To Save A Life: a movie review

I don't consider myself a movie critic, but I do enjoy movies; especially if they are based on true stories or seem real to life. Last night, at the recommendation of one of my friends, along with my wife and two teenage children, I watched the movie: To Save A Life. It sounds familiar because of The Fray's hit: How To Save A Life (I think that was the group that sang the song); and although it certainly fits the movie, I don't think the song was used in anyway with the movie. However, after watching the movie, that particular song sticks in my head, more than the main songs that the movie used.

Usually, we are watching children's movies because we have 3 younger children; but since they were at another activity, we decided this was as good as time as any, to watch this PG-13 flick. I think the intent was to make a movie that had Christian, biblical, messages in it; and yet still make a good movie, that would appeal, even to "non-believers". Although I don't know much about acting or cinematography, in my opinion, they did pretty well on all accounts. At the very least, I enjoyed it, and believe it or not, even as a pastor, it is hard for a movie, that I think is going to be Christian based, to impress me. Usually, even I can tell when a movie is poorly done, or is overly dramatic; or just cheesy. Many "Christian" movies are just that; but I don't think this one is.

I highly recommend this movie to teenagers and to adults; and especially for parents and teens to watch and discuss together. Or, even for youth pastors and their teens (along with parents if possible) to view it and discuss it. There are many great discussion points to this movie. For me, it is a good movie, not because it was just enjoyable to watch; but because it does offer an opportunity for evaluation, personally, for parent, for teens, and for churches. It touches on many important, but difficult themes: cutting, drug use, bullying, pastor's kids' rebellion, legalism, suicide, drinking, swearing and sex (including teen pregnancy and discussion of abortion and adoption). How is that for an all-inclusive movie?

The story line centers around Jake, whose best friend from his growing up years, committed suicide. Jake is left to deal with the effects of that tragedy, along with other difficult choices of his own. The main choice he has to make, that serves as a foundation for all his other choices, is about the direction of his life and what is going to be most important in life. And along with that, how does God fit into all of this?

One thing I really appreciated about how the movie dealt with these very sensitive issues, was that it was tastefully done, and not in an exploitative way at all, in my opinion. You could tell they just had sex, but you don't actually see the act. You know the boy just shot himself, but you don't see the actually effects, physically. Instead, you see other's response to it. Even the cutting is shown tastefully, in my humble opinion. So, you get the effect of the sinful things that are going on, without actually having to view them in any graphic detail.

So, in conclusion: Rent the movie. We got it from the library, and I'm pretty sure it is in some Red Box units as well. Watch it, but don't forget to discuss it; and think about how God might want to use you in the life of someone else. This is not one of those movies that I forget as soon as it is over. I will be thinking about it, in reference to my life, for quite some time.