Courageous

What is really amazing is that There is a very large group of us, in the millions, that live this life, and see these things that others call simplistic. We teach our kids to not have sex before marriage. We sacrifice our time for our family, eschewing other personal interests. We see miracles occur as we watch others take to the so-called 'simplistic' approach you decry here, turning to Jesus and the scriptures. It is amazing that I get to live what those in NY, SF, and other big cities see as useless fantasy. The things in this movie happen all of the time, and the people are much better for it. Perhaps this and other critics would be happier with some family incest, maybe have two of the cops be secretly gay and in love, and have it all managed by some NYU psychologist. That usually gets good reviews.

Oct 3 - 10:09 AM

Alison Anzrin

So anyone who doesn't subscribe to your worldview must be into "family incest". You, Ronnie S. are the definition of a simplistic, didactic worldview.

Oct 4 - 07:50 AM

Troy Mendez

Simplistic is accurate. Because it is simple to understand. There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Those who claim to be in "gray" areas are just people who refuse to admit they do not wish to admit they are in the wrong.
But it's ok. God allows free will for everyone, so you may life your life as you wish. If you chose to not believe in God or in Christian values, that's your choice.
But to further explain Ronnie's view, critics are happier with family incest, homosexuality, and other such lifestyles because in their view it is proof that they are "open-minded". The funny thing is that more often than not, they are open-minded to everything but Christian values.

Oct 9 - 10:54 PM

Devon Hickle

Within the doctrine of Christianity, it's hardly a free-willed choice. Believe or go to Hell. Believe me, regardless of beliefs, save the peculiar Catholic/Christian priests, incest, drugs and other "sins" are still generally considered wrong. Christianity had over 2,000 years of open mindedness, it's time to close the case and show Christianity for what it is; a dogmatic and close minded worldview.

Oct 12 - 08:03 AM

Connor Johnson

Lots of people getting butt-hurt over this film's reception, I see.

Oct 4 - 06:54 PM

Travis McGaughey

Gary, didacticism platitudes with complexities blah, blah, blah!

Oct 3 - 01:52 PM

Jason Robinson

And do any other Hollywood productions tackle these problems you raised any better?

Also, nothing in the movie implied or outright stated that any characters were illegal immigrants.

Oct 5 - 12:17 PM

David Bonilla

That was implied when the main character asked for Martinez's papers. And yes, I was extremely unsatisfied with this "Christian" approach to the subject of death, I can't imagine anything less fulfilling than all that crap they went through. People have real emotions that are justified, and the "Christian" route just tossed the subject in the category of "you're either going to make something out of this or you're not". Well damn, I really hope there's more to my human reactions to someone I love than that. A recent parallel, however, to answer your question, is Rabbit Hole, I thought that was a very good "secular" take on this subject, or at least the one on death.

Jan 21 - 07:27 PM

David Murphy

Sounds like The human centipede - cramming crap down someone's throat an pushing it out for other's to eat.

Oct 6 - 12:17 PM

Dominic Justin Cortese

It's a good movie. If you didn't like it after you saw it, that means you most likely knew you were not going to like it before you bought your ticket. So you just wasted you time and money. Liberals are all retarded anyway... so predictable its almost funny.

Oct 8 - 01:51 PM

Kim Broomall

Calling people "retarded" for having a different political viewpoint than you only makes you look mentally deficient. Just throwin' that out there... Perhaps people object to oversimplification of serious issues in movies regardless of what political party they're in? I mean, I'm kind of liberal and I'm an atheist, but I still don't like it when movies act like religious people or Republicans are all crazy. Because I know they aren't. I know great people on both sides, and I know terrible people on both sides. Why hate all of any group? It's not that simple. Nothing in life is.

Oct 8 - 02:44 PM

Rob Campbell

I thought the movie was great. I think JESUS is GREAT. I also think and believe many live in sin and sin causes in some way all the grief in the world. It has a ripple type effect. Is that over simplified. Maybe, all I know is one day we will all meet our maker no matter what we believe and on that day all we say Jesus is Lord. You have Free Choice to believe what you want. But, what if I am right and you are wrong? What if I have eternity, and you don't have long? Please think about it. I mean no disrespect, I am a lowly sinner and only am saved by a WONDERFUL SAVIOUR, Jesus Christ. :)

Oct 8 - 09:22 PM

Erin Kelly

Look, it's awesome that some people liked it. But the reviewer is giving his opinion, as a movie reviewer, about a movie. It's not a statement about your god, but about the movie.

Oct 11 - 05:15 PM

Meryk Walker

IF THE MOVIE IS ABOUT GOD THEN IT IS A GOOD MOVIE NO IFS ANDS OR BUTS I LOVE JESUS *end sarcasm*

The real reason I went to the comments section for this review was because reading "- are examined with didacticism and platitudes instead of by mining their inherent complexities" made me want to rip my dick off and throw it in a river. Perhaps I need a better understanding of the English Language. And while I'm at it, become a Christian so I can give this movie a shot.

