Review Summary: Down-to-earth faith story is sometimes messy, but still emotionally effective.
Unlike many of its' Christian movie brethren, this particular movie has seen several release delays. Originally slated for February 2017 and marketed as early as Fall 2016, there were a handful of delays for unknown reasons. Usually that means there isn't much confidence in the film altogether from the producers or the distributor. Several delays usually also spell bad news as far as overall quality is concerned.
However, I am pleased to report that God Bless the Broken Road does not fall into those traps, mostly. This latest faith-based flick is a genuine and small-scale film that manages to jerk the tears the old-fashioned way. This isn't a movie based on big miracles or divine interventions. This is more of a story about the "little things" or "little blessings" in our lives, and how God manages to work in life's trials.
The heartland vibe is very appealing. Some of it might seem like a cousin of a "Hallmark Channel" movie, but there's still a strong sense of authenticity here. The film also doesn't shy away from realistically depicting the struggles of poor Americans. Director Harold Cronk wisely keeps the focus on Amber (Lindsey Pulsipher), a single mother still trying to come to terms with her husband's unexpected passing. There's also a nice amount of focus given to her daughter, Bree (Makenzie Moss) and how these life changes have affected her as well.
Pulsipher proves to be very capable here in the lead role, delivering several strong scenes. But its' Moss that steals the show here once again. After her terrific debut in Do You Believe?, she provides some of the film's best lines and her emotional scenes are very convincing. I believe she definitely has a future as an actress. There's no real bad actor here in the list, though I did find Jordin Sparks and Madeline Carroll's characters to be under-served a bit in terms of screentime.
The film also has its forced moments of humor. The best laughs come from Bree, but there are two or three scenes that felt forced or half-baked in their execution. I admire the production team for attempting to lighten things up, but some of it doesn't work as well in the film as it probably could have. Cody (Andrew W. Walker) and Amber's first date is oddly-executed (especially with Christian singer Micah Tyler singing in the background is a bit of a distraction). Meanwhile, having soldiers approach Amber at church to share the news of her husband’s passing did seem too melodramatic.
However, the film does wrap up nicely. An interesting twist late in the game manages to be successful at keeping the audience engaged and interested in these characters. Will Musser is given a handful of strong moments with the score. Several scenes also carry creative and clever cinematography choices.
God Bless the Broken Road may not be the finest film for the faith-based genre. It certainly has its issues here and there. However, anchored by a very solid cast and presented with a charming, country and admittedly low-key flair, it succeeds in being the uplifting, genuine, and inspiring story one would hope to expect.
My Score: 7.9/10
Content Concerns for Family Viewing: God Bless the Broken Road is rated PG for "thematic elements and some combat action". This is a decent choice for families with ages 9 and up (or depending on kids who can handle the idea of a family member lost in battle). The combat action occurs in one somewhat prolonged scene where soldiers are ambushed by Afghanistan rebels. One is shot in the leg, while another is shot in the chest and dies (without blood shown). Lots of rapid gunfire seen. Besides that, a go-kart crashes violently and flips upside down several times (the racer is OK). Bree and a babysitter watch a scary movie (we don't see much) without her mom's permission. Bree gets into a fight with a bully to defend a friend. Amber does make a few unwise financial decisions , while her mother-in-law does get nosy a few times with Amber's business.
