Do You Believe? (11/4/2015)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, an accident sequence and some violence.

Starring Ted McGinley, Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin, Delroy Lindo, Cybill Shepherd, Lee Majors and Brian Bosworth

Directed by Jonathan M. Gunn

I believe!

A dozen different souls—all moving in different directions, all longing for something more. As their lives unexpectedly intersect, they each are about to discover there is power in the Cross of Christ… even if they don’t yet believe it. When a local pastor is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.

I believe I’ve been pretty honest when it comes to reviewing “Christian films” and I will continue to be honest. But I am encouraged…they appear to be getting better.

The first thing that stood out to me about Do You Believe? was the impressive amount of familiar faces in the cast. Ed McGinley, Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin, Delroy Lindo, Cybill Shepherd, Lee Majors and Brian Bosworth may not be on the A-list, but you certainly will recognize them. And they all do a pretty decent job. Brian Bosworth was the biggest surprise as an actor but my personal favorite was Makenzie Moss.

I believe the story reminded me of the 2004 film Crash. Twelve different stories all coming together on one fateful night. Even with a healthy dose of cheese, the individual stories feel authentic and believable. Jonathan Gunn does an ok job of developing the characters. They are flawed and real and not every story ends in a happy ending.

The two things that hurt this film was the editing and the score. I understand the different stories are difficult to manage, but the editing made it feel like it was difficult to manage. And the over simplistic piano score often distracted me from what was happening on the screen.

I don’t believe this film will win any awards or break any records, but it is definitely worth a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this one id great for preteens and teenagers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. The question asked throughout the film was, “Do you believe?” What does that question mean?


2. Who or what do you believe in?


3. Do you have friends who do not believe in God?


4. How can you share God’s love with them?

Read Romans 10:13-15

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”


5. Who do you need to share this message with?