Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick are the names behind some of the most successful films in faith-based entertainment — including “War Room,” “Courageous” and “Fireproof” — but they’ve also had their hand in a few projects that didn’t gain such notoriety.
“Like Arrows,” one of the best films in that latter category, began streaming on Netflix this month.
It was made in partnership with FamilyLife Ministries and follows the triumphs and challenges of a young couple, Charlie and Alice, over the course of 50 years.
We see them get engaged, and then married and then have and raise children. Finally we watch the adult children return home for a 50th wedding anniversary.
Alex and Stephen Kendrick served as executive producers. Alex also helped write it.
“Like Arrows” (2018) isn’t part of the “Kendrick Brothers canon” — that’s reserved for ones Alex directs — but it’s still a good film with great messages for today’s society.
Among them: the blessings of children and family, the need to persevere during marriage’s storms and the grace and redemption found in Christ.
“This young couple that goes into parenting defaults to what the world teaches you about parenting,” Alex Kendrick said. “They begin going down that path and using the world’s principles for their first child or two. And they begin to realize, ‘Wow, this is not bearing the fruit we had hoped.’ And when they begin applying biblical principles you see a marked difference.”
Alan Powell (“Beautifully Broken,” “The Song”) stars as Charlie. Kevin Peeples directed it.
Also streaming this month:
For adults/teens
- “No Good Nick” (Netflix) — A family of four takes in a teenage girl who says she’s destitute. She then pillages them little by little.
This comedy series is a combination of a family-centric 80s show and a squeaky-clean Disney Channel program. The pro — no sex jokes. The con — one or two mild curse words each show.
Yet it’s about as clean of a program as you’ll find on Netflix. “No Good Nick” stars Sean Astin and Melissa Joan Hart. Rated TV-PG.
- “Nailed It” Season 3 (Netflix) — Regular folks like you and me try to bake and decorate professional-looking cakes. It always ends in disaster. Nicole and Jacques return as judges in this third season. Rated TV-PG.
- “Our Planet” (Netflix) — This eight-part documentary series includes breathtaking video of the planet that can be embraced by everyone but it has dialogue that will frustrate some viewers.
“Our Planet” is a Net-flix original that examines “humanity’s impact on the planet’s habitats and species,” according to the press release. The visuals are indeed splendid. But the worldview won’t match everyone’s.
For children
- “Bernie the Dolphin” (Hulu) — A brother and sister set out to protect a dolphin threatened by a money-hungry businessman. Rated G.
- “Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (Netflix, May 28) — A timid teen girl named Clara grows up wanting to be her sister. She then discovers her place in the world when she becomes a princess in another realm. “Nutcracker” was panned by most critics but I enjoyed it. It’s family-friendly and has several positive messages. Rated PG for some mild peril.
- “The Riot and the Dance: Earth” (Hulu) — If you’ve ever wanted a PBS-like nature documentary with a biblical worldview, then this film is for you. Gordon Wilson — senior fellow of natural history at New Saint Andrews College — travels the globe to show viewers God’s amazing creation. Unrated.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael Foust covers the intersection of faith and entertainment as a media reviewer for The Alabama Baptist. He also is the husband of an amazing wife and the father of four young children.
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