War Room (12/22/2015)

Rated PG for thematic elements throughout.

Starring T.C. Stallings, Priscilla Evans Shirer, Noel Baker, Ashley Bratcher and Beth Moore

Directed by Alex Kendrick (Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous)

Just like their other films (Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous), War Room has an amazing message, but the delivery is a bit weak.

Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all—great jobs, a beautiful daughter and their dream house. But appearances can be deceiving. Tony and Elizabeth Jordans’ world is actually crumbling un-der the strain of a failing marriage. While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light. Tony must decide if he will make amends to his family and prove Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.

There is no doubt most Christians will be encouraged and challenged after seeing War Room, the latest film from the Kendrick brothers.

Now on their fifth movie, director/co-writer Alex Kendrick and his brother/co-writer, Stephen Kendrick prove that Christians have a place in Hollywood and films with a Christian message have an audience.

The cast is OK. Priscilla C. Shirer, speaker/author, does a decent job acting. But Ambercrombie is terrific as the older mentor often providing the bulk of the film’s comic relief. Occasionally she is more like a stereotype, but thankfully that is kept to small doses.

The film had a $3 million budget and still feels more like a cable TV movie production than a theatrical release. Kendrick keeps things simple, relying on the message to carry the load.

The film tackles real life issues with honesty, but the final act wraps up at bit too neatly. That’s always my biggest complaint with “Christian films.” Life is not as perfect as the films portray. I wish they were more honest, more authentic and didn’t always have the “happy (because Jesus solved all my problems) ending.

I wouldn’t expect traditional movie-going audiences to appreciate War Room or flock to the theaters in droves to check it out. But for Christian audiences, this is easily one of the must-see films of 2015 and a potent reminder of the power of prayer.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is nothing offensive in this PG rated film, but some of the subject matter is geared for old-er teens and adults.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. The tagline for this film is “Prayer is a Powerful Weapon,” how would you describe your prayer life?


2. What can you do to strengthen your prayer life?


3. Do you have a “war room”?

Read Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in se-cret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.


4. Besides making a special room or place for your “war room,” what else can you do to strengthen your prayer life?