Making a movie that tackles real life marriage problems head on is challenging, and not always easy to watch. Horror, violence, spoofs, fantasy, love stories, biographies offer easy escapes. Fireproof exposes the isolation that can occur between 2 people who started out loving each other, but over time disconnect, become self-absorbed and fall into a pattern of hurting each other. The relational pain finds some comic relief, and there is a job-related diversion. But help comes in the form of a 40 day dare to love. While you may not agree with the faith-based approach, there is no doubt that unconditional love is transforming. I was deeply moved... enough to take the dare myself.
259 Reviews
Highly recommended for married couples!
kentmeister27 September 2008
Here's how this film "imitates life": if you LOOK for flaws, you'll find some, but if you look for blessings, ways to challenge yourself and opportunities to grow, you just may find those, too.
The action sequences are exceptionally well done. A few good laughs are sprinkled in for good measure. Come Oscar time, you won't hear a word about "Fireproof", but come anniversary time, you'll be glad you and your spouse saw it.
This film will not resonate with everyone, especially if you approach it from the mindset that there are no simple truths. But anyone with a less-than-perfect marriage could benefit from seeing it--and that includes all of us, doesn't it!?
The action sequences are exceptionally well done. A few good laughs are sprinkled in for good measure. Come Oscar time, you won't hear a word about "Fireproof", but come anniversary time, you'll be glad you and your spouse saw it.
This film will not resonate with everyone, especially if you approach it from the mindset that there are no simple truths. But anyone with a less-than-perfect marriage could benefit from seeing it--and that includes all of us, doesn't it!?
Mediocre excuse for a movie
marcellbulow-211-98441719 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This movie might be one of the most boring and senseless movies I've ever watched. And that it is a Christian movie - I'm a Christian myself, by the way - does not mean that it should not be critiqued. The plot is painfully predictable, and those people who claims that is a realistic and accurate portrayal of how it is to live in an abusive relationship, has quite frankly not any idea of what a real abusive relationship is. (SPOILER) Caleb was not abusive. Yes, he was an egoistic brat, bot abusive? No. He did not hurt Catherine in any way, and Catherine might possibly be the most weak female character I've ever come across in fiction. She does not get what she wants, and her reaction? Senseless, childish crying and wimping. She does not stand up for herself. She does not defend herself. She lets Caleb shout at her, and when he calls her an ungrateful woman - a scene which was unintentionally hilarious because Kirk Cameron just clenched his hands tight to show his anger, and even though he is an unbeliever, he does not utter a cuss or swear word once, which is very very unrealistic - she cries out that she "want's out." She does not even say "I want a divorce." No, just wants out. That scene was just unrealistic, badly acted and more funny and hilarious than tense and serious, which again shows the lack of talent from the Kendricks team. It would be way more realistic and shocking if he said "b**tch" instead of "woman," but oh no, then the movie would just be godless filth condemned straight to hell. Which is why American evangelicals can't make movies, nor should, because they don't even know how to write a good, realistic portrayal of the world in which we live. The couple is not christians, as far as I know, so a cuss word or two would make it far more believable. They act as very devout believers. That's just not believable, and if you think otherwise then frankly you don't have any clue as to how the real world works and are too enclosed in your evangelical Christian bubble to even begin to understand the outside world.
What Catherine did was just as bad as Caleb's actions. I mean, she cheats on him by flirting with a doctor? She does not have any feelings left for Caleb, and she does not reciprocate or thank him once, so for what I've seen, I would say he is entitled to be angry at her. He complains in the movie that Catherine does not respect him, and he is right. She does not respect him once! Nor twice! And the fight scenes between the couples is just, God ... That is the most unrealistic representation of marital discourse I have ever seen. I come from a divorced home, and my parents had often fought, and I can assure that it was way more tense and way more harsh than what is represented in this movie. It is too watered down and that destroys the redeeming qualities, because it gets too sugarcoated and unrealistic, and all the scenes which is meant to be taking serious, just falls flat as dumb and childish.
This is a great movie for christians already enclosed in their bubble isolated from the rest of the world. But the rest of us demands far higher artistic standards than what this movie has to offer. Don't go see it. It is a waste of both your time and your money.
What Catherine did was just as bad as Caleb's actions. I mean, she cheats on him by flirting with a doctor? She does not have any feelings left for Caleb, and she does not reciprocate or thank him once, so for what I've seen, I would say he is entitled to be angry at her. He complains in the movie that Catherine does not respect him, and he is right. She does not respect him once! Nor twice! And the fight scenes between the couples is just, God ... That is the most unrealistic representation of marital discourse I have ever seen. I come from a divorced home, and my parents had often fought, and I can assure that it was way more tense and way more harsh than what is represented in this movie. It is too watered down and that destroys the redeeming qualities, because it gets too sugarcoated and unrealistic, and all the scenes which is meant to be taking serious, just falls flat as dumb and childish.
This is a great movie for christians already enclosed in their bubble isolated from the rest of the world. But the rest of us demands far higher artistic standards than what this movie has to offer. Don't go see it. It is a waste of both your time and your money.
Very thought provoking
punitivedamages22 September 2008
Hollywood is great at letting us participate in the victories of those who conquer long odds, whether it's sports movies in which the underdog wins the championship or even movies about unlikely romantic pairings (geek meets beauty) that end happily in, say, a wedding. But we see few movies about the joy we feel in conquering the mundane - like in making a marriage work after both sides have lost the motivation to do so.
