What would you do to stand up for what you believe?
Josh Wheaton (Good Luck Charlie's Shane Harper) is starting college. He has his hopes on completing law school. Entering philosophy class, he encounters Professor Raddison (Kevin Sorbo), a dedicated atheist. On the first day, he demands everyone to write "God is dead" as a prerequisite for the rest of the semester. Josh, on the other hand, is a Christian, believing that God is not dead. How does he solve this problem? Josh must put together a series of lectures to try and defend God's existence. It won't be easy. But it might just bring revival to a place in need.
Most of the acting, for an independent film, is very well-done. But the stand-out performance is Sorbo, who brings a mean, sophisticated, yet interesting tone to Raddisson. Other emotionally wonderful performances are Dean Cain and Haidel Sittu as Ayisha. Harper does a good job convincing the audience as Josh, while David A.R. White brings a bit of humor to the role of Pastor Dave. Brief appearances by Willie and Kori Robertson (Duck Dynasty) and the group Newsboys add a little more to it.
Besides that, the screenplay is slickly-written, with some twists in the road that pull all of the characters introduced at the beginning together in an interesting way. There is also some much-appreciative comic relief from the Pastor and his foreign visitor. The film's message on the validity of a caring, loving God is handled in an emotionally satisfying and well-spoken way.
On the downside, the film does end in a surprising way that wasn't exactly the ending that I was hoping for one of the main characters. Yet, you root for him to have his life changed and reconcile with the one he loves. It just is a bit surprising and nearly ruins the overall ending of the film, in my opinion. Some of the minor actors don't do the best job. And the cinematography and production values (while budget-wise understandably so) are only adequate.
2014 is said to be the year of faith-based films, between this, Son of God and Heaven is for Real. I have seen a few other PureFlix movies before, being generally impressed with what they have put out. So, to see one of their movies come to theaters is a giant step forward. Does this mean this is the most remarkable Christian movie ever released?
Right now, I can't exactly tell, since Christian movies often can be similar in delivery and in production values. But I ended up seeing this movie twice. God's Not Dead makes up for the usual Christian movie formula with a great portrayal of a moving message, a terrific cast, and smart writing.
I was moved and found myself applauding at the end, especially considering one of the movie's main points holds true. This nation is in need of a revival. In that case, with a very successful box office run, I am more than happy with the end result both on a financial and watching level.
Grade: A-
Content Problems Families Should Be Aware Of
Language: Someone is called a "dork".
Adult Content: One kiss. A couple of low-cut outfits.
Violence: One character is involved in a hit-and-run accident, and dies on the pavement.
Alcohol/Drugs: Wine is seen a couple of times.
Other: Professor Raddisson is unfairly mean to others (though he is later rebuked). A hospital scene involving a main character diagnosed with cancer and later being scanned may be a little intense for younger viewers.