Oct 12 - 09:00 PM

Michael Westergren

The Critic is a liberal raised by his mother.

Oct 19 - 08:29 PM

Kathy Newland

another hateful, bible thumpin' do gooder that wants everyone to hate everyone else that isn't PERFECT like they are...pfft,

they are the MOST HATEFUL PEOPLE ON EARTH..hypocrites beyond belief

Oct 22 - 01:10 PM

Jeff Eshom

Most Christians are not "Do Gooders". Most do not even understand what is good and what is sacrifice. Most go about doing everything in their power to be seen as good in a narrowly defined and arbitrary manner-that harms all of society. Though I am sure it was sarcastic I think its an important distinction to NEVER call them 'do gooders'.

Nov 6 - 10:49 PM

Jeff Criswell

You don't know what you're talking about. We are the salt and light of this society. Jesus said unbelievers would hate us for it. I invite you to actually visit a church and spend time with us before vilifying us.I also implore you to renounce your sin, believe in King Jesus, and follow Him with the rest of your life. He makes life exponentially better than you can muster on your own.

Nov 12 - 06:52 AM

Jeff Criswell

Nov 12 - 06:52 AM

Chris Miller

Pretty sure most people were raised by their mother.

Nov 1 - 11:58 AM

Myron Kinsey

Your beliefs do not warrant you to be a condescending little prick.

Nov 1 - 01:00 PM

Sam Koslowsky

I as a Christian, would like to ask you what makes you say being raised by your mother is a bad thing. I had no mother who was mentally there to raise me nor did my father give two you know whats about me. But God cares and labeling like how you do makes you part of the hypocrites go read the sermon on the mount and learn something about not judging and sounding your own horn!

Jun 9 - 04:39 PM

Kathleen Wilson

Wow! People! If you like it then you like it. If you dont then you dont! I as a Christian enjoy a good Christian movie that doesnt include things that offend and disgust me. Its even better if it is uplifting and blesses my heart like all of the movies made by this particular group has. If you dont want to watch a Christian movie then dont go to a Christian movie just so you can say you dont like it and that it is closed minded etc etc blah blah blah....

Nov 4 - 06:54 PM

Kimberly Hayes

I disagree with you. Courageous had everything it needed to get the point across. All those subjects ( drugs, gangs, etc.) have the same underlying cause. The father out of place will cause all those things to occur. The father plays a huge role in how we all turn out.

Nov 8 - 05:03 AM

Christoph Skau

the topic that was brought up is people growing up without a father and what statistically happens when ppl dont have a father hence the gangs and drugs extra and how the walk with god helps these people to change things in there life's so they can help change others

Feb 29 - 09:17 PM

Lindsey Gordon

I'm truly tired of those that are offended by the mention of God. If you dont like it then dont put yourself in such a situation. No one forced you to watch the movie. You all knew it was Christian based before you watched it, so why? Why watch a movie you know you're going to hate? You liberals will find any excuse to bash Christians, including watching a God based movie and then immediately getting online to talk out against it. Please find something better to do.

Mar 17 - 11:29 PM

Jim Starlin

Why is it so wrong to be a Christian? one simple question. Why is it wrong to believe and to live with a belief that one should be kind to their neighbor? Why is it wrong to believe that you should put your family values first? Why is it wrong to live with conviction to a good ideal? Let me ask you this, Which would you rather have as a neighbor; a man that says good morning to you as he is getting his paper from the mailbox or someone that you can't trust to let in the house with your 14 year old daugher or your wife? The self indulgent instant gratification seeking athiests of this world need to stand up and listen. It is not alright for you to be intollerant of our beliefs and to expect us to not push back. I can't understand how people accept being hateful and judgemental of everyone that does not believe the way that they do. I just want to be left alone to do what I wish with my own life. Why is that wrong? Athiests be damned for not accepting that someone may choose to believe differently than they do. Isn't that what this country was founded upon. Since when is freedom of religion defined as you can believe what ever you wish as long as I believe the same way. I can speak my mind as long as you don't hurt my feelings by opposing me. Also the seperation of church and state does not mean that you can't swear on the bible when in court. It doesn't mean that those who choose to pray in school or at a school football game. It means that the Government cannot tell you what you can and can not believe or practive. Freedom to believe or not believe is up to you. But when you chastize me for believing the way I do, you had better be ready for my opinion to come flying your way.

Apr 11 - 08:47 PM

Opening this week

Movies

New on DVD

DVD

Who's In Theaters This Weekend?

Celebrities

What's Hot on Rotten Tomatoes

News

Spotlight

Critics

Critic Review - Los Angeles Times

Comments