Rich Jacobson strongly recommended that I take my wife to see "Fireproof" a week or two ago. I think his actual words might have been, "I will slap you around when I see you in Houston later this month if you don't go." Fair enough - he thought it was worth seeing, so I took Pam to see it about a week ago.
This film is about firefighters on the surface and in a couple of previews that I saw, but it is essentially a movie about faith, marriage, and relationships. Kirk Cameron stars as Caleb Holt, a firefighter with a bit too much pride for his own good. His marriage is dying on the vine, for a number of reasons. Neither he nor his wife is the sole party to blame in this case.
Caleb's father approaches him with a proposition that he feels may save his son's marriage. He asks if Caleb has any desire to save things, then sends him a handwritten book called "The Love Dare" which has specific daily challenges designed to help get things back on track. The book turns out to be tied to his father's somewhat newfound Christian faith, which dampens Caleb's enthusiasm considerably, but he perseveres. Frankly, I found myself wishing that his dad was MY dad, since he seemed incredibly gentle and loving.
Much of the remainder of the movie details his journey and his attempt to walk through the book his father gave him. No need to give away everything here, right?
There is some great comic relief provided by the guys who work in the fire station with Caleb. All of the actors were virtual unknowns, but they had some chemistry that struck me as realistic.
I will readily admit that I spent the final 70 or so minutes of the movie either openly weeping or on the verge of tears. There are a good number of very emotional scenes, and I guess I identified pretty strongly with the couple, since they are both about my age. I have also known many couples who ended up in the same boat, but they didn't take the necessary steps to fix things before it was too late.
Kirk Cameron was terrific and (in my opinion) believable in his role. For those of you who don't know this, Cameron has been a very bold Christian since converting many years ago. Make no mistake - this movie has a dual purpose. In addition to providing some concrete steps to help with your marriage, it presents the Christian gospel in no uncertain terms. As Christian-themed movies go, it was one of the best that I have encountered, but I read reviews of people walking out because they didn't realize what they were going to see and hear.
The film was made by the same guys who made "Facing the Giants" in 2006, although I found "Fireproof" to be somewhat less heavy-handed in its message without diluting anything essential.
On a side note, it turns out that there is an actual "Love Dare" book that you can buy for just $8.79 at www.thelovedarebook.com (the real one isn't handwritten, obviously). Although I feel like my own marriage is quite strong, I think I'll buy a copy just to see if I can make it even stronger.
Overall, I would highly recommend this movie, whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or going strong. If you have a spouse or significant other, it is imperative that you see it together.
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Noted! Thanks for the heads up. We very rarely go to movies anymore (or watch them at home). Most movies that in my opinion would be interesting storylines, are ruined with constant cursing. I find this just too offensive and annoying. It will be nice to watch a movie again.
David & I went to see Fireproof the weekend it opened and wwe loved it! We've told everyone to go see it. Anyone who is married or is thinking about getting married needs to go see this movie in my opinion. David & I have a great marriage, but I have thought about getting the book also, just to see how it can improve.
Bonnie
The Home Inspectors Wife
Hey Jason, I was surprised to hear Kirk Cameron was in a movie?! I'm not much a fan of tear jerkers...but sounds like a good movie to see.
SHARON - You will love this movie. Go see it soon!
BONNIE - I just ordered the book myself. I feel the same way that you do. I agree that it should be required viewing!
STEPHANIE - This movie is kind of intense from an emotional standpoint, and it is openly Christian, which is why Kirk Cameron opted to star in it to begin with. It is a "couples" movie, for sure.
Jason, Roger has been wanting to see this. I forgot about this weeknd, been busy. Maybe tomorrow night!
G
GINGER - I know that you guys will love it. Make some time to see it on the big screen.
I have heard many good things about this movie as well.
Jason- Sounds like a movie right for me, but Nestor will not watch these kinds of movies with me:( Thank you for sharing your views on the movie!
Jason, Just thinking, if you cried for the last 70 minutes, my Roger will probably cry for the whole 120!
G
Jason, sounds like a movie I want to see! now if I can just get Brian to go too. ~Rita
Ive been thinking of seeing this. Sounds like a good Sunday movie.
My girlfriend saw it and said she cried all the way through. She also loved it, so I will take your and Rich's advice and go see it..........maybe today. I need a good cry.
Ok Jason, now you confirmed it, I need to go see this movie!! Hmm...maybe I can swing it this afternoon before driving home...
Jason - I've heard good things about this movie but haven't seen it yet. Thanks for not giving anything away... :)
Ok, I watched the trailer for it...I am definitely going now, I think I may take my wife to see it tomorrow night as an early anniversary gift.
Jason, I want to see it. I'd been told it was good. My hubby and I haven't been out of the house together except for Dr. and physical therapy since his surgery nearly 3 weeks ago. BUT I also have to tell you that if you didn't see FLYWHEEL, which was actually the first movie this church in Albany Georgia made... you MUST rent it. It has a message that every real estate agent should know. I hope I get to see Fireproof while it's still in a theater.
I just got back from watching Fireproof... the over all message was solid for sure; it's great that such a different-flavored movie made it into the regular, big screen. thx for posting
Jason,
I think I am going to pass on this crying for 70 minutes thing.......but thanks for the review.....
Jason,
This movie was highly recommended by one of the couples in our Sunday School department.
I loved it. I read that Kirk Cameron refuses to kiss anyone other than his wife and the girl in
the scene in the fire station is in fact his real wife.
Brenda - I read that, too. Good for him! I would probably do the same thing.
I will have to put this movie on my list. I don't get to the theater much but it sounds like this one is very inspiring.
Wow this looks like a great movie thank you for the review.
-Peg