Movie Review -- Fireproof

We don't get many opportunities to go out to the movies so when Susan's mother called last week and asked if she could watch our kids (and my Sister-in-law's children -- that's 6 in all from 2 to 10 if you are counting) so we could all four go out to see Fireproof, we jumped at the chance.

I don't usually like to jump to the ending, but let me tell you I really liked this movie. It is a well written story and very well done movie. So, here is my attempt at a movie review.

Fireproof tells the story of a fire captain (Caleb Holt played by Kirk Cameron) who is a hero in his community. He rushes into burning buildings to save people he does not even know. He lives by the creed "you never leave your partner". But at home, it's a different story. Caleb and his wife Katherine are living separate lives. After seven years, their marriage is burning to the ground, and they both want out.

Caleb is counseled by his friend and Lieutenant Michael Simmons (Played by Ken Bevel) that marriage is for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Michael goes on to say that most people only mean for the better. When Caleb responds that marriages are not fireproof, Michael tells him that "Fireproof doesn't mean that a fire will never come, but that when it comes, you'll be able to withstand it".

This is a good time to take a break and mention that Kirk Cameron is the only paid actor in this movie but you may never know it. The actors playing Michael, Katherine and most of the others are true professionals. I was really surprised to see that they have no other credits in the IMDB. This movie was produced by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany Georgia. The story of how this movie came to the screen is a miracle in itself. I heard the producers in an interview on Focus on the Family talking about some of the amazing ways that God worked to get this movie into the theaters and provided their needs at every turn. By the way, this is the same team that created Facing the Giants in 2006.

Back to the movie. When Caleb shares with his father that he is going to seek a divorce, his father asks if there is anything in him that wants to save his marriage. When Caleb admits to a small part that does his father gets Caleb to agree to put off the divorce for 40 days and tells him that he will be sending him something in the mail. A few days later, Caleb receives a journal in his father's handwriting called "the love dare" which helps Caleb to understand and practice unconditional love for his wife.

I don't want to reveal much more of the movie, or take up more of your time with this review, but I will say that this is a must see for all couples (married, dating, whatever). Believe me when I tell you I know how hard it is to make time for a movie or any kind of date with my wife. I strongly encourage you to make a date to see this movie as a couple and to have coffee or dinner afterwards to talk about what you have seen. This movie is not just for couples that are struggling in their marriage, but for everyone. Fireproof means ". . . that when fire comes, you'll be able to withstand it". If you are nearby and can't find a babysitter, we can work something out.

If you are interested in another review, check out this one from Plugged in online which does contain some (noted) spoilers. I also found a few mixed reviews at Rotten Tomatoes. Let me also "warn you" that this movie is unflinchingly Christian in it's doctrine. There is a clear gospel presentation in the middle of the movie when Caleb's father tells him "you can't give her what you don't have" (referring to the unconditional love that comes from God through Jesus Christ). You may find this a turn-off and I hope you don't; but even if you do I hope you will find something of value to yourself and your marriage partner in this amazing movie. If you make it to the movie let me know what you think. I sure hope you like it as much as I did.