I do not know how to write a movie review. Nor do I know how to say much without spoiling the movie. So with that in mind....I will say this. Tonight I went to see the movie "Courageous". I give it a 10. It was as good or better than I was hoping.
It is directed towards fathers. The movie portrays 4 guys who rise up to the challenge to become better dads based on what scripture says they should be. There are very many good, strong messages in the movie. I liked one message that was clear; it is not how good we are that matters in eternity.
One dad in the movie goes through a particularly hard trial that brings him to the point of realizing his failures as a dad. It is unfortunate but often true that we need a tragic or difficult circumstance to bring us to a place where we are open or willing to surrender and make needed changes. After he reaches this point, he makes a decision to serve God and to allow Jesus to take control of his life and be the dad he is supposed to be. He challenges his friends also, and together they make a "resolution" to be accountable to God and each other as they be what they are supposed to be. This is great. Accountability is so lacking in our society today.
The movie then takes you through each one's life to see how each one will meet the new challenges that come their way as they walk the path of their new committment. This part is awesome. Any time we make the choice to serve God and live out our faith, we will have challenges. This part of the movie makes the decision they made applicable and brings it right down to real life. The movie very clearly shares the gospel and shows how we can make the right choices because of Who we choose to serve. One of the men made the resolution and didn't keep it. We are encouraged through this scene that it is never too late to make the right choice. It also very clearly shows that when we make the right choices, God honors that and blesses us accordingly. In the same way, it very clearly shows that if we 'choose' to sin, we choose to suffer.
Courageous is action packed. The movie has solemn moments that will make anyone cry. It also has some very funny parts. There were several times that the entire theatre was in stitches. I will take this moment to say that I waited in line to pick up my pre-purchased tickets from Fandango. (I wanted to make sure I got in!) Everyone around me in line was waiting to see THIS movie. They even had a holding spot to line people up waiting to get into one of the theatres even after going through the ticket line. My particular movie theatre was packed. We had to sit in the second row because it was filled to capacity. It was really good to see such a quality picture in a FULL house.
Again, the movie is directed towards fathers but the messages of the movie apply to everyone. I would strongly encourage you to see the movie. Go see it THIS WEEKEND. Let's stand together and show hollywood that we want more movies like this. Numbers and money speak at the box office. We want movies that will encourage and motivate us to do what is right and build strong families.
After you see it....come back here and leave a comment. I would love to know what you thought!
