Fireproof (2008)

One vote is far too much for this idealistic piece of sugar laden propaganda. It acts like all you have to do is commit to and follow Jesus, and everything will work out just hunky dory. Lies!I used to be a Christian, and walked away from the church because I got sick of being walked all over because "that's what the bible says to do". I hate the guilt trip that Caleb's father levels on him when he asks him why he is so frustrated with Catherine. Caleb has ever right to be upset with Catherine, yet Caleb's father turns the accusatory finger on him. Those two should have gotten a divorce, then Catherine could have wound up with that lowlife cheating doctor, and Caleb could have bought his dream boat instead of sacrificing it for his invalid mother-in-law.This is a movie on why not to be a Christian, and avoid getting bamboozled by some ridiculous guilt trip.

This may contain a spoiler or two. I've see a lot of "God movies". This one stands out as one of those that is so well written, so sweet that it deserves a watch. You don't have to be a believer to enjoy this film. Anyone who enjoys watching LMN for example will see a variety of movies that may or may not contain faith in God. But, the storyline is so much a contemporary situation namely a young married couple who have drifted apart. Different goals in life, different levels of faith (or none at all) and of course limited financial resources to satisfy both of their needs and desires. Kurt Cameron is spot-on in this role, no one could have been better. The actress playing his wife does a great job as well. I believe in this crazy mixed up world this movie sends a strong message to the believers and the unbelievers that married people should always consider counseling even if it's only one of the two that's committed to saving the marriage. As with AA, folks are encouraged to see the help of a "higher-power" and that makes perfect sense to me.

I loved this movie because it felt so real to life. Though I'm not married I could relate to both main characters and relate the situation to other relationships in my life. In some ways as someone who has maybe taken a relationship for granted and someone who feels drained by a relationship. I felt that Katherines reactions to Calebs efforts were so real and, though I wanted them to be Hollywood happy, that wouldn't have been a portrayal of real life. I am a Christian and recognise that some of the language used to discuss feelings might be new to non-Christians but just give it a try. I think everyone could learn something from this movie, as well as just enjoying watching it.

One must give a solid amount of credit to the filmmaking duo of Alex and Stephen Kendrick whom, upon reading reports saying that films and cinemas had become more effective and inspirational than the likes of churches, went on to expand their megachurch Sherwood Baptist Church into its own production company, calling it Sherwood Pictures. The production company would then pride itself off of making wholesome, Christian entertainment, a sector that Hollywood seems to ignore and shortchange. The Kendrick brothers' films have been quite lucrative, with often modest theatrical releases churning record profits, cementing the fact that there is a market for wholesome family entertainment.Arguably their most known and renowned film is Fireproof, which has undoubtedly gone on to inspire many different people and lead struggling couples down a more righteous path in order to avoid an ugly divorce. The film seems to have had quite the ability to initiate a strong reception among the faith-based sector of the public as well as communities. The film has the power to ignite something of a gathering amongst believers and those of a strict faith and, for that, I respect it.That doesn't mean I like the end result; Fireproof may have some serious insights about how to save a marriage, the struggles that can ensue, and the frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty that can plague a looming divorce, but the film can't avoid the typical pitfalls of Christian cinema. Such pitfalls are lacking any conception as to how people who do not live a faith-based life think and act, emotional manipulation, incredibly mawkish and hamfisted themes, and a disturbingly basic storyline for an issues as complex as a crumbling marriage and divorce.The film centers around the unhappily married couple Caleb and Catherine Holt (played by outspoken Christian and evangelist filmmaker Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea). Caleb is the captain at a local firehouse, who implores his men to "never leave your partner, especially in a fire." How prophetic, because right now, Caleb and Catherine are in a figurative "fire" in their relationship. Caleb works one twenty-four hour day before having forty-eight off, spending most of his time looking at internet porn (a term the film seems so fearful of using, only emphasizing more unrealistic events) and lying around the house, while Catherine feels unappreciated and constantly at odds with her husband.After the umpteenth argument, only this time, one that turns halfway violent, Catherine states "I want out" to Caleb, who is disgusted and overcome with emotion. Caleb reaches out to his loving parents, where he feels his mother is always against him because she takes the side of Catherine and his father feels that there is still life in their marriage. He loans him a book that saved his own marriage entitled "The Love Dare," a book that involves doing nice, caring things for your significant other for forty days in a row.At first, Caleb does this reluctantly, cutting corners, taking the easy routes, etc, until he realizes that won't cut it. "The Love Dare," like marriage, is a commitment and that if you really want to save your marriage, taking short cuts on the process won't do it. Caleb persists with "The Love Dare" to middling results, often winning little else besides the cold shoulder from his wife, who coldly claims after he prepares a warm, elegant dinner, "I don't love you anymore." Fireproof is annoyingly obvious and basic with how it handles its dialog, themes, and characters. Every emotion is worn on the sleeves of its cast, every obvious line of dialog has to be blatantly stated rather than hinted or quietly implied, and, like with many films of this industry, it can't be a Christian film unless the name "God" or "Jesus" is heard at least once or twice in nearly every scene. It also doesn't help that the film's acting is rather mediocre, and with a film about divorce, fights in relationships, and contention at home, good acting is like the glue that holds these films and their believability together. Fireproof is held together by very weak glue in that department.Give Fireproof credit for effectively launching the careers of the brothers Kendrick, as well as prompting millions of couples to reevaluate their marriage by using "The Love Dare," which was later published by both the brothers. In addition, the Kendrick brothers also make Caleb's process at winning Catherine back a grueling one, one that takes time and pacing to build, which at least mirrors how it is for many in the real world. Yet, the film and the book's Christian slant make it seem that the only way one could have a strong bond with their significant other that will ensure a lifetime of happiness and satisfaction is if God is involved in some way, which is a horribly ignorant thing for a film to suggest. In a way, that's almost more offensive than any misstep Fireproof makes.Starring: Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. Directed by: Alex Kendrick.