Overall Thoughts: Moving, effective true story is another big winner for the Kendricks.
I've always been a fan of the Kendrick Brothers' work, and I was eagerly anticipating their next project. War Room remains my favorite film of theirs, while their last film, Overcomer, was solid if unspectacular. While Lifemark seemed to fall even further under the radar thanks to its' distribution controversy, it also appeared to be an ambitious new project for the filmmakers....that is, it's based on a true story.
And it's a very good true story at that. Based on the documentary I Lived on Parker Avenue, the story is a potent one. An 18-year old young man reconnects with his birth mom, and goes on a journey with his family and best friend to go meet her and his birth father. The film goes back and forth from David's perspective, to his birth mom's perspective, to flashbacks for both his birth parents and adoptive parents.
You might think this may make for a confusing movie. But it's all narratively-weaved well, and it all connects in a way that keeps the story fairly easy to follow while keeping things a little unpredictable as well. The writing is strong and focuses equally on character alongside spiritual themes. As David, Raphael Ruggero earnestly and sincerely depicts a teen facing his own insecurities and feelings about his adoption and his questions about why.
Meanwhile, Justin Sterner nails the comedic relief as David's best friend Nate. Dawn Long and Marisa Hampton are both emotionally-convincing as Melissa, David's birth mom. Kirk Cameron and Alex Kendrick are both solid in their supporting roles as well, giving tidbits of wisdom along the way.
The production values are all high-value, from the sharp cinematography, to the strong editing and subtle but effective music score. The end credits also feature an interesting approach to showing the characters' real-life counterparts. In this approach, pictures in a photo album showcase the actor and the person they are portraying.
The movie also gets points for depicting its issues honestly without being preachy or condemning. The filmmakers had a goal of "leading with love", and I felt like they accomplished their mission. And, at the same time, the film is not afraid of showing its' more controversial aspects of the story. For example, Melissa's near-abortion is shown, with her story's emotional rawness intact.
On the downside, the film's pacing is a little slow at times. And also, I will admit I was a little put off (at first) by the idea of David's friend filming the entire experience, including his reunion. That being said, I was unaware of the documentary the film was based on. When I found out that it was based on events that were really filmed, it became less of an issue after that.
Ultimately, Lifemark is the Kendricks at just about their best. It carries the soul-stirring, light-hearted and spiritually challenging aspects of War Room, while having an ending that's more complex and emotional than any of their prior films. While none of the characters in Lifemark are as instantly memorable as Mrs. Clara from that prior film, that's not exactly a bad thing either.
And that's because the story and message of the film are resonant, genuine, risky and authentic in their execution. All of this leads Lifemark to being one of the year's best films so far.
Grade: A-
Is this movie family-friendly? Lifemark is rated PG-13 for "some thematic material". Earning the film its rating is its scene in the abortion clinic. A doctor nearly tries to perform an abortion (its stopped at the last second). A few emotional discussions regarding what to do with a child when you can't support it. David is injured in a wrestling match and we see him in the hospital. Some flirting. Teens jump off a cliff. In the end, depending on parents' thinking about their children and the concept of abortion as well as kids' overall maturity, I would say ages 9 or 10 on up is OK.
Is this movie family-friendly? Lifemark is rated PG-13 for "some thematic material". Earning the film its rating is its scene in the abortion clinic. A doctor nearly tries to perform an abortion (its stopped at the last second). A few emotional discussions regarding what to do with a child when you can't support it. David is injured in a wrestling match and we see him in the hospital. Some flirting. Teens jump off a cliff. In the end, depending on parents' thinking about their children and the concept of abortion as well as kids' overall maturity, I would say ages 9 or 10 on up is OK.
