‘COURAGEOUS’ (2011)
Nearly, if not everyone, in my blogging “scene” who wants to see this, likely has. Still, it seems important to post a review on it for any readers here who might not have heard of this wonderful little film. To support the wonderful group of people behind Sherwood Pictures, my family bought a copy of Courageous post its release.
Courageous (2011) Film Review
It’s been years, and Nathan (Alex Kendrick) and Shane (Kevin Downes) are still the best buddies. They’ve watched each other’s children grow, gone to church together and work together as partners. As sheriff deputies, their sworn duty is to serve and protect the people of Georgia. Newcomer Nathan Hayes (Ken Bevel) transfers to their small southern town to raise his family in his former hometown; and rookie deputy David Thompson (Ben Davies) is assigned as Nathan’s partner.
Together the four of them form an easy-going friendship amidst the daily pressures of work. When tragedy strikes, it puts everything on hold for Nathan until he realizes how short life is; in the aftermath of his grief, an epiphany strikes that forces him to reevaluate what he means to be courageous.
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‘COURAGEOUS’ (2011). Review of the Sherwood Pictures ("Fireproof") film from the Kendrick brothers. #Movies #MovieArchives Share on XEach of the Kendrick brothers productions impress for different reasons but their third effort, Fireproof is considerably better (by production) than its predecessor. Although each movie has had inspiring messages, this one didn’t improve its editing or production, but is a touching picture of fatherhood. Even under tragic circumstances it puts so much into perspective. If there is an obvious flaw, it’s an inclination to move at such a slow pace. I think about halfway though it gets stuck in a kind of limbo. Fortunately for the sake of the script, it seems to gain momentum again before too much time passes, and presents an accurate picture of healing.
Maybe what impresses me most is the wide range it covers in each of the men’s lives. It covers nearly every fatherhood situation we can imagine; out-of-wedlock and divorced, and also fatherhood as God always intends it to be. Sad as it may be, it offers the story a chance to put forth more realism. Even with some of the other elements, all of it does work together for the greater good.
Given that most of the actors are local talent and members from the church of the producers (Stephen and Alex Kendrick), there are times when the acting is awkward and not “at ease” but this doesn’t stop the movie from capturing good. The screenplay isn’t as “polished” as it could be but because of its important message, you shouldn’t let this deter you. No matter what society or “experts” say, fathers are important in children’s lives and that is ultimately what this movie has to say. It has a lot of heart, and fun fact, Casting Crowns wrote the titular song, and it’s awesome. Courageous makes us think about fatherhood and life in general, and in today’s movie industry, that is saying something.
Content: there’s one stand-off between police and criminals [no blood but one man does get shot], the death of one character and the discovery that one man is stealing evidence from the police locker. Another person recounts his brief college romance that results in a child [he alludes to having wanted an abortion in his past]. The film is PG13.
Loved "Courageous"!
That movie was epic.
Wow. Sounds like something me and the hubby must see.
Great movie!
I LOVED this movie! :) It was seriously awesome, and that one scene between the father and daughter was soooo sweet :) My favorite scene, though, has to be the "Snake King" part :)
I love the song, and whenever it comes on the radio, my little brother shushes us, turns up the volume, and sings along :)
Natalie – me, too. I thought it was just great. =)
Jessica – this wasn't 'epic' in the traditional way that we like to "pin" that description to films, but that is a good way to describe this one. =)
Juju – yes! Do see this one – I think you and your husband would really enjoy it. =)
Ella – agreed. =)
Trinka – ha! I had totally forgotten about that part in the movie. That was HILARIOUS! =D Thanks for the reminder.
I now need to go out and buy Casting Crowns latest album because I hadn't heard the song until the end credits of the movie. There music is always thought-provoking.
I haven't seen it yet, but my neighbor and a bunch of other people have just loved it! I hope to see it soon :) Sierra
Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (Cause You Are!)
Enjoy this one then, Sierra! It is really inspiring – and for a movie, that is unusual.
Courageous was a great movie. (:
So true, Kate!
I appreciate your stopping by – thanks much. Visit anytime. =)
I loved this movie!
It was great, wasn't it? It is so refreshing to find a company that actually makes wholesome productions.
Thanks SO much for dropping by my blog, Funmilayo. I really appreciate it. =)
Still need to get around to watching Fireproof (parents loaned it to me weeks ago, and it's patiently waiting to be viewed), and I really want to see Courageous also. Wonderful review!
You'll definitely have to check this one out, Christy – it might not be the most "professional" out there, but its messages are inspiring. Fireproof is my favorite so far from Sherwood – I was actually thinking that I should find my review and polish it to post here.
Thanks SO much for following and stopping by – I love comments. =)
This movie was really good.
It was kinda slow in places, and it was not as good as Fireproof thats forsure, but it was still really good, and I would watch it again.
I completely agree with you, Leah. I preferred Fireproof, but this one was still excellent. This company is doing some great, inspiring work with these movies, and I say, good for them. =)
So happy you dropped by – do so again soon. =)
I liked this and "Fireproof" so much more than I expected! Good quality movies with great messages.
Agreed, AnnaKate. Hopefully this won't be the last film Sherwood makes. =)