This is a movie that shows us how hard it is to revive a near-dead marriage, and why it matters so much. Yes, there is a religious context to the movie. A partner in a healthy marriage, we are shown, struggles to emulate the selfless love and service of Jesus by loving and serving his or her spouse, as Jesus would. But the religious aspects of the movie ought not keep away those who are religion-averse. Selfless love and service as the keys to a joyful marriage are not exclusive to any religion.
A great movie for married couples - very thought provoking.
This is a movie that shows us how hard it is to revive a near-dead marriage, and why it matters so much. Yes, there is a religious context to the movie. A partner in a healthy marriage, we are shown, struggles to emulate the selfless love and service of Jesus by loving and serving his or her spouse, as Jesus would. But the religious aspects of the movie ought not keep away those who are religion-averse. Selfless love and service as the keys to a joyful marriage are not exclusive to any religion.
A great movie for married couples - very thought provoking.
A fireman who firmly believes that you never leave your partner behind has his beliefs challenged when his marriage begins to fall apart.
greg-prosch6 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
When I received an invitation to attend a screening of this film I though to myself, "Oh great
Another one of those low budget Christian films that's poorly scripted and has sub-par acting." After watching the film I am pleased to say that I couldn't have been more wrong.
I was impressed by how well they portrayed everyday struggles and temptations instead of going out on a limb with plot elements that weren't relevant to the everyday person. It was easy to relate to the characters, to feel their hope and disappointment. At the same time, they added larger-than-life aspects that created suspense and made for a very entertaining movie experience.
Most notably, I thought the movie showed the value of marriage and communicated hope that each of us could enjoy a more fulfilling marriage relationship if we were willing to make personal choices to achieve it.
I was impressed by how well they portrayed everyday struggles and temptations instead of going out on a limb with plot elements that weren't relevant to the everyday person. It was easy to relate to the characters, to feel their hope and disappointment. At the same time, they added larger-than-life aspects that created suspense and made for a very entertaining movie experience.
Most notably, I thought the movie showed the value of marriage and communicated hope that each of us could enjoy a more fulfilling marriage relationship if we were willing to make personal choices to achieve it.
Average at best but sprinkled with moments of brilliance
jschafer0019 March 2009
I almost quit on this movie 20 minutes into it. The script was riddled with trite dialogue and the performances seemed a little stiff. I had a huge problem with the train scene where something significant seemed to happen near the end but was never resolved (and apparently completely forgotten about for the rest of the movie), which was quite bizarre. But as the film progressed and reached its climax, there were actually some very powerful and moving moments, performed very impressively by both Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. This movie kind of reminded me of "Freedom Writers" where overall it was so-so yet contained some very poignant, profound, and memorable scenes.
I am a Christian and I admired the fact that the makers of "Fireproof" were not shy of bringing forth the Gospel message and how Jesus Christ should be the focal point of a healthy marriage. I couldn't help but think what I would have thought about this movie if I had seen it before I received Christ into my life. Back then, I think I can honestly say that I may very well have turned it off after those first 20 minutes. But if I hadn't, it could very well have helped to change my life. And thinking about it, I bet there are some people out there whose life DID change after watching this, and to that I say hallelujah! :-)
I am a Christian and I admired the fact that the makers of "Fireproof" were not shy of bringing forth the Gospel message and how Jesus Christ should be the focal point of a healthy marriage. I couldn't help but think what I would have thought about this movie if I had seen it before I received Christ into my life. Back then, I think I can honestly say that I may very well have turned it off after those first 20 minutes. But if I hadn't, it could very well have helped to change my life. And thinking about it, I bet there are some people out there whose life DID change after watching this, and to that I say hallelujah! :-)
Fireproof - A Poor Excuse For A Film
HorrorWriter749311 February 2011
Before I review this film, I think you should know how I'm approaching this. I'm an Evangelical Quaker (basically, a Christian who believes that you can reach anyone by being understanding, compassionate, and loving without thumping their head with a Bible) and my father, at one time, was a pastor of a church plant. My faith, even though I abandoned it for about six months and became an Objectivist (an atheist who believes in individualism), has gotten me far in life. I suffer from Bipolar disorder, and if you know anything about that would know that having this illness is a truly horrible thing. God is the only thing in my life that has been constantly helping me out in times of crisis. I have seen and been in relationships torn apart by addictions. I also want to be a film director someday. On top of that, I write short stories and novels in my free time. I've studied the craft of good storytelling and I can recognize it when I see it.
Now... on to the review... To put it as blunt as possible: Fireproof is for Christians who are really well off in their faith and have not encountered anything truly wounding to them. It's not their fault, I know, but the fact that film makers are making money off of them for money really ticks me off. Christians are a really easy market to milk. Every artist knows that. Why? Well, make a mediocre movie that's politically correct, doesn't offend anyone, and put Jesus' name in it and you'll soon find out. People, especially Christians, are so easily mislead to believe that just because the people who made the movie share their beliefs that it must be good even though the film's clearly bad. I love the premise of it. The idea of sticking by your partner and helping him or her out because you know that it can work out in the end is really rare nowadays. But they deliver it so poorly that it's laughable. And if you think that I'm being somehow "anti-Christian" and that this movie is flawless, let me point out all the things in this movie that are flawed: 1) The conversations between the firefighters is so unrealistic. No curse words at a fire department filled with men? I mean... really? 2) If a guy found out that his wife was flirting with someone at the office with an intent on cheating, his first response should be to take a shotgun, go down where he works and stick it under his chin and say something like: "I'm going to blow your brains all over the wall if you touch her again." You do not show him your wedding ring and say, "Stay away from her or... or... I'll say something even more mean!" Whoo! You tell him, Mr. Firefighter! You tell that mean doctor! 3) You do not get over addictions instantly after being converted. It's a long and hard process. That is a myth that this movie is producing that I have a huge problem with. 4) People do NOT treat you with respect for getting religion of any kind. They will manipulate, mock, and even threaten you for your faith.
