"For once I want to do things MY way...." Isn't there someone important missing from that?
Grace Trey (AJ Michalka) is the 18-year old daughter of former music celebrity Johnny Trey (James Denton), who was saved and gave up his career to become a music pastor. Feeling confident in her abilities, Grace shows off during church, outsinging her father and disregarding rules. When Grace's Dad's former manager (Kevin Pollak) comes into town offering an exclusive return tour for him, he declines. Wanting to blow people away with her music, Grace runs away from home and flies to L.A. to work with the manager and become a music star. Will this experience help her, or only get her further away from God?
The movie features strong messages on the value of faith and family, and how those values are far more superior than the lure of fame and fortune. Grace's faith in God is tested and almost completely shunned during her stressful work as an up and coming artist, and through her bad choices, God's forgiving grace and mercy is shown in an ultimately positive light. In the midst of the controversy between Grace and her parents, we are reminded that through trials and tribulations, God is in control. And finally, through realizing his daughter's true talent, Johnny finally comes to terms with letting his daughter fly and reconciles his relationship with her.
For an independent film, the story is actually quite good, and though its' predictable in places, it has interesting plot points. I also thought the songs the movie carried were very solid, with the stand-out being the song Grace sings at her church once she returns home. The cast does a great job with realistic emotion and sincerity. Michalka shines as Grace, while Denton's convincing overprotective attitude is both emotional and relate-able. Pollak gives the manager a worldly, selfish and slightly evil personality (though his character is shown to be more in need of Jesus than being a villain). I also was happy to see Jamie Grace and Chris Tomlin in minor roles (the former has much more screentime though). A few nicely-timed humorous moments.
On the downside, I think some of the mature elements could have been scaled back a bit. Now these elements (which secured the PG rating along with some underage drinking) aren't shown in a positive light, neither are they glamorized. But I grimaced when they showed a sign in Hollywood use a crass word. But the purpose was to make this as realistic as possible, so its' only a very minor problem.
Christian movies are flooding Christian stores these days, which is actually quite a great thing. They are some of the most family-friendly movies around (Courageous, Soul Surfer, Jonah: A Veggietales Movie, Home Run and Letters to God are some of the most recent popular examples), and they carry strong messages that hit home.
That being said, Grace Unplugged's presence is far from a surprise, but its' great to see a movie that not only has great messages, but exposes the entertainment industry as what it really is, a worldly mess. Yes, there are bright spots (in the form of Disney, Hallmark Channel, and a few other things), but all Hollywood really encourages are things that religion and faith (particularly Christianity) doesn't. Drinking, immorality, drugs, exposure of personal life, and no personal time to yourself (shame on you, paparazzi!).
A Prodigal Son-like story for the present age, Grace Unplugged truly is one of the most inspirational movies I have seen to date.
Content Problems Families Should Be Aware Of:
Language: A sign features the word "o--y".
Adult Content: Only some minor discussion. Grace is given a purity ring, and she disrespectfully asks her Dad "so you think I'm just gonna start sleeping around with people?". She's given a negligee by a co-worker. Grace's date asks her to come over after a date, and he says "I am sealing the deal". A few outfits are formfitting and reveal a little cleavage.
Violence: None.
Drugs/Alcohol: Grace drinks repeatedly, and she is shown acting extremely out-of-it as a result. Alcoholic beverages are seen in seen in various places.
Other: Grace has a tremendous amount of disdain and disrespect for her father. She also lies at the beginning. (Though this is all rebuked) Grace's producer secretly deceives and tricks Grace into doing stupid things. Grace's manager, Kendra, issues a mean comment behind Grace's back and encourages immoral behavior (as does everyone else).
