Expect in-your-face fatherhood morals bursting from an action/emotion story.
Expect the F-words: Faith, Fatherhood, Fears, Failings, Family, Forgiveness.
Expecting goodness, I entered the theater for the 1st opening day matinee. Found it great.
Sheriff Deputies know the necessity of partnership. They take it to heart by forming a small group of men, adding one ethnic carpenter outsider, and strive to make a difference in the lives of their families. They base their "Resolutions" vows upon the Bible. Unfortunately it takes some tragic circumstances to get the men to this point. Their courageous open faith position will not always be taken well...as Dep. Adam Mitchell (Alex Kendrick-Dir, Writer, Editor, Actor) states, "some will mock, some will have no resolve, others will say `I WILL'. Men of courage with God's help." He notes they will (and do) face conflict, challenge, controversy, & need courage. Each man has his own family issues, each an individual path of struggle.
A debate is sure to develop. Which is best, "Courageous" or "Fireproof" (2008); the last 2 films by the Kendrick brothers. I vote, equal. Alex does it all in this 4th Faith-based film adventure, while Stephen writes and produces. They also did "Flywheel" 2003; and "Facing the Giants" 2006. Is this film a moral and faith statement from the writers? YES! Of course! That's what they and their church intend. Expect it, and perhaps be blessed.
This film begins immediately with ACTION, life-threatening, a crashing peak, and then an emotional end to the scene. Hold on to your hat, because you have almost 2 hours of emotion, action, and even some comedy ahead after that. Ken Bevel, as Hayes (Yes, from Fireproof) is new to this police squad. No big HOLLYWOOD stars in this low-budget film that relies on none of the typical theater gimmicks. This film, as in preceding Kendrick film successes, relies on spiritual subject matter, PG13 rating, and the targeting of the Christian Theater viewer, eager for BIGGER-FASTER-STRONGER, but also family and faith oriented. It's worked for the Kendricks' casts & crews in the past, it will work again. Expect "COURAGEOUS" in the theater for a few weeks, and then the DVD will be bought by those same viewers...and more.
Viewership will grow, word of mouth, father to father, mom to mom, pew to pew, family to family.
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