Every time Christians tell me this is one of the greatest movies ever made, I die a little inside. But when a truly Christian movie comes along (like Walk the Line or The Road), they ignore it because people say it isn't "Christian" enough. Nonbelievers clearly see the contradictions in that. These are the types of Christian movies that people should look up to instead of this trash:
Tender Mercies (1983) Deals with the theme that some people need to be polished with love in order to change.
The Road (2009) Deals with the theme of persevering in the harshest circumstances presented to you. This was marketed towards Christians to show how the world will be like when the church is next to non-existent. The father-son relationship is a metaphor for passing the torch on to the next generation.
I Am Legend (2007) Deals with the theme of losing everything in your life and then regaining it again and realizing God's love.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) Asks the question of how people ignore God when they have seen the Devil.
Walk the Line (2005) Again, deals with the theme that some people need to be polished with love in order to change. Christians complained this wasn't "Christian" enough even though it clearly shows Johnny Cash's faith after he's gotten clean through his actions.
Signs (2002) Deals with the theme of losing everything and losing faith. In this case, a preacher losing his wife. If you hate M. Night Shyamalan a lot, ignore the fact that he made this movie. You'll thank me for it.
I could go on and on. The point? These movies were well done, had great quality, and produced a very strong Christian message. Churches ignored them because they weren't up to their impossible standard of being politically correct and non-offensive and still having good quality. It just can't happen. Why are Christians so afraid to show the brutality of life without God? It doesn't make sense to me... and it never will.
I could go on and on about this, but I think truly open-minded people, no matter what their faith, will get what I'm saying.
God bless, -HorrorWriter7493
Now... on to the review... To put it as blunt as possible: Fireproof is for Christians who are really well off in their faith and have not encountered anything truly wounding to them. It's not their fault, I know, but the fact that film makers are making money off of them for money really ticks me off. Christians are a really easy market to milk. Every artist knows that. Why? Well, make a mediocre movie that's politically correct, doesn't offend anyone, and put Jesus' name in it and you'll soon find out. People, especially Christians, are so easily mislead to believe that just because the people who made the movie share their beliefs that it must be good even though the film's clearly bad. I love the premise of it. The idea of sticking by your partner and helping him or her out because you know that it can work out in the end is really rare nowadays. But they deliver it so poorly that it's laughable. And if you think that I'm being somehow "anti-Christian" and that this movie is flawless, let me point out all the things in this movie that are flawed: 1) The conversations between the firefighters is so unrealistic. No curse words at a fire department filled with men? I mean... really? 2) If a guy found out that his wife was flirting with someone at the office with an intent on cheating, his first response should be to take a shotgun, go down where he works and stick it under his chin and say something like: "I'm going to blow your brains all over the wall if you touch her again." You do not show him your wedding ring and say, "Stay away from her or... or... I'll say something even more mean!" Whoo! You tell him, Mr. Firefighter! You tell that mean doctor! 3) You do not get over addictions instantly after being converted. It's a long and hard process. That is a myth that this movie is producing that I have a huge problem with. 4) People do NOT treat you with respect for getting religion of any kind. They will manipulate, mock, and even threaten you for your faith.
Every time Christians tell me this is one of the greatest movies ever made, I die a little inside. But when a truly Christian movie comes along (like Walk the Line or The Road), they ignore it because people say it isn't "Christian" enough. Nonbelievers clearly see the contradictions in that. These are the types of Christian movies that people should look up to instead of this trash:
Tender Mercies (1983) Deals with the theme that some people need to be polished with love in order to change.
The Road (2009) Deals with the theme of persevering in the harshest circumstances presented to you. This was marketed towards Christians to show how the world will be like when the church is next to non-existent. The father-son relationship is a metaphor for passing the torch on to the next generation.
I Am Legend (2007) Deals with the theme of losing everything in your life and then regaining it again and realizing God's love.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) Asks the question of how people ignore God when they have seen the Devil.
Walk the Line (2005) Again, deals with the theme that some people need to be polished with love in order to change. Christians complained this wasn't "Christian" enough even though it clearly shows Johnny Cash's faith after he's gotten clean through his actions.
Signs (2002) Deals with the theme of losing everything and losing faith. In this case, a preacher losing his wife. If you hate M. Night Shyamalan a lot, ignore the fact that he made this movie. You'll thank me for it.
I could go on and on. The point? These movies were well done, had great quality, and produced a very strong Christian message. Churches ignored them because they weren't up to their impossible standard of being politically correct and non-offensive and still having good quality. It just can't happen. Why are Christians so afraid to show the brutality of life without God? It doesn't make sense to me... and it never will.
I could go on and on about this, but I think truly open-minded people, no matter what their faith, will get what I'm saying.
God bless, -HorrorWriter7493
A Great Movie!!
Lazerwolf28 September 2008
I found Fireproof to be entertaining as well in convicting. Most of the acting was realistic and sincere, even if it was not professional. Within a very short time the story had me so involved in the characters lives that any minor flaws were not noticed. As in their previous movies, the Kendricks brothers had me crying, laughing, cheering, and, during the action sequences, on the edge of my seat.
