God's Not Dead 2

Christian-based films and inspirational films are not only being made more plentiful, but are making money much more in the process. Why? It has to be the fact that living in this world is becoming increasingly taxing and difficult at best. When 2014's "God's Not Dead" was released, who knew it would become the box office success it became? So, the same people got together to recreate a message-packed sequel appropriately titled "God's Not Dead 2".

A high school history teacher, Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) gets caught up in a high-profile legal case when a student, Brooke Thawley (Hayley Orrantia) asks her a specific question regarding Jesus Christ. Controversial because the question was asked in a public school scenario. Grace is subsequently suspended by Principal Kinney (Robin Givens) pending investigation. Because she refuses to apologize and recant her beliefs, through her court-appointed attorney, Tom Endler (Jesse Metcalfe) she faces strong opposition from brash attorney Peter Kane (Ray Wise). Brooke's parents, Richard and Catherine Thawley (Carey Scott and Maria Canals-Barrera) respectively, are bringing this to trial because they feel Wesley pushed her beliefs on their daughter, hence hiring Kane. Is this an infringement on others' beliefs or is this a serious commentary when religious freedom is compromised?

Others to round out the cast are David A.R. White as Pastor Dave, Ernie Hudson as Judge Robert Stennis, Paul Kwo as Martin Yip, Pat Boone as Walter Wesley, Benjamin A. Onyango as Pastor Jude and Fred Dalton Thompson as Senior Pastor.

This was effectively directed by Harold Gronk ("Jerusalem Countdown" '11, "The Adventures of Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure" '12, "God is Not Dead" '13, "God's Not Dead" '14, "Pirates Code: The Adventures of Mickey Matson" '14). Certainly this film is familiar ground for this filmmaker, so when this sequel was even being mulled over to produce, it was just a knee-jerk reaction to hire this guy to helm that director's chair. This definitely helped because the emotional feel of the characters were extremely similar which is what one would want--makes it more real. It was incredibly well thought out in storyline by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon. Again these guys wrote its predecessor, so when viewing this film, assuming one saw the original, one would have that feeling of already knowing these characters. Even the new characters in this were well delineated to get that message across which was paramount in the creation of its premise. There are other smaller subplots in this that intertwine effortlessly which add to the story instead of detract from it as with so many other films. Whether one believes or not, the way this story is written, one can truly understand either side, but at the end of the day, which side is going to be the most compelling? There are scriptural references, there are physical, fact-based evidences or references--something for all to lean on.

Was this classroom scenario simply blown out of proportion or are certain religious beliefs being tolerated or not? Certainly, if one religion is not tolerated, all must be ignored. Our Constitution promises a country of freedom of religion, so when and if we start losing those freedoms, this is certainly the beginning of the end. Nuff said.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                  Rated: PG                                 121mins.