Alex Kendrick is associate media pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. He helped establish Sherwood Pictures in 2003 and has directed and co-written each of its films: Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof, playing the lead male role in those first two productions. Alex has appeared on ABC, CNN, FOX News, American Family Radio, The Glenn Beck Show, Janet Parshall’s America, and many other national programs to discuss his award-winning work and ministry. He lives in Albany with his wife and five children.
Stephen Kendrick is a senior associate pastor of preaching at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. He helped establish Sherwood Pictures in 2003 and has served as co-writer and producer for each of its films: Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. Stephen has spoken about his work on ABC World News Tonight and CNN and in The Washington Post and American Profile magazine among others. Currently earning a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he lives in Albany with his wife and three children.
I've waited a long time to write a good review of a Christian movie, and here it is: I thought Fireproof was a great movie! Kirk Cameron, plays fireman Caleb Holt, whose marriage is on the rocks. The movie chronicles Holt's journey from hot-headed (no pun intended), porn-addicted husband on the verge of losing his wife to divorce and subsequent affair to a man transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ into a loving, selfless husband.
Alex Kendrick, co-writer and director, does a great job constructing a believable and riveting transformation of Caleb Holt. This is a vast improvement over the story-telling in Kendrick's very successful Facing the Giants. Cameron gives a truly great performance in the role of Caleb Holt. This is quite a departure in tone for Cameron who will forever be remembered for his "iconic" comedic role as Mike Seaver in TV's "Growing Pains."
The rest of the cast - primarily made up of Sherwood Baptist Church's drama team where both Kendrick brothers serve as pastors - give pedestrian but not horrific performances. Erin Bethea rises above the amateurish cast as Caleb's wife, Catherine.
This movie is a great ministry tool as a discussion starter for couples. I was even impressed by the Gospel presentation in the movie - very biblical, yet not trite. Finally a Christian movie that Christian's can recommend without embarrassment...and a Christian movie that has nothing to do with life on the prairie or the end times. Its phenomenal success, especially for an independent film, is a testimony to its broad appeal.
A key moment in the movie has Cameron’s character receiving a journal from his father called “The Love Dare.” This movie comes with a gift copy of the Love Dare. The Love Dare is a manual designed to encourage husbands to implement sacrificial love for a 40-day period. It read much like a devotional but with each comes a practical step for demonstrating an aspect of love.
The book itself comes in a nice leather-bound version with places to write thoughts after each day’s challenge. The overall content is good and features appropriate selected Scriptures on what it means to show love. However, I do have a concern that some may view the 40 day nature of the book as a quick fix to all marital problems. The Love Dare sure can help, but these are life-long principles that need to be demonstrated till death, not just for 40 days. I’m sure the authors would agree. – Todd Burgett, ChristianBookPreviews.com
Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story.
After a decade of marriage, Caleb (Cameron) and Catherine Holt (Catt) have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. Yet as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's parents ask their son to try an experiment: The Love Dare.
While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents' newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. But can he attempt to love his wife while avoiding God's love for him? Will he be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person that's no longer receptive to his love? Or is this just another marriage destined to go up in smoke?
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 201 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Anna (Atco, NJ), February 06, 2010
I began with high hopes as I read yet another parenting book, but ended up feeling frustrated as always because the advice does not seem to fit life 100%. I have taken the basic idea from the book and have been applying it as best I can in our family, and to some degree it has been a help. I think for someone like me, who had no positive role models growing up, and no experience being around small children, it is very hard to get a clear picture of what good parenting looks like in reality. I really think our best chances of becoming good parents depends on coming from a home with good parents ourselves.... we learn best by example. But since that was not the case for me, I will continue along doing the best I can. I do like the "ask Dr. Leman" part of the book because it gives concrete answers to specific problems, which I find to be somewhat more helpful.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Darin (Montrose, CO), February 04, 2010
Simple, to the point. A great book. While this was to little to late, for my marriage, I feel that in the write context it would have been an awesome tool.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mark Demmer (Bullhead City, AZ), February 04, 2010
An excellent way to review what's right and what's not with your relationships (hopefully married). Well worth the effort...
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jessica (Pennsylvania), February 02, 2010
Without this book, my husband and I would not still be married. We had grown apart over the years from normal stresses of money and a child. We are now happier, even a year after completing the book, then we ever were. We are teaching a Love Dare class at our Church, and hope it touches other marriages, as it has touched ours! This is truly a wonderful journey that will change the way you look at your Spouse and yourself!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by heidi (sonora,ca), January 29, 2010
I have seen the movie Fireproof so many times. Just watching that has really helped me. I have not done the book yet. When my husband and I watched the movie the first time all he did was nit pick at me of what I should be doing.This story fits him perfectly but I guess he doesnt see that. Anyone with addictions is destroying themselves and marriage/relationship. I will continue to do my part in this and hope my husband can be like Caleb and get on the right track,the right path!!! I would recommend this to anyone. Its is well worth it.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Edith Weathersbee (Williston, SC), January 14, 2010
Have not completed the Love Dare Book. Very satisfied up to this point. Would definitely recommend this book to others.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Juanita Quinlan (Alliance, OH), January 13, 2010
My husband and I received this book at a Marriage Retreat our church had since then we have used our copy of Fireproof to witness God's love to others by loaning it out and giving a Love Dare book along with it. We have Shared it with over 40 people this year. It is a marvelous book to work together to find your way through a marriage.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jaime Knieper (Centennial, CO), January 08, 2010
I'm only on day 8, but it's already made a huge difference in how I treat and love my husband. Definitely a great book if you want to draw closer to your spouse!
View all 201 Reviews
Write a review of The Love Dare
Catalog Shopping
Membership
