A modern morality play whose positive messages are undercut by its pandering, paternalistic tone.
The Second Chance (2006)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 15
Fresh: 6
Rotten:9
Average Rating: 5/10
Theatrical Release:Feb 17, 2006 Limited
Box Office: $370,430
Synopsis: Acclaimed Christian rock singer Michael W. Smith stars in this uplifting drama about an idealistic associate minister named Ethan, who works at a well-to do Tennessee Ministry run by his father (J.... Acclaimed Christian rock singer Michael W. Smith stars in this uplifting drama about an idealistic associate minister named Ethan, who works at a well-to do Tennessee Ministry run by his father (J. Don Ferguson). The ministry seems to be more interested in opening up new churches in other countries than it is in taking care of its own African-American poor right there in Tennessee, much to the chagrin of Jake (Jeff Obafemi Carr) who runs the struggling inner-city ministry named the Second Chance. He's dealing with helping prostitutes, drug addicts and the homeless, and all the charity donations aren't enough; these people need emotional support to stand on their feet, not hand outs. When Ethan lets him tell off the congregation (on television, no less), the "Rock Star" minister is sent to work with Jake at the Second Chance. Of course the pair are bound to butt heads at first, but the deeply felt humanity they share is just as bound to manifest sooner or later. Director Steven Tyler mixes some good urban grit and hope into the formula and it's refreshing that no one character is free of flaws or all bad--everyone's got problems and the miracle comes from working together and forgiving rather than smiting the evildoers or passing judgement. This will be a must-see for Christian audiences, but anyone with a heart should be able to relate and glean a lot from its message of humility and brotherhood. Smith also did the score, and there are several of his songs featured. [More]
Starring: Michael W. Smith, J. Don Ferguson, Jeff Obafemi Carr, Jonathan Thomas
Starring: Michael W. Smith, J. Don Ferguson, Jeff Obafemi Carr, Jonathan Thomas
Director: Steve Taylor
Director: Steve Taylor
Screenwriter: Chip Arnold, Ben Pearson, Steve Taylor
Producer: Coke Sams, Steve Taylor, J. Clarke Gallivan
Composer: Michael W. Smith
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Reviews for The Second Chance
As divided as the two very different churches at its center, The Second Chance reps an uneasy marriage of spiritual conviction and dramatic expedience.
There are a lot of good messages in The Second Chance about how Christianity is a mix of love, both gentle and tough.
It is earnest, cliched, often awkward and unlikely to inspire anyone who isn't already thoroughly sold on its message of salvation through community activism.
[The film is] designed to launch Christian pop singer Michael W. Smith as a movie brand name. It doesn't really succeed at that, but it does manage to send a positive message in a pretty polished movie, a message aimed at regular church-goers.
[The film is] sabotaged by hackneyed dialogue, sluggish pacing and a listless performance by Smith, who only springs to life when he's singing.
A movie-of-the-week treatment of race and class, the film credibly portrays the day-to-day workings of an urban ministry.
It's not the message that bothered me but the obvious way in which it's delivered.
Second Chance delivers its parable of spiritual growth with enough tender nuance that it doesn't merely preach to the choir.
... a sincerely (if not exactly subtly) performed spiritual drama with a faith-based lesson in humility and the practical charity of offering a helping hand.
Startlingly direct, if unavoidably preachy, The Second Chance takes aim at Christianity's racial divide and the corporatization of faith.
Sure, there are lots of positive messages about following your calling and seeing how others live, but that message would better resonate with the audience if the story wasn't so bland.
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