Do You Believe?

In a day where there is so much uncertainty going on around us--a bad economy, an upward crime rate, unemployment still at an all time high, divorce growing by leaps and bounds, etc., it should be no surprise that inspirational films have become a regular staple in the film world. Films such as "Soul Surfer", "Courageous", "Fireproof", "Facing the Giants", "God's Not Dead", and the like have paved their way into the multiplex, mostly within the last dozen years or so. So it's no wonder that "Do You Believe?" wouldn't follow suit.

A dozen different souls including Samantha (Mira Sorvino), Joe (Brian Boswell) Carlos (Joseph Julian Soria), Bobby (Liam Matthews), Teri (Cybill Shepherd), J.D. (Lee Majors) and others, all moving in different directions, all longing for something more. As their lives unexpectedly, inexplicably intersect, they each are about to discover there is power in the Cross of Christ... even if they don't yet believe it. When a local pastor, Matthew (Ted McGinley) is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher, Malachi (Delroy Lindo), instead of dismissing this guy as a sort of zealous fanatic, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.

Others to round out the cast are Sean Astin as Dr. Farell, Alexa PenaVega as Lacey, Madison Pettis as Maggie, Andrea Logan White as Andrea, Makenzie Moss as Lily, Arthur Cartwright as Little B, Senyo Amoaku as Kriminal, and Valerie Dominguez as Elena.

This was effectively directed by Jonathan M. Gunn ("Mercy Streets" 2000, "My Date with Drew" (Documentary) '04, "Like Dandelion Dust" '09, "The Week" '14). He was able to brings the gambit of emotions out of these actors that one might go through as they are seeking a spiritual walk--whether they realize it or not, and most people don't actually realize it. The way these emotions were emitted were extremely realistic--where some would change and some, clearly, would not. It was well scripted by a collaborating team of writers, Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon who were, amongst others films, instrumental in writing the recent, "God's Not Dead" which not only packed a wallop, but was a surprise hit. But considering that many are seeking a way to ease their problems and worries in this life, it is no wonder that films like these would not be successful. This, like "God's Not Dead" is presented in a sort of "Crash" '05 type of format--just a spiritual slant on it. So, if you liked the film, "Crash", you will assuredly like this script.

Whether one is 'searching' or not out there in that cold, cruel world, there is certainly something for everyone here as these people stumble along life and find what they are looking for, and some that do not. But this is life--whether it be good, bad or ugly.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                     Rated: PG-13                                     115mins.