In the software business, I got a lot of free shirts. I didn't realize how many until I left the business and suddenly had to start buying my own shirts again. In pastoral ministry, I don't get many free shirts, but I do get to screen some movies for free. Producers of family-friendly movies love to invite pastors to see the movie, provide their feedback, and then (hopefully) put in a good word for the movie with their congregations. It's business, sure, but it's also nice to hear from one's pastor that he's seen a particular movie and can recommend it.
Last week, I got to see Home Run (http://www.homerunthemovie.com/), opening April 19. Cory Brand is a professional baseball player struggling with alcoholism and unresolved issues from his childhood. A series of bad decisions forces him to spend some time away from the game, where he finally begins to face his problems.
The movie earned a PG-13 rating, primarily because it openly discusses a variety of struggles that adults face, in the context of a recovery group. The discussions are not gratuitous or salacious, but they are direct. For example, one person talks (non-graphically) about his addiction to internet porn, and another talks about being abused as a child. Parents should decide whether or not their children are ready for those topics to come up - please don't take your kids unless you are able to guide them in discussing the issues at a conceptual level.
The production quality of the movie is generally good. There was only one actor I felt was weak, and she simply overplayed her character (I get the impression she was a sweet person trying to play a sassy person). The child actors held their own, but were not stand outs. The rest of the cast was enjoyable to watch. The first third of the movie was a less than smooth in its storytelling, but the remainder of the movie flowed well, had good pace and rhythm, and kept me engaged. Some of the camera work extended beyond storytelling and allowed us to appreciate the sights and sounds. The movie will not garner any major movie awards, and because of its strong Christian theme, will likely receive open criticism.
The story centers on the Christian ministry called Celebrate Recovery, which helps people deal with all kinds of addictions and other recovery situations. In some ways, the movie was a commercial for the ministry, but because CR does good work, I don't mind. Unlike some recent Christian-themed movies, Home Run does not set any false expectations that once you put your faith in Christ, everything is going to work out in the end. The CR scenes are clear that Christians are not magically freed from their problems, but that Christ is our greatest hope in the midst of those problems.
The biggest critique I put in my comments for the screening is that the movie does not really address the Atonement (the work of Jesus on the Cross to satisfy God's wrath for our sin). Yes, the message is that Jesus can provide recovery for us, but that's not the main reason Jesus came. Leaving out the Atonement runs the risk of preaching a "therapeutic Gospel" - that Jesus came to make our lives better. Instead, Jesus came to make unworthy sinners fit for God's holy and loving presence forever.
I do recommend the movie with enthusiasm. I believe people struggling with addictions can identify with one or more characters, and will be challenged with the idea that Jesus and the community of believers can bring victory. I do hope that people join CR after seeing this. The movie can spark conversations with your friends and loved ones who may struggle (and it can challenge any of us who struggle). The story is good, is not entirely predictable, and engages your emotions. It's a rare combination of a "clean" movie that dives into mature topics with some measure of realism.
It doesn't have the full Gospel overtly presented so that the viewer is directly challenged with the claims of Christ, but it does rightly show that addictions and dysfunctions can be successfully addressed within the Christian community relying primarily on Jesus.
Check out the website, and even use the site to campaign to make sure it opens in our area. Go see it, bring friends and family, and use it as a springboard to talk about important issues. Plus, it's a baseball movie, so I automatically like it!
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