Courageous

Sometimes seeing inspirational films, depending on how they are treated, can be quite fulfilling and even humbling. As with the case of "Courageous", certainly if you're a Dad, this can be quite humbling and a great learning experience. All of us being kids to Dads, this can be equally touching and emotional.

Four men, one calling: to serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they face danger every day. Yet when tragedy strikes close to home, these fathers, Adam Mitchell, Shane Fuller, Nathan Hayes, and David Thomson (Alex Kendrick, Kevin Downes, Ken Bevel, and Ben Davies) respectively, are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, and their faith. From this struggle will come a decision that changes all of their lives. With action, drama, humor, apprehension, redemption, and closure, the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures embraces God's promise to "turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers." Souls and emotions will arise and be stirred, and hearts will be challenged to be... courageous!

Others to round out the cast are Robert Amaya as Javier Martinez, another father going through what the other fathers are going through--a carpenter friend, T.C. Stallings as T.J., a gang leader, Rusty Martin as Dylan Mitchell, Adam's son, Angelita Nelson as Carmen Martinez, Javier's wife, Lauren Etchells as Emily Mitchell, Adam's daughter, Renee Jewell as Victoria Mitchell, Adam's wife, Ed Litton as Pastor Hunt, and Rusty Martin Sr. as Frank Tyson, Javier's boss.

This was painstakingly and carefully directed by Alex Kendrick ("Flywheel" '03, "Facing the Giants" '06, "Fireproof" '08), who seems to go over the top to bring this message across. The message was somewhat heavy-handed, but considering it's about an area that is sorely in need of addressing, I can understand his passion about the topic. It was equally well written by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick. They were able to peel off, layer by layer, these problems each of these fathers had in order for them to see their shortcomings, and the children also, which made this a well delineated script. 

Be sure to bring a half box of kleenex with you, because it is a tear-jerker at times. Again, considering the subject matter, and how this can affect so many people, I see how this can cause such emotion. Believe me, this is a good thing. 

Considering the cast are virtual unknowns, at least of mainstream films, the acting was superb. It was like watching people live their lives, instead of watching actors act. The writing, directing and other production values were right on the mark. 

This is a film everyone should see. It's a great message for those that are struggling with their families, their faith, and their hope. Kudos!

Out of 4 stars: 4                      Rated: PG-13                  130min.