sjwestbrooks

I'm almost afraid to criticize this movie, as it clearly was a passion project from a church of devout Christians who were enthusiastic about bringing the origin story of the hymn "The Love of God" to the TV screen. However, this movie is yet another example of amateurish filmmaking, no matter how passionate, still looking amateurish.

Again, the filmmakers had their hearts in the right place, and that very much shows in this film. There are many sets and costumes depicting many different historical time periods, none of which are convincing but you have to give them credit for trying their best. The acting is either overly dramatic or banal, mainly because none of the actors had any training. The only non-white actors in the entire movie - three African-American brothers - pick up orange crates at a factory because the filmmakers couldn't think of anywhere else to put them apparently. The music is just so-so, and so is the cinematography. The plot features several scenes, as well as a vague childhood romance, that don't add anything of relevance to the story and just serve as filler.

All in all, this movie is a classic example of a low-budget travesty paved with good intentions. The filmmakers didn't have nearly enough money to make what they wanted to make, and they did the best with what they had. That, as well as this movie being Garry Nation's film debut, makes me somewhat forgive this movie's flaws, and I encourage you to at least give this movie a chance.

Yesterday, I watched a movie in theaters for the first time in nearly four years. That movie was The Shift, and the only regret I have from yesterday is that I did not pay enough.

The Shift is so much better than many of the online reviews admit. It is deep, beautiful, powerful, action packed, suspenseful, and intriguing all at the same time. It is not your typical Christian movie, with all the preachy cheesy acting and low-budget constraints. This is a Hollywood-quality movie, with a cast filled with A-list actors and a crew filled with professionals.

The movie isn't perfect, but its flaws are limited to some of the cuts being awkward and the CGI being better in some scenes than in others. Luckily, for most of the movie, the cinematography and special effects are just as great as the rest of the movie.

Prepare to cry at the ending, as it is extremely powerful - and I've seen a lot of emotional movies, so I should know! You will not regret watching this movie; it is without a doubt the best movie Angel Studios has made yet. Don't listen to the negative Rotten Tomatoes reviews - most of which are written by atheists who hate any movie that please Him; go watch the movie yourself. Trust me; you too will leave the movie wishing you had paid more to see it.

I know what you're all thinking: "What in the name of Santa are you doing? Saving Christmas a movie EVERYONE should see? SERIOUSLY?!" Please, before you dislike this review, hear me out.

There is no need to me to discuss all the dozens of problems with, well, everything about the film. I'd only be the ten thousandth person to do so if I did. Instead, I will explain why every Christian, every atheist, every Christmas fan, every not-Christmas fan, every film student, every everybody (I'm starting to sound like Kirk, aren't I?) should watch this movie.

We live in an age where logic often takes the back seat. This is an age where choosing the most logical view of an issue can make you, in the words of Kirk, "ruin (the party) for everyone." People will call you all sorts of names and make you sound like some kind of inhumane criminal. Well, if that's you, then I just want to tell you this: you're not.

Christians should watch this movie to learn how not to debate theology. Film students should watch this to learn how not to make a movie. Logic professors should mention this film in their classes as an example of the uses of red herrings, straw men, and other fallacies in popular entertainment.

Kirk Cameron appears to have moved on from this movie. I hope he continues on that path and I wish both him and all of you a Happy Holidays this year.