Brave the Dark

A bold reminder that we don't know the road that many of the people we think we know have travelled and how those experiences have shaped their lives, for good or for bad. It forces one to consider the question: Do I have what it takes to be a Mr. Deen? While the performances were okay, the story trumped any deficiencies in that area. It was also notable how music was shown to be liberating for the lead characters. I hope the messages from this film will reside in the back of my mind and help me seek a clearer picture when assessing a person's character and worth. It is easy to profess that we are each a Child of God, but quite another to treat others in that manner.

Good watch.. Acting was fine.. Great story..it's worth a watch but not a must see.

Felt I needed to post a review because (at the time of this review) the film is currently rated at an 8.5. This is not a classic by any means. The story was fantastic and relatable to most, the main educator in the film, was the highlight of the show. The protagonist teen was fair (not a nominee for any awards). There were scenes of high emotion so be prepared. On another note, the grandparents were necessary to the story but it was hard to understand their thought processes. Oh, and there are some minor twists. Based on a true story.

I thought this movie would be average at best. How many times do we get a story about a down and out kid that gets saved by their hero teacher. This movie was that, but they did a wonderful job at telling the story.

The acting is what made the show. I really cared about the kid. I felt his emotional pain. It was not overdone. The teacher was played well. Again, there was not a bunch of over-emoting or cornball jokes.

If you like touching movies, this is the one for you. Don't avoid it because it is from Angel.

This is not an overbearing religious movie. It is a movie about people needing people.

Wonderful film with a fine script and terrific acting.

The lead actor - the teacher whom I remember from Mad Men - is great in this role as the supportive and optimistic foil for the boy in need.

The boy who shares a dark secret is effective and believable as a tortured soul who needs a break

That it's a true story makes it all the more powerful

The writing - dialogue and character development - is strong and the message is clear.

It's not often that a film will teach the moviegoer valuable lessons on how we need to support others in need. Showing you care and helping a stranger overcome obstacles can have a long lasting effect.

The Harris brothers came with the heat on this film. And Nicholas Hamilton does an incredible job matching Jared Harris' energy. Love every second we get of them together on screen.

This film is a testament to the fact that you never know how deeply you can alter the course of someone's life by showing up.

Nate played by Hamilton has a deeply troubled past and horrible mentors as his life spirals into a destructive path. Nearing rock bottom, his teacher Mr. Deen (played by Harris) sees the good in Nate and chooses to show up for him when nobody else would.

If you want to feel uplifted this New Year 2025, go see Brave the Dark!