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jlinkels
Reviews
To Save a Life (2009)
188 points of cheesiness on a scale of 100
If you ever have to define the meaning of "cheesy" refer to this movie. It isn't necessarily that bad, it is just overdone. It is a bit too much of everything. Too many problems, too much good behavior, too much sincerity, too much caring for one another, too much "hi it's so great to have you here", too many good intentions. to much working to a good future.
For one thing, for a Christian movie it was not bad at all. In some Christian movies, Jesus is pushed down your throat every five minutes, and then again and again and again. This movies is how Christ can help you if you want to accept it. Very much like Fireproof and Flywheel.
It is not Christianity that makes this movie over the top. It is the movie itself which is just overdone in every aspect. Don't expect a great movie. Do expect some interesting views into American high school life and how Christians try to conquer people's souls.
Saving God (2008)
One of the better Christian Movies
In my point of view there are two types on Christian Movies: the one which breathes the message "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) every minute of the film, disregards any acting, storyline, or character development and attempts to push the Holy Ghost through your throat every minute. The other type is about people who have their hardships ad problems in life, and choose to fight and struggle to get out and take Jesus as their support to what they have to go through. These kind of films often have a solid storyline and are well acted.
"Saved God" is definitely of the second kind, although not everything was quite realistic.
The grandmother sitting in church and nodding in agreement in wet eyed ecstasy with the preacher's speech is common and seen often in real life. The pictured life of the street dealer and his boss is completely according to what is shown in other movies, but I am not sure how true that actually is.
--WARNING SPOILER BELOW--- What I find a bit unrealistic is the convicted effort of some of the bad types (the street dealer, his boss, Ashley's mother) to become a better person thanks to God. It is just a little bit overdone. Evil usually conquers. Nevertheless, acting was realistic and believable. If a message had to be passed to the viewers (yes, of course it had, duh!) it was done in a clever and non-pushy way.
jlinkels