Being a Christian, I was not turned off by the message(s) of faith in Christ that are an inherent part of Sherwood Pictures productions, and I didn't feel like that aspect of the movie was being shoved down my throat. It is presented, laid out before the audience, and is there for you to take it or leave it. If you find occasional conversations about God, Jesus, or spiritual matters offensive, then be warned, you may be offended on occasion. I'm sure there are plenty of movies at your theater that push loose morals, profanity, and obscenity that you can choose if this is not your cup of tea. But if a message of being good, kind, and loving doesn't frighten you, I highly recommend this movie.
At times I saw myself on the screen, as most of us can relate to some level of tension in marriage (or any relationship). The principles behind the message can work in most situations whether or not you are a Christian. And I believe people of any marital status can learn valuable lessons from this movie and be entertained at the same time.
An interesting side note - I heard in a couple different interviews that Kirk Cameron auditioned for this part like all of the other volunteer actors, AND was a willing volunteer himself - pretty much quieting the skeptics who claim he (and others) were making this movie to line their pockets.
Being a Christian, I was not turned off by the message(s) of faith in Christ that are an inherent part of Sherwood Pictures productions, and I didn't feel like that aspect of the movie was being shoved down my throat. It is presented, laid out before the audience, and is there for you to take it or leave it. If you find occasional conversations about God, Jesus, or spiritual matters offensive, then be warned, you may be offended on occasion. I'm sure there are plenty of movies at your theater that push loose morals, profanity, and obscenity that you can choose if this is not your cup of tea. But if a message of being good, kind, and loving doesn't frighten you, I highly recommend this movie.
At times I saw myself on the screen, as most of us can relate to some level of tension in marriage (or any relationship). The principles behind the message can work in most situations whether or not you are a Christian. And I believe people of any marital status can learn valuable lessons from this movie and be entertained at the same time.
An interesting side note - I heard in a couple different interviews that Kirk Cameron auditioned for this part like all of the other volunteer actors, AND was a willing volunteer himself - pretty much quieting the skeptics who claim he (and others) were making this movie to line their pockets.
Only Christians know how to love their partners (the rest of us go you know where)
theloft-429 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is a low budget film set in a mostly caucasion populated world , and created to make money, so I find it interesting that many Church leaders seem to imply that the producers of this "movie of the week" marriage counseling crap fest have released the film as some sort of a "Godly" altruistic public service which needs the financial backing of the congregation when (in truth) the Producers(I.E The Kendrick's) just want to make a buck like any other secular producer. (Ask yourself where is all the extra money from the book etc. now being made really going?) The fact is, Mr Kirk "God is proved by the banana" Cameron is a D-list fame addict that still gets a hefty paycheck for "pretending" to act like one of us "little" people, only now "Mike Seaver" tells us were going to Hades if we don't believe like him, and now he's a marriage counselor to boot.
He is no better than Tom Cruise (spouting off about psych drugs) in that they are both barely educated, and they make their living by whoring their images out to the public. Now Mr. C plays the heroic internet porn addicted fireman who even dares to remove his SCBA during a fire (ya right) and fixes his relationship with a book (that can now be found at your local Christian bookstore) and by ponying up $24,000 What I find disturbing is how these actors is somehow think their roles makes them qualified to serve as a moral examples for the rest of us (because we don't know how to live our own lives) I also don't believe Church leaders should play the part of movie "pimp" telling people who are "good" Christian's to buy blocks of tickets, rather they would be serving society better by telling their flock's to give their $8 ticket price to the homeless (who really need it) and wait for this movie to show up on CBN.
I find it fascinating how Mr.Cameron finds it necessary to tell us that he will only kiss his own wife (because of his moral stances not just for publicity) and yet Mr. Cameron does not refuse any of the royalties from "ABC" for Full House (oops I mean Growing Pains) even though they stand in polar opposition to Mr. C's own "moral" code, This is a code which this film uses to imply that only straight Christian white people (& the supporting token stereotype "Christian" non whites) know how to love, and that only they will go to heaven. I think that "Mikey" should stay at home with his "wifey" and six little Cameron's, and should stop trying to pander this schlock (along with his other propaganda) to a non Christian general audience that he insults with weekly proclamations of eternal damnation (To wrap it up) This movie is perfect for all you straight white Christians (that like to feel smug about themselves) ;however, if you are Jewish, Muslim or any form of non-Christian be prepared for not only religious insults, but some very Bad acting (note: how Mr.C is the only one who talks like they are from LA. and everyone else sounds like they are from Dogpatch) and shaky dialogue as well.
He is no better than Tom Cruise (spouting off about psych drugs) in that they are both barely educated, and they make their living by whoring their images out to the public. Now Mr. C plays the heroic internet porn addicted fireman who even dares to remove his SCBA during a fire (ya right) and fixes his relationship with a book (that can now be found at your local Christian bookstore) and by ponying up $24,000 What I find disturbing is how these actors is somehow think their roles makes them qualified to serve as a moral examples for the rest of us (because we don't know how to live our own lives) I also don't believe Church leaders should play the part of movie "pimp" telling people who are "good" Christian's to buy blocks of tickets, rather they would be serving society better by telling their flock's to give their $8 ticket price to the homeless (who really need it) and wait for this movie to show up on CBN.
