Review Summary: A relatable and honest faith-based story that inspires all the same.
In faith-based films, sometimes there are true stories that fight for God and His principles (i.e. God's Not Dead and the recent Unplanned), and others that show how God works and reveals Himself in real life situations (Miracles from Heaven and I Can Only Imagine). Breakthrough clearly lands in the second ballpark. It brings its' true story to life in ways that I saw coming as well as elements I didn't see coming.
There's definitely been some worries lately that these films follow a somewhat tired formula. And yes, without a doubt, you know where Breakthrough is headed. However, it throws some surprising wrenches in the mix that make it more interesting. There's family drama. There's some unexpected setbacks. And even more medical issues play a part as well. These moments make this true story more emotional and realistic than others.
The film also relies on its' performances, and they are convincing and strong. Chrissy Metz proves the perfect choice to play mama Joyce. She's a fierce, strong, and effervescently selfless, yet believably imperfect as John's biggest supporter and fan. Josh Lucas proves the perfect counterpart to Metz, bringing a soft and sensible personality. An odd choice for Pastor Jason, Topher Grace is surprisingly up for the task. His somewhat-hipster/lighthearted approach works. Mike Colter and Dennis Haysbert provide convincing supporting performances too.
The filmmakers (and especially screenwriter Grant Nieporte) also deserve some props for going in a bold direction at the film's conclusion. Instead of the usual happy, cheer-worthy ending, the film shows that not everyone was happy with John's miraculous story. Some battle with feelings of jealousy as to why he survived and not a personal loved one. Even a little bit of bullying comes into play. This serves as a powerful, realistic reminder of how humanity can still sometimes react in the wrong way in response to extraordinary events.
Yet, Breakthrough does sometimes tread predictable ground. However, by the film's end, I still left with a huge smile on my face. And, in its' most moving scenes, it truly soars. Joyce's moment of surrender to God is powerful and one of the year's most memorable scenes so far. And, a candlelight vigil outside John's hospital room (set to a new rendition of Hillsong's "Oceans") may be just as moving.
There's a couple of mild problems that surface along the way. First of all, the film does take awhile to get to its' main conflict. This may have been necessary to help us get to know the Smith family. However, it does seem to pace slowly, and a couple of scenes seem like they are only there to pad the running time. Secondly, a couple of modern decisions in the script seem out-of-place. I didn't necessarily think kicking the film off with "Uptown Funk" was a particularly inspired decision. And, while it does reflect some of the character's struggles, including a few uses of language wasn't exactly necessary.
But, these hiccups only ever so slightly dent what is otherwise one of the more honest and most professional efforts for a Christian film. In her film directorial debut, Roxann Dawson succeeds in bringing occasionally raw and dysfunctional elements into a genre that tends to sidestep themes like these. Add in moments of humor and a great background score from Marcelo Zarvos, and you have another big winner.
Ultimately, Breakthrough wins over our hearts in ways that similar films have and haven't before. And that's what makes it earn its' cheers, smiles (and occasional tears).
My Score: 8.7/10
Content Concerns for Family Viewing: Breakthrough is rated PG for "thematic content including peril". This is more of a film for older kids, more for ages 7 or 8 and up. The accident scene is a little intense, with kids struggling to get out of the water and one getting kicked under the water. The hospital scenes are tense and involve IV's and other methods used. John is shocked several times to be revived. We see other patients rushed in. Another scene shows John unconsciously violently moving around in his bed. Someone pricks their finger to test their blood sugar. We see a gash on an arm. Someone mentions their husband dying of a brain aneurysm.
Elsewhere, at the beginning of the film, John is shown to be disrespectful and have a bit of a foul mouth on him. He willingly skips a homework assignment. He rudely talks back. He says "h***" and starts to say "bulls***" (its unfinished) both once, but he is corrected for it. Out of shock and surprise to John's progress, the pastor also exclaims "h*** yeah!" at one point before apologizing for it. "Oh my g**" is used four times. People taunt John for surviving and their loved ones didn't. The pastor is sometimes (unintentionally) rude towards Joyce and others. Joyce is sometimes a bit too blunt and (again unintentionally) judgmental toward others, and also struggles with control issues (she later admits and confesses this). We see a brief scene of people at a bar drinking wine and beer (they stop to pray for John). Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" is heard at the film's beginning, with a few lightly questionable lyrics.
