Advertised by its distributor as a successor to such theatrically released religious dramas as Facing the Giants (2006) and Fireproof (2008) -- though it came from a completely different production team -- this inspirational saga recounts the story of Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne), a well-rounded, Middle American teen who seems to have everything going for him, his world in perfect balance. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes in the form of a childhood friend's death, Jake suddenly begins to
question everything he had long taken for granted, and he's soon forced to make a decision that will permanently change his future. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
Miles ahead in terms of production values and an avoidance of overt proselytizing. It'll likely be an enormous hit with the evangelical communities at which it's targeted. That doesn't save it from being an utter failure outside that narrow context.
But forget the lame performances and arch, preachy sentiment; the movie's sham hip-hop and spurious alternative music alone should keep teenagers away. Thank goodness.
One of its strengths is its willingness to engage candidly and open-heartedly with the real issues that confront teenagers, giving it some heft and credibility.
I can see this being a positive influence for many who watch it and for some it could possibly even make a huge difference, and you don't get that from many movies these days.
What's worthy about "To Save A Life" comes purely from its nutritional value, and if a teenager becomes a more empathetic person as a result of seeing it, then it's worth it for him. A lot of his friends, though, might be too bored to get to the redemptio
As far as proselytizing Christian films go, this one is better than most, even if it's rather like an after-school special drawn out to inordinate length.
One of the problems with Christian films is that they can come off as very preachy. "To Save a Life" doesn't necessarily tone down its religious overtones, but it does try to make the religious aspects as organic as possible.
Writer Jim Britts and director Brian Baugh know what they want to say but ultimately fall short of delivering the full-blooded drama they're after. And at two hours the film is way too long.
My cousin says this is her favorite movie ever, to me it was a way to spend the afternoon. As a christian, I enjoyed the way they respect God and he changes his faith, but it took a wild turn and was pretty intense and depressing, it could've been so much more.
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