Most of the movies recommended here are with good reason trashed by secular movie critics. That is because their acting is mediocre, the screenplay is maudlin and predictable, and the dialogue is unimaginative, turgid, and cloying. We should not dismiss this as anti-Christian bias. Most of the movies on my list have received rave reviews from secular critics.
The truth is that Christian movie producers and actors are relatively new to this media and therefore lack the expertise and savvy to craft a credible quality movie. Even Christian movie buffs have trashed those movies and long for the day that the quality will improve.
Still, for my 8-year monthly dinner and movie nights, I only showed movies on Christian themes. So I often showed inferior Christian movies for their themes and some of these were appreciated just for that reason. Our people were willing to overlook flaws in acting and production values just for the message. But with continual exposure, they gradually seemed to develop a longing for quality. Thus, they recognized that Robert Duval's "The Apostle" represented a dramatic step up and acting improvement. [Duval won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this movie.) Christian movie making is a fabulous opportunity for Christian witness and the quality will hopefully improve as more Christian producers and actors hone their craft.
This thread really should not be a debate or a "Hey, my movies are better than your movies" kind of argument. There is always a subjective element to films. A movie you love, could be hated by another person for different reasons.
However, in defense of the films I recommended:
Well, in my opinion: I don't think the movies I recommended have screen plays that are openly silly (i.e. maudlin), and the dialogue to be unimaginative, over the top (i.e. turgid), and with too many words (i.e. cloying). Yes, some of the films are a little predictable in some ways (if that is your mind set when you watch a movie). But I would not say they are entirely predictable in every way. There are surprises in the films I recommend that you would not guess or figure out (Unless you trained your mind to always be looking for clues to figure out the end of a movie). Personally, I don't want to figure out the end. So I try not to guess the end. I just want to sit back and enjoy the show. I studied script writing a little; And I know a good script when I see one. A movie does not always have to be a Matrix in order for it to be good.
As for mediocre acting:
Well, I know what bad acting is. I used to be involved in independent film making and I know cringe worthy acting is like. There were plenty of times, my wife and I had stopped watching a Christian movie immediately because the acting was awful. For me, if the actors speak and perform in a believable way, I am satisfied. I am not looking for Oscar performances. But there are moments in the films I recommended that do have some really good performances. I would not call it mediocre because that suggests that the acting bores you and does not retain your interest in any way. Good acting is when a person makes you forget you are watching a movie and you are getting caught up in the story.
The reason why critics bash Christian movies is not always because of the quality of script, the acting, and the production value, but it is because the critics are not Christian. For it is only natural that the world is going to hate the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Oh, and I am going to check out the trailers for your movies and see if they are my cup of tea or not. I am not against seeing new Christian movies (if they look good to me).
Anyways, did you see any of the movies on my list?
If so, which ones did you see?
Important Note:
Please take note that "Finding Normal" and "77 Chances" are not perfect films. But I find them to be enjoyable films because they shine in other areas so greatly. If you are looking for a "Matrix" movie or Oscar type film, then my list may not be for you. But to me, they are really amazing films that have made me think more on the things of our Lord Jesus Christ (Who is God).
I am proud to own these movies in my DVD collection;
And I praise God for them because they keep me focused on God when I want to relax in front of the TV on occasion.
In addition, fellow brothers I know really enjoyed some of the films I recommended, as well. One close Christian brother of mine had liked "Time Changer" so much, that he has watched it more times than me.
In any event, may God bless you this fine day.
Sincerely,
~ Bible Highlighter.