I find it fascinating how Mr.Cameron finds it necessary to tell us that he will only kiss his own wife (because of his moral stances not just for publicity) and yet Mr. Cameron does not refuse any of the royalties from "ABC" for Full House (oops I mean Growing Pains) even though they stand in polar opposition to Mr. C's own "moral" code, This is a code which this film uses to imply that only straight Christian white people (& the supporting token stereotype "Christian" non whites) know how to love, and that only they will go to heaven. I think that "Mikey" should stay at home with his "wifey" and six little Cameron's, and should stop trying to pander this schlock (along with his other propaganda) to a non Christian general audience that he insults with weekly proclamations of eternal damnation (To wrap it up) This movie is perfect for all you straight white Christians (that like to feel smug about themselves) ;however, if you are Jewish, Muslim or any form of non-Christian be prepared for not only religious insults, but some very Bad acting (note: how Mr.C is the only one who talks like they are from LA. and everyone else sounds like they are from Dogpatch) and shaky dialogue as well.
Great story but could have been better!
millerj-sanfrancisco28 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the movie, and it certainly had it's moments, but also left us wanting more as well.
Kirk Cameron always does a great job, and this was no exception. Playing a macho fireman, who obviously needs to work on his husband skills, but he doesn't come across as the jerk that his wife seems to make him out to be.
To me, it really seemed that he was the one that was putting all the effort into trying to make the marriage work, while the wife was just making assumptions about him. Also, she was the one who seemed open to having an affair, while he was trying to remain faithful.
Am I missing something here? Of course, you can guess how the movie turns out, so I won't give that away if you haven't seen this, but yah, I just felt the wife should have done her part as well, rather than putting everything on the man.
You can make your own judgement.
Kirk Cameron always does a great job, and this was no exception. Playing a macho fireman, who obviously needs to work on his husband skills, but he doesn't come across as the jerk that his wife seems to make him out to be.
To me, it really seemed that he was the one that was putting all the effort into trying to make the marriage work, while the wife was just making assumptions about him. Also, she was the one who seemed open to having an affair, while he was trying to remain faithful.
Am I missing something here? Of course, you can guess how the movie turns out, so I won't give that away if you haven't seen this, but yah, I just felt the wife should have done her part as well, rather than putting everything on the man.
You can make your own judgement.
Husband emasculating brainwash tutorial
maxcarlise7723 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Caleb is a respected leader of a firefighter squad. His wife works in the hospital and flirts with a married doctor. When Caleb comes home, all he gets from his wife is bitching and disrespect. No wonder he resorts to internet porn and is saving money for a boat, probably so that he can sail away and finally enjoy life outside of his work. His wife wants to intercept all the money he has been saving and make him doing household chores, so she constantly nags and shows disrespect. In the meantime, she is working on her backup option, a rich doctor who would likely give her more money than her blue collar husband. Finally she resorts to a divorce threat to break Caleb's spirit. The firefighter would be happily free from the greedy witch, but his father begins a series of preaching sessions and is finally successful in persuading Caleb that he is the one to blame for all the marital disorder. The newly brainwashed firefighter smashes his porn loving computer and starts a program in which he sucks up to his wife every day. He even starts doing household chores. She ignores him and continues to work her charms on the doctor, until she makes sure that Caleb is totally obedient to her, and would accept any crap she gives to him. Finally he gives her (actually her mother) all the money he has been saving for his boat.
The only thing that the wife really goes after is money. She did not care that her hubby was doing his best to please her for 40 days. When she was thinking that the Doc was the one who gave her the money, she was falling for him and was ready for a divorce. When she realized that the money was actually given by her husband, she started loving Caleb again. Basically she acts like a super expensive escort, If the married doctor had given her more money than her husband, she would have followed the money, because this movie blatantly shows that this is the main thing which makes her tick.
The movie basically teaches how to emasculate and brainwash your husband, to get all the money and all the control in the relationship. Well, life is brutal. But wait, why is this called Christian?
The only thing that the wife really goes after is money. She did not care that her hubby was doing his best to please her for 40 days. When she was thinking that the Doc was the one who gave her the money, she was falling for him and was ready for a divorce. When she realized that the money was actually given by her husband, she started loving Caleb again. Basically she acts like a super expensive escort, If the married doctor had given her more money than her husband, she would have followed the money, because this movie blatantly shows that this is the main thing which makes her tick.
The movie basically teaches how to emasculate and brainwash your husband, to get all the money and all the control in the relationship. Well, life is brutal. But wait, why is this called Christian?
Ignore the nattering nabobs of negativity
abchulett28 September 2008
I am a born-again Christian. I am also somewhat of a film snob who counts movies among his favorites that are decidedly R rated (I have no problem with sin being presented in movies as long as it's not presented as something good), and some of my favorites are over 100 years old. Just to let you know where this review is coming from.
With "Fireproof" the Kendrick brothers have matured. Their first film, "Flywheel," was a wonderful story with almost no budget, and amateurishly done. Then came "Facing the Giants," which was pretty good but ultimately forgettable. "Fireproof" finally puts together solid production values, mostly topnotch acting, and a very nicely written script that includes some clever plot twists.
Yes, it is explicitly Christian in its message. Yes, it upholds the sanctity of marriage and celebrates a man fighting for all he's worth to win the love of a wife who's filing for divorce. Yes, there are two or three moments where the sentimentality goes just a bit over the top.
If any of these statements about "Fireproof" close your mind to it, that's your loss, but God bless you as you pass on this one to go see something lighter or edgier. But I promise you, I was very pleasantly surprised at just how good this film is.
Highly recommended for anyone old enough to appreciate the opposite sex.
With "Fireproof" the Kendrick brothers have matured. Their first film, "Flywheel," was a wonderful story with almost no budget, and amateurishly done. Then came "Facing the Giants," which was pretty good but ultimately forgettable. "Fireproof" finally puts together solid production values, mostly topnotch acting, and a very nicely written script that includes some clever plot twists.
Yes, it is explicitly Christian in its message. Yes, it upholds the sanctity of marriage and celebrates a man fighting for all he's worth to win the love of a wife who's filing for divorce. Yes, there are two or three moments where the sentimentality goes just a bit over the top.
If any of these statements about "Fireproof" close your mind to it, that's your loss, but God bless you as you pass on this one to go see something lighter or edgier. But I promise you, I was very pleasantly surprised at just how good this film is.
Highly recommended for anyone old enough to appreciate the opposite sex.
Good story, bad movie.
adc848414 February 2009
Okay, the acting and the whole production of the movie is just average...nothing special. So if you can't stand low-budget movies, don't even bother watching Fireproof. HOWEVER, the whole story of this movie is amazing. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is married, or who is looking to fix their marriage, or even just their relationship. This movie is packed with advice, and tips on how to love your partner, even when the relationship is falling apart. Yes, it is a Christian movie, but you don't have to be a Christian to watch it. I'm not religious in any way, but I kinda liked it. Also, LADIES, prepare to bawl. This movie will most likely make you tear up. Seriously. Once you get past the bad acting, and everything else, you really start to get into it, and you feel for the characters. It's really sad what the guy goes through, just to save his marriage. Basically, if you want to see a really good love story, with lots of values and morals in it, and you don't necessarily care how bad the acting is, this is the movie for you!
Im a Christian and I hated this movie!!
Scott45898 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
there are 3 Main things that i hate about this movie, and if you look at how the genders voted on this movie you will see why women love this movie and most men didn't like it.
1. I get tired of everyone trying to fix him, doesn't anyone listen to his problems. It really hacks me off that Christians try to fix everyone instead of listening. and this movie has lots of fixing. even people who don't have a relationship with the main characters try to fix. IE the nurse talking to the wife towards the end of the movie. OMG! earn the right to speak into someones life.
2. She didn't do anything to help their marriage. the movie portrayed everything as being his fault. anyone who's been in a tough marriage knows that both sides do their part to make things worse. she isn't free from being just as guilty as he is. The church, and this movie has told men a lie for far too long..... That they have to earn respect, and freely give love. I disagree, i think that men should freely give Love to their wives, but wives should freely give respect to their husbands. that is the #1 need in each gender, why do men have to work so hard to gain respect, but also work so hard to show love. this movie put all the responsibility on the husband, and none on the wife.
3. this is by far the thing i hated most about it. She was flirting with another man.... allot!!! and she never apologizes for it. What kind of message are we sending wives?? that is OK to flirt around if the husband isn't loving enough? the husband apologizes for all his crap, and not once does she ever say that she is sorry.
once again its all up to the man to fix everything. i wish they could make a realistic movie. the divorce movie with Bruce Willis was better than this. "the story of us"
1. I get tired of everyone trying to fix him, doesn't anyone listen to his problems. It really hacks me off that Christians try to fix everyone instead of listening. and this movie has lots of fixing. even people who don't have a relationship with the main characters try to fix. IE the nurse talking to the wife towards the end of the movie. OMG! earn the right to speak into someones life.
2. She didn't do anything to help their marriage. the movie portrayed everything as being his fault. anyone who's been in a tough marriage knows that both sides do their part to make things worse. she isn't free from being just as guilty as he is. The church, and this movie has told men a lie for far too long..... That they have to earn respect, and freely give love. I disagree, i think that men should freely give Love to their wives, but wives should freely give respect to their husbands. that is the #1 need in each gender, why do men have to work so hard to gain respect, but also work so hard to show love. this movie put all the responsibility on the husband, and none on the wife.
3. this is by far the thing i hated most about it. She was flirting with another man.... allot!!! and she never apologizes for it. What kind of message are we sending wives?? that is OK to flirt around if the husband isn't loving enough? the husband apologizes for all his crap, and not once does she ever say that she is sorry.
once again its all up to the man to fix everything. i wish they could make a realistic movie. the divorce movie with Bruce Willis was better than this. "the story of us"
It taught me something about my own marriage
DR-926 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is in the same honest, non-glitzy, straightforward style of its predecessor from the same team, "Facing the Giants," a film I loved. It tells the story of a marriage headed for dissolution, which is turned around when the husband makes a commitment to God and his wife. Kirk Cameron is a revelation (and if you saw him as a cocky sitcom star in "Growing Pains" in the late 80s/early 90s you will be amazed) as the fireman husband who gets respect everywhere but at home, and has never asked himself if he deserves it. At the urging of his father, he agrees to take forty days before seeking divorce, and work through a book called "The Love Dare." This book offers a new suggestion for deepening the love relationship to be followed every day, together with short, related Bible verses. At first Cameron's character just goes through the motions, but as time goes by, helped by his parents and a fellow fireman, his love is transformed and renewed. Is it to late to reach his alienated wife?
Uplifting but real, the movie will inspire many married people to commit more deeply to their marriages. Truly worthwhile.
Uplifting but real, the movie will inspire many married people to commit more deeply to their marriages. Truly worthwhile.
Christians and Non-Christians alike should take a hint from this movie
purplejoy71626 September 2008
I just got back from seeing this movie opening night. Of the 300 seats, 100 of them were presold and we were told to get there early. I was excited to hear that so many people were supporting this movie on its opening weekend. It's message will hit close to home with so many people. With the high divorce rate these days, I agree that all people should view this movie. I'm not married myself, but it touched me so much because I saw in it the relationship my parent's have had for years. And while it focuses on the husband changing his ways in order to win back his wife, it also touches on wives changing their ways to win back their husbands. There may be many stereotypes shown in this movie, but that comes with movies trying to touch the world. Without stereotypes, we might not understand it so well.
Overall ratings: Plot - 10, Cinematography - 9, Acting - 6 (due to using only one professional actor, kudos to the church members for holding their own)
Overall ratings: Plot - 10, Cinematography - 9, Acting - 6 (due to using only one professional actor, kudos to the church members for holding their own)
Fireproof
lrosell28 September 2008
I enjoyed the movie. It hits on many core issues in a marriage, whether you are spiritual or not. Individuals who are not believers will not like it and should stay home if they are not receptive. Just as I do not attend science fiction films because I do not like that genre.
Acting was much better than Facing the Giants. Excellent use of humor. With regard to all-white cast as referred by another summary on this site, I am not sure if that person actually saw the movie given the following facts:
The first word spoken in the movie is by a black person. The wife has two black friends who she she sees quite often. The first person who brings up God to Caleb is his Lt., a black man. There is one other black person at the station who has several lines.
I would hope that summaries be written by people who actually see the movie.
Acting was much better than Facing the Giants. Excellent use of humor. With regard to all-white cast as referred by another summary on this site, I am not sure if that person actually saw the movie given the following facts:
The first word spoken in the movie is by a black person. The wife has two black friends who she she sees quite often. The first person who brings up God to Caleb is his Lt., a black man. There is one other black person at the station who has several lines.
I would hope that summaries be written by people who actually see the movie.
Better than I expected
smachalk28 September 2008
First of all, let me say that I am a Christian. However, I am also a movie nut. I don't go to the theater often. We have a home theater and I would much rather watch a movie at home than go out. My wife wanted to see this one in the theater. We were also being urged to support this movie by our church.
So, like I normally do, I went to IMDb and saw that after 95 or so ratings, it had a 3.6. Hmmm, not very good. I was worried but I agreed to go anyway. Besides, a movie like this is going to draw extremists on both sides and 95 isn't really a good sample size.
I was pleasantly surprised. Now, I don't see any Acadamy Awards upcoming, but the movie was done really well. I think this group has really improved since "Facing the Giants" (which was pretty good but not as good a Fireproof). The big thing I noticed is that there wasn't any sappy Christian dialog. OK, this is a Christian movie and it has a message (just like any other movie) but some of the other Christian movies I've seen have some horrible dialog. Not so here.
The plot was really good with nice character development. I thought the acting was decent too. Now there are times where you can tell this isn't a big dollar Hollywood production, but it didn't really detract from the film too much.
I won't put any spoilers in the movie but I will say that there wasn't a dry eye in the house when we got out.
So, I gave this movie a 7/10. I can tell you that we will probably buy this one on DVD. I'm really looking forward to more great work from this crew.
So, like I normally do, I went to IMDb and saw that after 95 or so ratings, it had a 3.6. Hmmm, not very good. I was worried but I agreed to go anyway. Besides, a movie like this is going to draw extremists on both sides and 95 isn't really a good sample size.
I was pleasantly surprised. Now, I don't see any Acadamy Awards upcoming, but the movie was done really well. I think this group has really improved since "Facing the Giants" (which was pretty good but not as good a Fireproof). The big thing I noticed is that there wasn't any sappy Christian dialog. OK, this is a Christian movie and it has a message (just like any other movie) but some of the other Christian movies I've seen have some horrible dialog. Not so here.
The plot was really good with nice character development. I thought the acting was decent too. Now there are times where you can tell this isn't a big dollar Hollywood production, but it didn't really detract from the film too much.
I won't put any spoilers in the movie but I will say that there wasn't a dry eye in the house when we got out.
So, I gave this movie a 7/10. I can tell you that we will probably buy this one on DVD. I'm really looking forward to more great work from this crew.
Utterly pathetic
kjpweb12 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
You could have packed the whole thing in a 3 minute YouTube clip narrative - and it still would have been too long. At least then you would have avoided to have seen painfully bad acting, a nonsensical storyline and plot solution, that initiate puke reactions. The sugar coated Christianity message that the movie try to shove down the viewers throat was outright offensive, since it basically stated that common sense and respect for your peers can only come if you become born again. There was no development in the characters, there was no real story and solution was just there. Out of thin air and all over sudden all was well. Non of it delivered, none of it made you reflect, consider or think. It is what it is - another one Kirk Cameron's steps to assure us that he really totally lost it. All in all an awful piece of bad, utterly predictable propaganda, that fails completely.
Married folks - watch this film
roymacmillan28 September 2008
Anybody who is married should see this movie because we've all had bumps in the road along the way.
Fire department Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is valued and respected everywhere he goes, except at home. His wife Catherine (Erin Bethea), overwhelmed by her career and her mother's inability to communicate, doesn't feel loved by him; and Caleb's withdrawal of love, along with her inability to respect him cause them to pursue divorce.
Upon finding out about their troubled marriage, Caleb's dad asks him to hold off proceeding with the divorce to make one last effort to save his marriage, a forty-day experiment called, "The Love Dare." Caleb reluctantly agrees to it, and forgetting it took years to dig the hole that their relationship is in, he is upset when it doesn't work immediately. For reasonable reasons, she doesn't react to his efforts at first.
