Article by Cameron Spink

 

"Will you dance with me daddy?"

 

This is the question Emily Mitchell asks her father Adam. Her pleading does no good, however, because Adam, a local law-man, cannot bring himself to dance with his daughter in public. Instead he just watches her twirl.

 

Courageous is a rare movie in many ways. Not only does it buck the normal Hollywood trends of secular messages, it goes much further than a standard "movie with a Christian theme". This movie is blatant in its demonstration that fathers need to take their role as providers, protectors and mentors seriously. Unfortunately, as is the case in real life, this is seldom reality. It is likely that this ideal won't be too hard for viewers to swallow. What is causing contention, however, is where this movie directs fathers to look for guidance.

 

The Bible is the key source of inspiration for fathers. This is the central theme of Courageous and one I heartily endorse. Sometimes the inspiration is portrayed in an unsteady manner which leaves the viewer affronted. Other times this works in really well with the cinematic situation. Regardless, this is a necessary slogan that we should be proud to stand behind. If one visits the Rotten Tomato website they would see this blurb about the movie:

 

"While the filmmaking is fairly competent, Courageous is overall worthless to anybody who doesn't subscribe to its dogmatic agenda."

 

I would recommend that you would avoid letting this put you off. The need for fathers in a child's life is backed by overwhelming research. And the so-called "dogmatic agenda" should be considered in the light of opposing worldviews. Indeed, it is such a line that I may use (or some variation) quite regularly whilst reviewing secular entertainment. Though perhaps I would describe some Hollywood films as having an "unholy agenda".

 

Yet I cannot fathom how this movie is worthless in the context that the Rotten Tomato description uses it. The worthiness of this message is dependant on the truth of it rather than on whether people do or do not subscribe to its "dogmatic agenda". This, of course, raises too many questions and requirements to fill a one-line blurb, but is worth considering when factoring the many reviews that slam this movie for this supposed short-coming.

 

The quality of this film also belies its modest production costs (US$2 million). The action is as sharp and climactic as one would expect of a regulation Hollywood blockbuster and the cinematography is spot-on. Eclipsing all these elements is a strong score that has an amazing undercurrent that follows the crushing emotions that befall the courageous characters. The pronounced calibre of this movie, despite its budget, is based, in large part, upon the volunteers who gave generously of their time. It is very encouraging that the movie grossed US $9 million in the first weekend.

 

Some other criticisms levelled at this movie centre on the supposed "poor acting". In one review Alex Kendrick (the lead and director) was compared to a "beatific, humorless Dan Aykroyd". While they do share similar physical characteristics Alex Kendrick does not display a "beatific, humorless" mindset in his role as Adam Mitchell. In fact, Kendrick shows great poise as the lead and terrific audacity as the director. Whilst his on-screen performance may not measure to the heights of Dan Aykroyd this script does not demand such a mountainous task of him.

 

Indeed, one of its great strengths is its diversity of characters so one actor is not hogging the screen. Each of the five men that this story centres around approaches family leadership in varied ways displaying how detrimental some parenting styles can be.

 

I walked into the cinema with some reserve about what I was going to experience. I was worried that the movie would be a mixed cocktail of great substance but limited entertainment value. Boy was I wrong. This movie will keep you interested and in great admiration of how much value can be wrung out of a $2 million budget. And, best of all, it will leave you challenging yourself to want to be the kind of parent (present or future) that God exemplifies.

 

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