Christian fiction seems to only have two major categories: 1) end-time melodramas and 2) prairie melodramas. Consequently, Christian movies typically have two categories as well. The Moment After 2: The Awakening (MA2) is the latest installment in the post-rapture-end-times genre. This is a genre that seems to have the same basic plotline no matter the decade or filmmaker (remember the Thief in the Night and A Distant Thunder movies that scared us to death in the 70’s?).
Here’s the plot: Christ raptures the church; former atheists turn to Christ; these new believers must now face off with the oppressive government of the antichrist; near escapes and martyrdom ensue. Director Wes Llewellyn, working off of a script by his wife Amanda, repeats this formulaic plot as if painting by numbers.
David A.R. White, Christian cinema’s ubiquitous everyman (Six, Bells of Innocence, The Moment After), and Kevin Downes (Thr3e) reprise their roles as FBI agents who are “left behind” and continue to go through a series of trials and tribulations (pun intended). The acting is two-dimensional and emotionless, never rising above your typical church drama team.
One positive aspect is that the actual filmmaking – the cinematography, editing, etc. – has at least a level of quality that shows growth from most Christian movies of a decade ago. However, this should be a given, not a highlight.
You may be asking, “Why are you being so hard? Should you be so critical when the sincere folks who made this movie only want to reach the unsaved?” Let me answer the first question. I’m being so hard because the filmmakers are asking YOU to hand over your hard-earned money to buy or rent this movie. It is in my opinion (and I am only one voice) that you could spend that money on something better. Also, as movie fan AND as a Christian I long to see Christians have a credible impact in the movie world – a tough world to break into as Christian, no doubt. Movies are the only art form in the history of the world that Christians have not had a major influence. Let that statement sink in for a moment. I know we, as Christians, have to start somewhere – but surely we can do better than MA2?
As for the second question, let me approach it this way. If God uses MA2 to reach the unsaved it will only be because of His amazing sovereignty, not the excellence of the movie (of which there is little). I can’t judge the sincerity of the filmmakers – in fact, I applaud their tenacity and bravery. However, I just want to see better Christian movies rather than glad-handing something just because it is Christian. That does no one an ounce of good – not the paying audience, nor the time, talent and money of the filmmakers. Surely, as Christians, we can do better.
I realize the last two paragraphs have more to do with a commentary on Christian cinema than on this particular movie. Yet, MA2 is indicative of most of the Christian cinema that has been produced in the last 20 years with few exceptions. It’s sad to think that unbelieving Hollywood has been responsible for the best in Christian cinema (think Chronicles of Narnia and Amazing Grace) and that Christians themselves have been responsible for the worst in Christian cinema (I’m still wondering where the $30 million budget went on the Left Behind movie).
All this to say, please save your money and don’t spend it on The Moment After 2 because I really don’t want to review The Moment After 3. – Todd Burgett, Christian Book Previews.com
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 11 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by MO (Huntsville, al), January 28, 2010
Honestly I loved both films 1 & 2 and hope and pray that they will do a part 3, please. As for Todd, maybe you should start making movies instead of just judging them. By all means if you have an eye for what people want to see and what is good step out of your comfort zone and become part of the solution rather than pointing out the faults. Who knows you may be great at it?
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Derba Seger (Minneapolis, MN.), December 10, 2009
The movie was professional. The actors are very good. The special effects were great. Is there no other Christian writing reviews for this movie that notices the fact that you cannot get the mark of the beast, then remove it and decide to get saved?? Read God's Word in Revelation, etc. (KJV)
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Katie Laventure (Hemmingford,Quebec,Canada), May 14, 2009
This was a good movie but it was very violent at the end.Alot of killing,a betral by someone who was loved,and a deamon type officer.All in all this was A EXELENT MOVIE OF THE RAPURE!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jay Stilson (Buena Park, CA), March 14, 2008
Well don in spite of what Todd says above. He seems to dislike the material more than the job done and we thought both were excellent. Worth seeing and a great witnessing tool. Left us on the edge of our seats when the Commander opened his eyes.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Charmaine Bournes (Auckland 3109,), January 25, 2008
a very well acted dvd. lots of nail biting stuff, Hope I can find the 3rd installment. Great to sit through with unsaved folk. lots of things to talk about... gotta see the first one though...
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Diana Leitzel (Lebanon, PA), January 10, 2008
This movie was very good! Can't wait to see
the sequel, It has a suspenseful ending
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christine (Kalamazoo, MI), January 06, 2008
We totally love these two movies!It is awesome as far as witnessing and very interesting!! The spiritual part of it is great, and it is not too Hollywood. Highly recommend it for everyone. Please make a number 3!!
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ann Edmondson (Alamosa, CO), September 24, 2007
The DVD is poor in resolution and very grainy. The story line is very good and gives you great food for thought.
View all 11 Reviews
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