If you like faith-based movies, then you’re going to love March. That’s because three high-profile faith films will release on three consecutive weekends.
Here is a quick rundown:
- “I Can Only Imagine” (PG, March 16) — Made by the same Birmingham-based filmmakers behind “Woodlawn” and “Mom’s Night Out,” this one by the Erwin Brothers tells the story behind one of the most popular Christian songs of the modern era. It also shows the humble beginnings of the group behind that song, MercyMe.
MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard wrote the song after his father — an alcoholic who beat him as a child — became a Christian.
“It’s an incredible true story behind the most played Christian song of all time,” said co-director Jon Erwin, a member of The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham. “His dying wish was to reconcile with his son, and it was that reconciliation and redemption of that relationship that inspired what’s brought hope to millions of people.”
It stars newcomer J. Michael Finley as Millard, Dennis Quaid (“The Rookie,” “The Day After Tomorrow”) as Millard’s father and singer Trace Adkins (“Mom’s Night Out”) as Millard’s manager.
“I Can Only Imagine” is rated PG for thematic elements, including some violence.
- “Paul, Apostle of Christ” (PG-13, March 23) — He wrote nearly half the books in the New Testament but few movies have been made about the Apostle Paul.
“Paul, Apostle of Christ” is being released by Affirm Films, the same company that released “War Room” and “Miracles from Heaven.”
Writer/Director Andrew Hyatt said the film picks up on Paul’s life after the apostle has been convicted and is awaiting execution. Paul’s friend, Luke, sneaks into Rome to bring him comfort. James Faulkner (“Downton Abbey”) plays Paul, while Jim Caviezel (“The Passion of The Christ”) plays Luke.
In the film, Hyatt said, Paul reminds Luke and his fellow Christians that “it all began with Christ.” Hyatt said the movie also tackles the question: How did Christians live amid persecution and still exhibit love? Christians of all denominations will enjoy the film, Hyatt added.
“This is just the gospel. There is no agenda,” Hyatt said. “I completely believe that this is going to be for everybody.”
Hyatt understands the hesitancy by Christians not to trust Hollywood with Bible films. But this one is different, he said.
“This is a film by people who believe the Bible just as much as they do,” he said.
“Paul, Apostle of Christ” is rated PG-13 for some violent content and disturbing images.
- “God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness” (PG, March 30) — It’s the third film in the “God’s Not Dead” series, although — like the first installments — it’s being billed as a stand-alone movie. This one tells the story of a pastor who fights to rebuild his church after a deadly fire destroys it. The catch? The church building was located on university property — and the school believes the congregation should move elsewhere. Not wanting to give up, the pastor (David A.R. White) acquires the help of his estranged brother, Pearce (John Corbett), who is an attorney and an atheist. The pastor’s faith is tested as he faces the age-old question: Where is God when bad things happen?
Veteran actor Ted McGinley (“Do You Believe?”) said the tone of the newest “God’s Not Dead” is different than the first two. The filmmakers’ goal was to be fair to the “other side” and not present atheists “as this boogeyman in the corner.”
Timely plot
The film’s plot also is timely, said McGinley, who pointed to the many divisions within contemporary culture. “This is sort of a mirror of all of us, in that we often can’t even hear the other side because we’re so pumped up to get our point across,” he said.
“God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness,” being released by Pure Flix, is rated PG for thematic elements, including some violence and suggestive material.
___________________________________________________________________________
Meet the reviewer
Michael Foust covers the intersection of faith and entertainment as a writer and podcast host for Heirloom Audio. He also is the husband of an amazing wife and the father of four small children.
Share with others: