Fireproof Appeals to the Indoctrinated

A A A Comments (10) By Ed Gonzalez Wednesday, Oct 1 2008

Details

Fireproof
Directed by Alex Kendrick
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Now playing

More About

When Capt. Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) decides to divorce his Sarah Palin–type wife, his bros at the firehouse come to his rescue with words of wisdom swiped from the Hallmark section at Rite Aid: "You never leave your partner—especially during a fire." With advice like that, it's no wonder Caleb turns to Jesus. Naturally, director Alex Kendrick's style suggests a pharmaceutical commercial—especially in the scenes of Caleb and his father plodding through the woods toward a creepily and strategically placed cross—because what else is Fireproof selling if not a drug? But before it even mentions God, the film works sweetly as a chronicle of a man trying to extend the courage he brings to the job to saving his marriage, mainly by following a 40-day experiment called "the Love Dare" that necessitates being kind to his wife Catherine (Erin Bethea) and, ultimately, unkind to himself—by giving up his dream of owning a boat, and by beating the shit out of his computer for teasing him with a pornographic pop-up ad. Then the film gets all religulous, suggesting that Caleb's devotion to healing means nothing without Jesus—and so Fireproofstops being resonant with us all and appeals instead only to the already (or easily) indoctrinated.

Check out this week's featured ad for Movies

Sushi Lounge

View Ad View Website

More Ads >>

Email
to Friend

Write to
Editor

Print
Article

Man_of_integrity 01/04/2012 7:48:00 AM

I'd have to say the holocaust was more of a desire by non-christian races to use Darwin's theory in action, Columbine was (once again) non-christian people dealing with the issue of bullying in a disturbing manner probably due to mental health issues, 9/11 was not an issue of christian extremists, but rather an issue of extremists in other religions (not to mention the fact that extremists don't actually follow proper religious teachings and should not represent the entire population of believers) and to wish pain on unknown people to so a degree as hell is very ignorant and hateful. (as you claim the extremists to be) If you don't like christian's don't watch christian movies. It's a relatively simple concept.
Slowdown SpiffySpice 11/26/2011 6:46:00 AM

It did leave a little to desire with the acting & most lines seemed way too rehearsed (minus the almost train wreck). It was pretty predictable; alas, not a complete failure. Let's forget about the undesirables & imperfections, and take it for the end result. It's teachings. It's meaning. It's purpose! It serves it's purpose to the world, for every marriage it's saved and every relationship it's helped improve. This movie is a definite view of the forest. The trees served a big purpose (minus bad acting, etc.) but that wasn't the point.
Guest 11/19/2011 11:35:00 PM

Get a life, Ed. Or else at least a new job. Hopefully the millions of dollars this thing grossed at the box office will infuse a little reality into your biased perspective. I'll be praying that you and others like you will see the Truth of this movie's message. May God bless you, if you are willing to receive Him.
Aussiechef 12/14/2010 11:19:00 PM

If I want to attend church, I'll attend church. But when I want to see a movie, please leave church where it belongs. It was as annoying as having brand names shoved in your face in what is politely called 'product placement'. This movie is a commercial for god. You've either bought your religion of choice or you're not shopping. A mediocre movie was tainted with a bad sermon.
Big Al 'Dawg 10/19/2010 5:31:00 PM

Its christian extremists like the fools on her and Kirk Cameron (I am a terrible actor who wasted my life so I do crap movies now) who caused the Holocaust, Columbine, 9/11, and WACO. I hope all your children burn in hell.
Big Al 'Dawg 10/19/2010 5:31:00 PM

Its christian extremists like the fools on her and Kirk Cameron (I am a terrible actor who wasted my life so I do crap movies now) who caused the Holocaust, Columbine, 9/11, and WACO. I hope all your children burn in hell.
lou 02/09/2009 7:49:00 AM

The reviewer got the point of the movie. It's a shame he didn't review it on its quality, message and meaning. There is a God, there is a Jesus Christ, and yes, God does matter in our lives. There is such a thing as free will, and thank God for it, or we would all be robots. Unfortunately some people elevate themselves above God, but in the end, when its too late, they will find out what the Truth of life actually is. This was a good, clean movie with values. Hollywood should try it sometime. Sure beats all the downbeat, depressing garbage coming out of there these days.
Billy 10/27/2008 10:00:00 PM

Thanks for the review. It got me interested in the film so I went to see it. You really missed the mark though. It was a great movie and I highly recommend it for married couples.
Arthur Soto 10/09/2008 9:45:00 AM

Great film... More people need to see it especially those who believe in "starter" marriages and that the term "till death do us part" is a joke. Too bad the reviewer couldn't get beyond his personal bias to see that.
Joe Coppola 10/05/2008 11:06:00 PM

Well it is not surprising at all that Gonzales panned Fireproof. What else would you expect from this 13th rate rag! The voice has ALWAYS been a waste of paper and ink. And that comes from a REAL LIBERAL! Not a lib that is only a lib to promote PORN like your rag! I refer to that pic of the woman in the pasties next to this rectangle as a prime example!