“Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood,” said Walt Disney.
“Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood,” said Walt Disney. If the family entertainment legend’s observation is accurate, a movie scheduled for release in September has the opportunity to portray a realistic and hopeful view of marriage to cinema goers – both young and old.
“Fireproof,” set to open in theaters Sept. 26, addresses the issue of modern-day marriage head-on. The messages conveyed are clear: marriage is anything but easy, relationships require patience, and there is hope for struggling marriages.
I was privileged to see “Fireproof” during the Evangelical Press Association annual convention in May. Following is a brief synopsis and my take on the film.
Fire Capt. Caleb Holt, played by Kurt Cameron of “Growing Pains” fame, is a well-respected firefighter. At work he embraces the philosophy of “never leave your partner behind.” At home, Caleb displays a me-first attitude that negatively impacts his marriage.
Though their marriage started out on the right track, Catherine Holt has come to realize that somewhere it took a wrong turn. She wonders when she stopped being “good enough” for her husband. A once loving relationship is peppered with arguments and petty bickering over housework and finances.
Complicating the already turbulent marriage are possible extra-marital interests and pornography. When divorce seems imminent for the frustrated couple, Caleb’s father challenges his son to commit to “The Love Dare,” a 40-day commitment with the goal of restoring a broken marriage. Caleb reluctantly begins the experiment.
Caleb tries to follow the instructions in the “The Love Dare.” However, when Catherine does not immediately respond, he becomes frustrated. When she questions his motives, Caleb becomes incensed. When he realizes that the lessons are rooted in his parent’s newfound faith, he wants to abandon the project. However, at his father’s urging, Caleb sticks it out.
In frustration Caleb asks his father, “How am I supposed to love somebody who constantly rejects me?’’ His father responds by sharing the gospel. Caleb embraces Christ’s love and begins to make significant changes in his life.
Buoyed by a new faith, Caleb begins to learn what it means to really love his wife. However, this is not a fairytale and everything is not immediately happily-ever-after. And it remains to be seen if Catherine wants her marriage to be rescued.
“Fireproof” is the third feature film from Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Ala. “Facing the Giants,” is the most well-known of the previous Sherwood releases. A fun, family flick that did not shy away from matters of faith, “Giants” was well received by movie goers.
One aspect of Sherwood Pictures production standards, which sets it apart from the rest of the film-making world, is it will only use Christians in its movies. In fact, most of the cast consists of members from Sherwood Baptist Church.
The amateur nature of Sherwood’s actors showed up in “Facing the Giants.” While the story was entertaining, the acting lagged behind. This is not the case in “Fireproof.” Kirk Cameron is the only professional in the cast of “Fireproof,” and he delivers a fine performance.
However, all the acting is believable. With the exception of one lackluster performance, all the acting in “Fireproof,” while amateur, is more than adequate. It is far-and-away better than the acting in “Giants.”
While “Facing the Giants” was a movie for the whole family, “Fireproof” is not. It is an intense film that deals with mature themes. It is probably appropriate for older teens, but I would not recommend it for younger children.
One of the issues that “Fireproof” touches on is pornography, a subject not easily addressed. However, the film deals with the destructive nature of porn in a manner that is tactful and appropriate. In fact, I have never seen the issue dealt with so well.
Another aspect of “Fireproof” I appreciated is that it is rooted in reality.
The story line is possible, the relationships resonate with reality and the plot twists are plausible.
“Fireproof” is a perfect illustration that marriages do not get into trouble overnight. Little by little relationships erode until they are at the point of breaking apart. Only a lot of hard work, patience, prayer and unconditional love can save a marriage on the brink of falling apart.
If nothing else, “Fireproof” might provide a spark of hope for someone in a struggling marriage that with the Lord all things are indeed possible.
Mark your calendar for Sept. 26. Contact your local theater now and ask the manager to run “Fireproof.” Whatever the condition of your marriage, you need to see this movie. And you need to encourage others to see it as well.