Running for Grace (2018)

"Running for Grace" is like finding a jewel in the middle of an ordinary day. Filmed among the most breathtaking views in the Hawaiian Islands, director/writer, David Cunningham, has once again captured the amazing strength and resilience of the human spirit in this movie. Similar to earlier works like "To End All Wars," starring Kiefer Sutherland and Robert Carlyle, Cunningham's characters face injustice, prejudices, and hatred, not unlike those we all face at one time or another. Yet, we are reminded that the human spirit can love and dream in spite of such challenges. Ryan Potter as "Joe" and Matt Dillon as "Doc" bring star performances to their roles, and Jim Caviezel as "Reyes" is the perfect antagonist. "Running for Grace" provides an experience rich in Hawaiian culture and its history. It's a treasure to be explored by the entire family!

If you're from the Big Island, particularly the west side, this might be fun to watch to catch the familiar scenery and faces of people you know. However, if this doesn't hold hometown appeal for you, it's a TERRIBLE movie so don't bother. It's characters are shallow, 2-dimensional stereotypes and it utterly BUTCHERS (and also outright fabricates) Hawaii's history. There is also a baffling absence of any native Hawaiian characters an area of the State that still has one of the highest percentages of native Hawaiians. The acting is truly awful but given that we know that Matt Dillon and Jim Caviezel are at times capable of good acting, it probably has a lot to do with bad directing also. It's VERY clear to me that all the glowing reviews come from people associated with the film, because even if I was in the most generous mood ever, this movie doesn't merit even 2 stars. Sorry, not sorry.

I enjoyed Running for Grace a second time in theater - it's perfect for the whole family. I discovered a lot about Hawaii and it's landscapes and history through the film too. What beautiful shots and powerful themes of love, loss and adoption!It was fun seeing big actors like Matt Dillon and Jim Caveziel across from first timers like little Cole (ridiculously cute) and others.

For days afterwards I reflected on how much I enjoyed watching this film. The story took me for a ride, the real-ness of it all is easy to identify with, and the morals and message are readily applicable in today's world. If more people learned from the role models of this film, the world would be a better place.