May 14, 2011- Sherwood Baptist Church started making films in 2003 as part of their outreach ministry. They’ve produced 3 films so far, with a 4th one set to be released later this year. “Fireproof” is the first of the Sherwood films that starred a professional actor, Kirk Cameron.
The plot isn’t overly complicated. Firefighter Caleb Holt (Cameron) and his wife are having marital problems. She feels he is distant, selfish and spends too much time on the internet looking at porn. He feels she doesn’t respect him and nags too much. They are headed for a divorce. Caleb’s father gives him a book that has a 40 day “love dare” he wants Caleb to try. Along the way, Caleb learns about his wife, himself, God, his family and his co-workers. In becoming a better husband, Holt also becomes a better man.
Professional critics generally run down movies like “Fireproof”, as do people that consider themselves connoisseurs. They frequently complain about the acting, the dialog and the “heavy handed” religious message. While doing all that complaining, they really miss the point.
Ok, the acting isn’t great. With the exception of Cameron, the rest of the cast are just members of the Sherwood congregation. They aren’t professionals doing it for money, rather amateurs doing it for love. The criticism of the dialog is fair. Sometimes the dialog is a little stilted and awkward sounding.
As for the religious message criticism…I don’t get it. The film is produced by a church. Why anyone is surprised when that the theme and message are obviously religious sort of confuses me? I also find it interesting how the connoisseur crowd always wants to love indie films and cut them all kinds of slack, unless the movie has a pro-Christian theme. Then they run out of slack.
One thing that the critics usually do give Sherwood films credit for are the production values. The photography, sound etc are usually pretty solid. The film had a budget of about $500,000 and grossed over $33 million. Not a bad margin, huh?
I’d have to say I think couples would enjoy watching the movie together. There are some things in the movie that I could easily see having a real life application, whether that relationship is great or strained.
The bottom line here is that if you’re looking for a movie with witty banter, big special effects or Academy Award winning acting, “Fireproof” will disappoint you. If you want a movie that encourages you to think about yourself, how you treat others and the kind of life you lead, then this might be two hours well spent.
If you’d like to purchase the PG rated “Fireproof”, you can purchase it at Christ Centered Books and Music, 4650 S. Cleveland Avenue in Ft. Myers. (Click here for a map) or at Family Christian Store at Gulf Coast Town Center. (Click here for a map). Both stores not only sell the DVD, but they also sell books and kits that help couples who want to apply some of the concepts to their own lives.
If you have questions, suggestions or just want to tell him how wrong he is about your favorite movie, email Alan.
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