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Movies / On DVD / The Second Chance
The Second Chance

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The Second Chance (2006)

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Reviews Counted: 15

Fresh: 6

Rotten:9

Average Rating: 5/10

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 1 hr 53 mins

Genre: Dramas

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

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Jul 18, 2006

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Reviews for The Second Chance

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1 - 15 (sorted by date)
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A modern morality play whose positive messages are undercut by its pandering, paternalistic tone.

Full Review Source: Upstage Magazine | comment Comment
06/01/07
Kam Williams
Upstage Magazine

This may be a church movie, but it's one of the better ones.

Full Review Source: Christianity Today | comment Comment
10/11/06
Peter T. Chattaway
Christianity Today

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: EricDSnider.com | comment Comment
08/01/06
Eric D. Snider
EricDSnider.com

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Sacramento News & Review | comment Comment
05/12/06
Jim Lane
Sacramento News & Review

As divided as the two very different churches at its center, The Second Chance reps an uneasy marriage of spiritual conviction and dramatic expedience.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
02/21/06
Justin Chang
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

There are a lot of good messages in The Second Chance about how Christianity is a mix of love, both gentle and tough.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
02/17/06
Chris Thilk
Film Threat

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.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
02/17/06
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide's Movie Guide

[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.

Full Review Source: Orlando Sentinel | comment Comment
02/17/06
Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel

[The film is] sabotaged by hackneyed dialogue, sluggish pacing and a listless performance by Smith, who only springs to life when he's singing.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
02/17/06
Lou Lumenick
New York Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A movie-of-the-week treatment of race and class, the film credibly portrays the day-to-day workings of an urban ministry.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
02/17/06
Kevin Crust
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It's not the message that bothered me but the obvious way in which it's delivered.

Full Review Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News | comment Comment
02/17/06
Robert Denerstein
Denver Rocky Mountain News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Second Chance delivers its parable of spiritual growth with enough tender nuance that it doesn't merely preach to the choir.

Full Review Source: Denver Post | comment Comment
02/17/06
Lisa Kennedy
Denver Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

... 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.

Full Review Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer | comment Comment
02/16/06
Sean Axmaker
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Startlingly direct, if unavoidably preachy, The Second Chance takes aim at Christianity's racial divide and the corporatization of faith.

comment Comment
02/16/06
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
02/16/06
Stephen Becker
Dallas Morning News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
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