Fireproof Review, Part Two

Fireproof is the Citizen Kane of Christian films (notwithstanding the semi-Christian films like Bella and Amazing Grace). And I wish that were saying a lot. But, as we have already discussed, the bar has not been set very high. Nevertheless, I think it is probably true that Fireproof is a good film and should be heralded as such, especially considering the production limitations the film makers were under. And that might be what is most remarkable about the film: It was produced entirely by a mid-size church in Georgia. The writers and director are pastors on staff; the female lead is the daughter of the senior pastor; all the actors, except for one (Kirk Cameron), are members at the church; every on-screen extra and off-screen worker came from within the church. It is doubtful they had much money to make it. After you watch the film, make sure you check out the behind-the-scenes documentary. It all makes the film that much more remarkable.

But of course, it wasn't perfect.

I Don't Like Cheese

Fireproof suffers from those things that most low budget, amateur movies suffer from. There were instances of poor writing, awkward direction, harsh editing, neophyte acting. It definitely has a Lifetime Movie quality, at least in parts.

One of the hallmarks of good art is subtlety. And, unfortunately, there were times in Fireproof when subtlety did not reign. You know what I am talking about. When you are watching something, anything, and your brain promptly says to you "Well, that didn't seem to fit." There were several such instances in Fireproof. One scene, near the beginning, allowed us a glimpse into the burgeoning relationship between Catherine and Gavin, the doctor. As the two are flirting, the nurses close by not so subtly show their recognition through some non-verbal communication. And if it wasn't obvious enough, their gossipy disapproval, they had to then, redundantly, verbalize it.

One of the strong points in the film was that it was funny. Yes, funny. And funny is hard to pull off. Nevertheless, there were parts when the humor just felt out of place. While the scene with one of the firefighters grooming himself in the mirror and dancing was independently funny (kind of), it seemed out of place. Why are we watching this right now? It felt tacked on.

Conversions Never Work (on Film)

I am convinced that it is impossible to make a conversion scene that is not cringe-worthy. I have no idea why. I want to chalk it up to somehow being ashamed of the Gospel, but it doesn't seem to be that profound. Maybe the event itself is too profound to record on film. Maybe, hopefully, trying to show an event like repenting and turning to Christ is just not possible. Perhaps. At least with the conversion scene in Fireproof, Caleb seemed to come to faith too quickly. Even if it all finally clicked for him, how his relationship with his wife mirrored his relationship with God and Christ, it should have taken longer. But movies don't have weeks to draw out plots. So I am still holding to my original claim. Conversion scenes on film will always be cheesy.

Please, No

Finally, the worst moment. After Caleb's turn to Christ, he goes and speaks with his friend, Michael, another believer. He tells him, "I'm in." Bear hugs and yelling ensue. And then Michael, for no other reason than to make me really uncomfortable, says "You're my brotha from anotha motha!"

I'll post the final installment later. I am sure you will incessantly click "refresh" in your reader until it arrives.