As Easter approaches, we are barraged with spiritual and inspirational films aplenty. Certainly this would be the most advantageous time to release them, garnering the maximum profit in order to have the funds to produce more. In viewing "Breakthrough", we can witness God's power and mercy depicted in order to save a 14-year-old boy.
"Breakthrough" is based on the inspirational true story of one mother's unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith's (Chrissy Metz) adopted son John (Marcel Ruiz) falls through the icy Lake St. Louis in Missouri, all hope seems lost considering he is oxygen deprived for 20 minutes. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up, even though others do. She then marches into the trauma room, after a failed code, and starts praying loudly that God would breathe life back into John. All of a sudden John's pulse returns, but he is a long way from recovery if he ever does. Joyce's steadfast belief inspires those around her including her husband, Brian (Josh Lucas), her friend Cindy Reiger (Rebecca Staab), her pastor, Jason Noble (Topher Grace), and others, to continue to pray for John's recovery, even in the face of every case history and scientific prediction. This is an enthralling reminder that faith, prayer and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle.
Others to round out the cast are Dennis Haysbert as Dr. Garrett, Sam Trammell as Dr. Kent Sutterer, Mike Colter as Tommy Shine, Ali Skovbye as Emma, Victor Zinck Jr. as Joe Morrow, Lisa Durupt as Paula Noble, Jason's wife, Taylor Mosby as Chayla, Isaac Kragten as Josh and Nikolas Dukic as Josh Reiger, Cindy's son.
Remarkably, this was directed by newcomer to feature films, Roxann Dawson (tons of TV). Clearly with the plethora of all the TV she has directed has enabled her to be able to follow suit in the feature film realm. All these characters were real with their emotions, and considering this subject matter could definitely go the maudlin route, this was handled deftly and this is certainly talented directing. It was effectively written well by a relative newcomer to feature films, Grant Nieporte ("Seven Pounds" '08) plus TV, based on the inspiring book by Joyce Smith. Through interviews I've seen prior to this film's release, it was said that Joyce Smith and others emphasized the importance of actual certain words to be implemented in the script, so as to make this storyline to be as true as true can be. So although some of the script was already planned out, the screenplay still had to be cohesive and follow through effectively to make this plot work, and this writer did so in spades. Other than a couple of small places of slowness, this script simply soared. Again, with a good deal of TV under his belt, Nieporte was able to really showcase what he can do. Another film that comes to mind with a similar feel to it is 2016's "Miracles from Heaven" based on a true story about a boy who went to heaven, but was sent back. Both of these films were produced by DeVon Franklin pga. It will be interesting to see Nieporte's "The Big Fight" which is completed and should be released soon.
I personally encourage more of the inspirational type films to be released in theaters considering how volatile our society is these days. Sometimes I believe the incredibly violent, drug themed films merely encourage a worsened sociological people that if were given more films like this one to watch, maybe, just maybe the society in which we live might improve. It certainly couldn't hurt! This is must see for one and all--to see that God is still in the healing and forgiving business.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG 116mins.
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