Overall Thoughts: Moving documentary continues Kendricks' winning streak.
I've always enjoyed the Kendrick Brothers' movies. They combine heart, humor, a lighthearted vibe, and strong spiritual messages all in one package. My personal favorite is War Room, while Courageous comes a close second. Interestingly enough, the latter movie is getting a re-release in theaters. And, at the same time, that film's primary theme of Fatherhood is at the center of this new documentary.
And, once again, the filmmakers have pieced together a moving piece of cinema. Of course, these are all real stories orchestrated by God's work in each of these fathers' lives. Yet again, how each story is revealed and then brought full circle is really well executed. These stories are bookmarked by famous quotes and verses that help sell each point home. Some stories may carry more emotional weight than others for some, but they all inspire just the same.
I definitely think a father-daughter perspective for one story might have helped the film create a more wider appeal per se. Also, a few more stories outside of the world of the NFL and college football might have helped create a more balanced movie. However, those potential oversights do not take away from the film's strengths either.
There are a few surprises in the mix that earn their well-deserved gasps. Interviews are honest and authentic. And, a handful of location aerial shots are nice introductory choices. The music score by Kyle McCuiston and the work of the editing team are all professional and spot-on. This project continues to showcase the Kendricks' growth and evolution with filmmaking technology over the last 18 years since Flywheel first hit movie screens.
In the end, at a sleek 85 minutes without credits, Show Me the Father is the year's most inspiring movie to date. In a year where things have continued to feel restless, confusing and worrisome, movies like this are needed more and more nowadays. Ones to lift the soul, spirit and heart. This one does just that.
Grade: A-
Is this movie family-friendly? Show Me the Father is rated PG for "thematic material". The film does touch on some heavy subjects, including serious medical conditions, death, alcoholism, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and abuse. At the same time, documentaries aren't necessarily for children anyway. The discussions and format are more intended for adults. That being said, I would not think of this to be necessarily inappropriate for older, more mature elementary and middle school aged students either.
