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 188 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Don Cummings (Boston, MA), November 09, 2009
Excellent book for every Christian and Non-Christian Marriage Alike. It dealts with the secret and innermost needs of the heart.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Olivia Cruz (Anaheim, CA), October 21, 2009
What I have read so far has been really helping. My relationship with my partner is getting stronger and even my partner is noticing my difference(though my partner doesn't know I have the book). It is really hard in the beginning because you don't see much change. But if you do love your partner, then you will try your best and get results steadily. I recommend this book for those relationships that are on thin ice.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Myrna Dick (Peterborough, On,), October 03, 2009
Great book. I find some of the days I take several days before I move on to the next.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Karla (Wy), September 30, 2009
We watched Fireproof after hearing another couple say they wished they could require all their adult children watch it. Afterwards my husband asked if we could 'require' that our adult children watch it. When I asked my husband if he thought it would benefit our unmarried son, he said that he wished he had seen it before we were married. THEN we got the Love Dare...we have read it TWICE!!! It has done more to promote understanding of God's design for marriage, His love and word, than anything I have tried to introduce to our marriage before. It has had a profound affect on our love and marriage. We have given copies to our adult children and our friends in maritial crisis. A MUST READ for single adults and all married couples.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Joe Lentz (Salem, UT), September 25, 2009
I like the book so much. I have been married 8 times. I can tell you divorce is not the answer. Repentance and forgiveness is. Serving your spouse as you would serve God is the key. What would you like and yes dear and do it.
I have bought 4 copies to give away.I am sure I will buy more.I really should buy the movie Fireproof and give with the movie.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Rebecca Thomason (Clinton, SC), September 21, 2009
Awesome! and most things can be applied to all relationships, not just marriage. I have learned so much already about God's love for us and how He wants to have an intimate relationship with His children. I have also learned about true or agape love that we should be exhibiting for others.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Linda Heidorf (Manistee, Mi), September 21, 2009
We are only on day 12 of the Love Dare-but has helped our marriage-its challenging & well worth the effort.I recommend the movie Fireproof & the Love Dare to all married & unmarried couples that want a better relationship or marriage..
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Linda Parker (Rimrock, AZ), August 26, 2009
It has made a tremendous improvement on our marriage of 42 years! I gave my 3 children and a granddaughter the book to help them through their marriages. Wow, I wish we had this book 42 years ago!
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