nativeapache

I took my 8 year old nephew and he absolutely loved it! I as a 28 year old man also loved it and planning to watch it again. For me this was the best cartoon since Despicable Me. It had the emotion of Finding Nemo and UP. There are a few sad parts with the climax being fairly sad for a cartoon. I could definitely hear sniffles in my theater from many people. Don't worry though, the movie doesn't end on this sad note! Otherwise it has amazing animation and action, lots of humor and plenty for the kiddos to enjoy as well as for the adults. My only caveat would be is the villain is a little dark and may be a little creepy for the youngest viewers but nothing horrifying happens. Other reviewers have covered the plot so I'll just say it's definitely worth the money spent on movie tickets!

Let me first say that I am a Christian. I watch campy Christian movies solely for the sake to have some wholesome entertainment. I clearly remember the impact of reading the Left Behind book almost 16 years ago as a boy in middle school. Few other books have had such a profound impact on my life so I hold the entire series close to heart.

However, I share all this to say that this movie is nothing but a hot mess. Here's a short list of sins. 1.) A soundtrack that sounds like bad elevator music 2.) Maybe it was just my theater but the dialogue was also difficult to hear 3.) Casually calm characters on the airplane after one of the most horrifying events known to mankind has just occurred 4.) Out of place comedic relief and 5.) So-so acting.

To be fair though, there were some improvements from the original movie. The rapture scene was markedly improved and actually made me gasp because it truly occurs unexpectedly. The action shots were also much better and the acting was improved but for the star power involved was rather weak. Many of the airplane scenes felt overly contrived with stilted acting.

The movie doesn't necessarily follow the plot of the Left Behind book as it's merely inspired by it but it doesn't matter with all the aforementioned problems. There's also a lot less preaching in this film than the original but frankly could have used more as to convey some message of inspiration.

If you're a fan of the Left Behind series I wouldn't say completely disregard this film but please don't have high expectations that this movie will deliver and improve on the original. I've waited 16 years for a movie to convey the fear, excitement, and triumph that enthralled me when I was an 11 year old boy staying up to the wee hours of the morning trying to read just one more page of the book. After watching this movie, it looks like I'll have to wait for another remake.

After reading some of the critic's reviews, I was somewhat hesitant to go see this film. However, after just viewing the film I have it in my mind that the critics love nothing more than to hate on Christian based entertainment. Yes, this is a Christian film but it's not cheesy like so many are. The acting is great, the music makes you want to dance, and the plot is engaging.

I don't know what got the critic's panties in such a bunch about this film but I'm sure the director's approach in showing that the main character didn't need to bed every woman he met or try the latest drug of choice had something to do with their negative reviews. The movie's main message is a person's "call" or purpose in life and seeing how a person can both be true to their "call" and faith at the same time. The movie doesn't disappoint and conveys this message very well from the first scene to the ending credits.

Overall, it's a very inspirational movie, some laughs, tears, but mostly a lot of heart. Don't let the naysayers detract you from watching this film!