Fireproof (Samuel Goldwyn Pictures)
Never Leave Your Partner Behind
Fireproof is the latest film from the people who created both Flywheel and Facing the Giants. The makers of these movies are the staff and congregation of the Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. The masterminds behind the scenes are the Kendricks Brothers, Stephen and Alex. They have been called the Christian Coen Brothers and based on the success of their efforts this is an appropriate nickname.
Alex directed Fireproof and he and Stephen co-wrote the script. The script is one of the major reasons for the success of the film. It contains drama and humor as well as a dash of romance. The other key ingredient is former Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron. Anyone expecting a surface only performance is going to be surprised at Mr. Camerons depth and talent.
He plays Caleb Holt, a firefighter in Albany, Georgia. His marriage to Catherine (Erin Bethea) is falling apart and he doesnt know if he really cares. His father (Harris Malcolm) tells him of problems he has had in his own marriage and challenges his son to follow a book called The Love Dare.
Caleb begins to woo his wife but it seems it is too late. Catherine has found herself attracted to someone else and now it is she who is not ready to save the marriage. Whether or not the marriage can be saved makes up the crux of the film.
All of the actors in the movie are non-professionals except for Cameron, but you would never know it. Bethea is especially effective as Catherine and many in the supporting cast are outstanding especially those who help provide the comic relief.
There is a good look to the film and the action sequences are harrowing and suspenseful. It is a little preachy in parts but this is a movie made by a church so you have to expect some of that.
One flaw of the film is that it has three endings. There is a scene between Caleb and Catherine at the firehouse that should have been the end of the movie but the film goes on for two more endings. It was as if the Kendricks just couldnt bring themselves to shut it down.
The film is rated PG for mild violence.
The people behind this movie know how to appeal to their audience. Who knows they might just get some new converts along the way.
I scored Fireproof a churched 7 out of 10.
