Review: Fireproof
2008-10-03

By D.E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, MDiv
We saw Fireproof this weekend. Fireproof tells the story of firefighter Capt. Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron). At work Holt is a hero who rushes into burning buildings to save others and is committed to adage “never leave your partner behind”. However, things at home are quite different Holt’s marriage is in a tailspin. Holt and his wife Catherine (Erin Bethea) are in a state constant conflict and headed for divorce.

Fireproof may be the best non-animated Christian movie I have seen. Fireproof is the third movie by Sherwood Pictures and the first one intended for theatrical release. Sherwood Pictures is affiliated with Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA its mission is to create quality family friendly movies. Their first two movies Flywheel and Facing the Giants used an all-volunteer cast including the actors. While more 500 volunteers were involved with the production of Fireproof, professionals were used for the lead roles and the film crew.

As a movie, Fireproof is average. While the story line is well written, it is a simplistic at times. One of my major complaints about Christian movies is that they always end with a “happily ever-after” ending and follow the same basic plot. The main character, who may or may not be a Christian, is facing a major life crisis. Someone convinces them to trust God and all in end, all is well. While I believe that faith in God is important, even when we trust God, we do not always get “happily ever-after” ending. While the conflict is different, both Flywheel and Facing the Giants used the same formula for a Christian movie. I guess I would like to see a Christian movie tackle tough issues with a more realistic conclusion.

Sherwood Pictures has come a long way since Flywheel, their first release. The most notable improvement is the quality of the acting. The cast included Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea who are both professionals but the rest of cast had little or no acting experience. The soundtrack for Fireproof was another big improvement. The soundtrack included music by Third Day, Casting Crowns and Leeland. My only complaint quality wise is that some of the fire effects just look fake, overall that is a minor detail.

One of the things I liked Fireproof that it is a movie intended for adults (PG rating) that was clean. It seems that there is an attitude that movies for adults must at least include bad language.

If you have not seen Fireproof yet, go see it. It is certainly worth the time.