, I like how they did that;” or “It was wise letting the audience just infer that development without spelling it out;” or “It was realistic to insert that moment of comic relief in the middle of that scene.” Christian films have matured.
The acting was credible, even on the part of Kirk Cameron, oft-criticized for his performances in the Left Behind series. The use of music was good, too; although more would have been better; some scenes seemed “too quiet” lacking in background sound textures and what are termed Foley effects.
But you know, even if the acting had been terrible and the thing was recorded in 16mm film; there is no denying that this is an absolutely powerful story, which delivers twists and turns right to the very end. There is a great script at work here; which is part of a larger script: the power of God to change lives, even lives in the middle of crisis.
Unlike its predecessor, Facing the Giants, the movie Fireproof arrives in DVD accompanied by a host of ancillary products. There is the Fireproof Couples Kit, the Fireproof marriage curriculum (both Outreach, Inc.), the novelization of the movie (Thos. Nelson), the marriage book (Christian Literature Crusade), and the book Love Dare (Broadman). Each one of these products is designed to allow those who have seen the movie and want to take further steps to have a means by which to do so. (Not necessarily so noble are the t-shirts and obligatory soundtrack CD.)
This is a movie that is evocative without being emotionally exploitative. It is evangelistic without being overbearing about it. All couples, especially couples in crisis should watch this together.
I can’t wait to see what production the people at Sherwood bring us next.
