Old Fashioned (6/16/2015)

Rated PG-13 for some thematic material.

Starring Elizabeth Roberts and Rik Swartzwelder

Directed by Rik Swartzwelder

This film isn’t great, but it is a far better option than 50 Shades of Grey.

A romantic-drama, Old Fashioned centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it, simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America.

This is a low-budget, faith-based film with an unknown cast that feels like a made-for-cable movie. But it offers an endearing look at what it’s like to fall in love — not lust.

Swartzwelder not only stars in the film, but he also wrote, produced and directed it. And unfortunately he comes up short in all four areas. Elizabeth Roberts’ performance is pretty strong but not strong enough to carry the rest of the cast.

Old Fashioned lives up to its name. It approaches the story of a man and a woman falling in love with respect, honesty and a spiritual element. And when it gets too preachy, just remember that 50 Shades of Grey is also preaching a message…and I’ll take this message every day of the week.

So yes, it has a strong message but that message comes with a big side of cheese. At one point Amber says of Clay, “You are so cheesy.” I would agree…as a director, writer and as a character, he is cheesy. For that reason I’m saying this one is worth watching if it’s a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is nothing offensive in the film and it is fine for teenagers and young adults.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What did you think of Clay’s rules?


2. What are some of your rules when it comes to dating, sex and the opposite gender?

Read 2 Timothy 2:22

Run from temptations that capture young people. Always do the right thing. Be faithful, loving, and easy to get along with. Worship with people whose hearts are pure.


3. How did Clay live out this verse?


4. How can you live out this verse?