This is only the **second** Christian movie that I would ever recommend to friends, and buy the DVD. (The first was "The Second Chance", directed by Steve Taylor, starring Michael W. Smith.) "Fireproof" is a wonderful example of *how far* Christian movies have come. Both Christian and non-Christian characters are shown as flawed people, the dialogue was (mostly) believable and well-paced, and the script was awesome.
Best of all--everyone's problems didn't magically go away when people got saved. Most Christian movies are choked with a "deus ex machina" that shows life being all sunshine and roses after a simple sinner's prayer. This element, more than any other, is what makes Christian movies unbelievable and unpalatable in the eyes of believers and unbelievers alike. Fireproof gave the main character plenty of room for growth *after* he accepted Christ, then made us wonder if he ever would reach his goal of restoring his marriage.
We can overlook the obvious product placement for Chic-fil-A, since they probably gave a hefty grant to fund the movie. :) What I can't overlook is the way that the characters talked about Christianity. The "Christian-ese" of this movie was ladled on like thick gravy, and it was hard to get at the yummy story underneath. When Caleb and his dad were talking about salvation, they tossed around phrases like "significance" that most people just don't use in casual conversation. There's no need to dress up basic human needs in fancy words. However, most Christian *ministers* have this problem, so it's not restricted to these film makers. We as a body of artists need to find words that communicate salvation in common, every-day language. (Just like the apostles did, using Koine Greek!) All in all, I'm thankful this movie was made, and I'm thankful for the blessing it's been in the lives and marriages of the people that watched it.
Best of all--everyone's problems didn't magically go away when people got saved. Most Christian movies are choked with a "deus ex machina" that shows life being all sunshine and roses after a simple sinner's prayer. This element, more than any other, is what makes Christian movies unbelievable and unpalatable in the eyes of believers and unbelievers alike. Fireproof gave the main character plenty of room for growth *after* he accepted Christ, then made us wonder if he ever would reach his goal of restoring his marriage.
We can overlook the obvious product placement for Chic-fil-A, since they probably gave a hefty grant to fund the movie. :) What I can't overlook is the way that the characters talked about Christianity. The "Christian-ese" of this movie was ladled on like thick gravy, and it was hard to get at the yummy story underneath. When Caleb and his dad were talking about salvation, they tossed around phrases like "significance" that most people just don't use in casual conversation. There's no need to dress up basic human needs in fancy words. However, most Christian *ministers* have this problem, so it's not restricted to these film makers. We as a body of artists need to find words that communicate salvation in common, every-day language. (Just like the apostles did, using Koine Greek!) All in all, I'm thankful this movie was made, and I'm thankful for the blessing it's been in the lives and marriages of the people that watched it.