Movie Review: "Overcomer"

Review Summary: Not their best work...but uplifting and character-driven family and sports drama is still a winner overall.

The Kendrick Brothers have been in the faith-based movie business for 16 years now, and they've grown considerably with each movie they've made. Since the arguably very small-budget (but still emotionally-effective) Flywheel to their most recent triumph War Room, I walked into Overcomer expecting to be blown away again. Since they were getting better with each movie, I was thinking this could be their best one yet (readers know that this was my most-anticipated pick for 2019).

However, and I don't know why this is the case. But many times, when I expect so much out of a movie, I end up a bit disappointed. It's happened a handful of times over the years. Into the Woods was my most-anticipated of 2014, and it ended up outside the Top 10 list at the end of the year. I was pumped for Greatest Showman based on all the rave reception it got, and to me, it was a bit underwhelming. Even with Disney's Lion King remake last month, I went in excited that Jon Favreau would do the original justice. But, how was I supposed to know that it was going to end up being one of Disney's worst remakes to date?

Now, just because Overcomer may not have reached my (arguably too high) expectations doesn't mean it falls into the same category as those films do. If you read the summary, you notice that its' still very good. And yes, this is still by all means a very good movie. It's just not their best work. And, a lot of that is due to a minor story flaw mid-way through as well as a couple of other somewhat odd choices.

The minor story flaw occurs in between the first and second acts. John Harrison is given the attention for about the first 30-40 minutes of the movie, and the film's other focus (a teenage girl named Hannah Scott), basically disappears for a lot of that stretch. Then the focus switches almost completely to Hannah and John takes a backseat. It creates a little scattershot of a pace. Now, upon reflection, it does make sense why John is given the focus early on as it is needed to help develop him in his next direction. But, maybe a scene or two more with Hannah around in that transition would have helped.

That is not a big problem however, because the characters here are full of layers, development, and pathos. John and Hannah's journeys to finding their identity in Christ are relatable, full of realistic situations, and some truly believable growth. The acting performances are also helpful here too. Playing double duty as director and actor, Alex Kendrick successfully creates a flawed human character struggling with change and adjustment. And Aryn-Wright Thompson is a wonderful surprise as Hannah. She very convincingly shows her characters' changing persona.

The remainder of the cast is good too. Priscilla Shirer returns as Principal Brooks. She's given a couple of good scenes, but I did find her character lagging a bit in terms of emotional depth. Shari Rigby makes a terrific foil for Kendrick's character, bringing the emotional and serious/not-so-serious sides of John's wife. Cameron Arnett gives a strong supporting performance as a hospital patient John visits named Thomas Hill.

The production values are up even more considerably from before. The cinematography, lighting, sets and music score (by Paul Mills) are all exceptional. The Kendricks have slowly graduated from low-budget to a more modern presentation here. It's really nice to see them start to play with bigger toys that they didn't have access to in the past, as it gives more of a chance to show what they really can do.

The overall message of the story is inspiring too. With a focus on identity, the film tackles some pretty strong topics like how people react when they are defined by worldly things. The conversation Thomas has with John about this is as soul-convicting as you would want it. And, the scene where Hannah realizes she needs to turn to Jesus is rewarding and truly satisfying. 

And speaking of satisfying, the film's final third succeeds at being just that. Instead of ending with a focus on the message, Overcomer departs from that tradition a bit by instead going the sports movie route, with a unique twist. This turns out to be a rewarding choice, as the performances with a few interesting elements thrown in really make it earn its' cheers, excitement and even a few tears. The overall execution of this final stretch is definitely impressive.

As usual, the Kendricks bring in their sense of humor to the story. And it generates some much-needed laughs in several spots. However, I didn't find really any of the jokes here to be memorable like the gags in War Room and Courageous before it. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing per se. The whole theater erupted in laughter at many moments, which proves that the filmmakers still know how to execute their comedic timing very well.

In the end, Overcomer might not be the finest movie from the Kendricks or for faith-based films. But overall, its' still a rock solid movie that is definitely worth a watch.


My Score: 8.1/10

Content Concerns for Family Viewing....
Rating: PG for "some thematic elements"

Recommended age range: ages 6 and up.

Foul Language: None.

Violence: Three teen boys chase Hannah in the forest. John smashes a brick against the ground. Someone verbally threatens John and his wife.

Adult Content: None, but it is suggested that one character was born out of wedlock.

Drugs/Alcohol: It’s discussed at a couple of points that a couple got hooked onto drugs. Another character says he got addicted to meth. These are not glorified in any way.

Other: Hannah steals a few items (but later returns them with apology notes). Judges comically (and slightly rudely) critique students doing drama monologues. John yells at his wife at one point.