Abel's Field

What a great drama "Abel's Field" is! Released in 2012, the story revolves around 17 year-old Seth (Samuel Davis) whose mother is dead and his father is no where to be found. He's forced to be the parent to his twin 7 year-old sisters. His cold half-brother is following in his father's alcoholic footprints. Seth is bullied at school by the football team and their bossy coach (Richard Dillard), but finds solace with a popular girl at school, Katie (Nicole Elliott), and -- surprisingly -- with the school's loner maintenance man, Abel (Kevin Sorbo).

Like all great dramas, "Abel's Field" captivates your attention in the first act and you find yourself in the world of the characters. As the story progresses we discover why Seth is mistreated at school, but it's thankfully not spelled out (it has to do with jealousy, rivalry and sectarianism, the moronic "Your not one of us" mindset). You'll notice, incidentally, that the players only confront & attack as a group and never alone. It's a microcosm of the mob mentality, not to mention they're too cowardly to attack one-on-one.

Three relationships are the focus: Seth's fatherly relationship with his sisters and his developing relationships with Katie and the mysterious Abel. Speaking of Abel, Sorbo is excellent here in an atypical role. His likable joie de vivre is completely absent in favor of a quiet, brooding spirit.

The message of the film is A+ all the way and the overt references to God and faith are refreshing, but they're not so overt to turn-off those who don't believe, so don't let this factor deter you if you're amongst the latter. This is simply an inspiring film for everyone, except maybe atheists (or perhaps them most of all, lol).

Those looking for a faith-based film that shows a conventional family environment might want to steer clear (not that there's anything wrong with those types of films; check out the excellent "Cutback" for a quality film of that sort). "Abel's Field" shows the awful truth of broken & dysfunctional families in the modern Western world and the negative repercussions thereof. Thankfully, that doesn't mean that there isn't any hope; but the proud individualist must be broken, both for Seth and Abel.

I also like the fact that the film shows that the mentors we stumble across in life are there to mentor us in one way or another, but we shouldn't make the mistake of idolizing them, no matter how great (or small) the mentor is, he or she is still a flawed human being who just so happens to be further on in their spiritual journey, at least in the area we need help in.

Another thing I liked: Just because someone's in the "mentor" role doesn't mean the "mentee" can't mentor the mentor in one way or another. And a worthy (humble) mentor will receive from the mentee when applicable.

One reviewer referred to Nicole Elliott, who plays Seth's potential girlfriend, as "overweight." Wow, nothing could be further from the truth; in fact, this isn't even remotely true. Check her out in the film and see for yourself. It's idiotic statements like this that drive women and girls into anorexia and it totally ticks me off! If anything, Nicole could stand to gain some weight. Regardless, she's uniquely beautiful, a refreshing alternative to the stereotypical hot blond cheerleader type.

The film runs 104 minutes and was shot in Thrall, TX, which is about 20 miles NE of Austin.

GRADE: A

It really shows how true to life difficulties Seth and his sisters experience. Abel's reasons for choosing the way he lives, really got to me in that one area of self imposed punishment.

It really portrays what it's like to be broken or live life so close to rock bottom. And the process of redemption. Of confession, repentance, forgiveness, cleansing and blessing.

I loved the characters of Abel, Seth, Katie and the twins. Well worth viewing.

I just wish they showed more of what happens to Abel, after the end scene. I hope there's a sequel. Or maybe a stand alone movie about Abel.

What a great movie. Very warming. The actors were exceptional. I just have one question. Who was the girl that played Katie. Nicole Elliott? WOW!!!!! what a talent i wonder why we have never seen her before? She is an amazing talent and beautiful as well. Samuel Davis was tremendous as Seth and Kevin Sorbo what can you say he is amazing.I give this picture a 10 star rating.It goes to show you how two completely opposite people can come together to help each other out in a time of need.i will definitely watch this movie again and highly recommend this to anyone else.Keep up the good work Nicole you are on your way to many more movie roles.

With overt evangelizing kept to a minimum Abel's Field is not too bad of a family film produced under Christian auspices. Kevin Sorbo has the title role in the film playing a janitor and an unlikely role as mentor to young Samuel Davis. Davis is all of 17 years old and the unlikely guardian of his two 7 year old twin sisters.

Working 2 jobs and then three courtesy of the football team and their idiot coach Davis becomes an assistant to Sorbo as they fix up the sprinkler system for the center of the town, the high school football field. All over the bible belt high school sports, most of all football is the other religion these people follow.

I was actually pleasantly surprised that a film marketed for this area could portray high school sports so negatively.

Sorbo and Davis have some nice scenes together. Abel's Field is good family entertainment.

I know that Christian movies are looked down on by many.....but I don t care. This was a good movie offering hope.