Will Caleb continue to keep going even though she refuses to believe he'll change? Can his dad's love and guidance keep him believing? Will God save their marriage, and make it healthy again? These are the questions that this film answers.
Fire department Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is valued and respected everywhere he goes, except at home. His wife Catherine (Erin Bethea), overwhelmed by her career and her mother's inability to communicate, doesn't feel loved by him; and Caleb's withdrawal of love, along with her inability to respect him cause them to pursue divorce.
Upon finding out about their troubled marriage, Caleb's dad asks him to hold off proceeding with the divorce to make one last effort to save his marriage, a forty-day experiment called, "The Love Dare." Caleb reluctantly agrees to it, and forgetting it took years to dig the hole that their relationship is in, he is upset when it doesn't work immediately. For reasonable reasons, she doesn't react to his efforts at first.
Will Caleb continue to keep going even though she refuses to believe he'll change? Can his dad's love and guidance keep him believing? Will God save their marriage, and make it healthy again? These are the questions that this film answers.
nice Christian film
ncheerios17 July 2008
Why did I write in ALL CAPS? Because it is what it is. A Christian movie.
This movie is VERY heavy on the message. So much so that I think most of the audience will be turned off. I am a Christian and have loved all of Sherwood's films. But this one was the first that seemed to have a fake Gospel message.
Now for a sentence I never thought I'd write - Kirk Cameron was great in the film. Fantastic performance.
So... I give it a 7 as a Christian movie. I liked Facing the Giants better. Also liked - End of the Spear, The List (just saw it), Beyond The Gates and Time Changer.
This movie is VERY heavy on the message. So much so that I think most of the audience will be turned off. I am a Christian and have loved all of Sherwood's films. But this one was the first that seemed to have a fake Gospel message.
Now for a sentence I never thought I'd write - Kirk Cameron was great in the film. Fantastic performance.
So... I give it a 7 as a Christian movie. I liked Facing the Giants better. Also liked - End of the Spear, The List (just saw it), Beyond The Gates and Time Changer.
A dangerous piece of propaganda.
crmawson24 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
As an attempted piece of art I pretty much entirely hated it. The acting is average at best with some of the supporting roles giving truly shocking performances. The soundtrack is terrible and contains a complete lack of diversity or even a basic attempt to convey the inner narrative of the plot and the message behind the story is nothing but a 120 minute advertisement for the Christian faith.
The only and I mean ONLY redeeming feature of this film is that although the lead protagonist gives his re-discovered faith full credit for him saving his marriage, it is in fact his own actions that save the day. Which could be the only good thing you could take away...
Lets be honest though...this is not going to be reviewed as a film. It will be reviewed for what it is, a shockingly dangerous piece of propaganda that offers a bias view as to the causes and solutions to life's issues. The complete lack of integrity that a filmmaker would have to show in order to publish such complete crap is astounding and what makes it worse is the positive reviews it received as a film. IT IS NOT A FILM, IT IS AN Advertisement. If you truly cannot see past this indoctrinating waste of time then you are walking through life with your eyes half shut.
I don't know much about the politics behind this film (I.E. who bankrolled it) but if the director sought out to make nothing more than a pro Christian piece of media to influence the young and the naive then he did a good job. If on the other hand you read IMDb reviews because you actually care films then give this a miss...
The only and I mean ONLY redeeming feature of this film is that although the lead protagonist gives his re-discovered faith full credit for him saving his marriage, it is in fact his own actions that save the day. Which could be the only good thing you could take away...
Lets be honest though...this is not going to be reviewed as a film. It will be reviewed for what it is, a shockingly dangerous piece of propaganda that offers a bias view as to the causes and solutions to life's issues. The complete lack of integrity that a filmmaker would have to show in order to publish such complete crap is astounding and what makes it worse is the positive reviews it received as a film. IT IS NOT A FILM, IT IS AN Advertisement. If you truly cannot see past this indoctrinating waste of time then you are walking through life with your eyes half shut.
I don't know much about the politics behind this film (I.E. who bankrolled it) but if the director sought out to make nothing more than a pro Christian piece of media to influence the young and the naive then he did a good job. If on the other hand you read IMDb reviews because you actually care films then give this a miss...
How is it possible to not be moved by this film?
rking-1928 September 2008
Fireproof, while not technically perfect, offers one of the deepest, most intense theater experiences of 2008. But a word of warning: if you are passionate and/or empathetic, it may be too much to handle.
A fireman (Kirk Cameron) with leadership responsibilities and strong commitment to the working relationship among the team finds that his own marriage relationship is suddenly tanking, and spends the rest of the movie finding a way to respond. Will the couple be able to do what it takes for their marriage to survive? Do either of them even want to?
Intensity comes from several sources. The characters brazenly act out in ways that, from our vantage point, make us cringe (déjà vu, perhaps?); there is no quick, easy resolution, and reaching the final disposition wrings more from the characters (and the audience!) than would be expected from, say, the Hollywood quick-fix relationship movies we are accustomed to.
The story paces well, with characters that avoid the stick-figure caricatures we can expect with most H*wood fare, A wonderful balance of humor lightens the movie, and even some of the intense moments are funny as well. (If you have experiences in life that you thought were totally serious at the time, but you look back in laughter, you know what I mean...)
Another couple, my wife, and I watched the movie this afternoon, and after checking the score and reading the comments on IMDb, I must wonder: how can someone see this who has any experience with real life, and not be moved? I personally writhed with tears in my seat most of the time, trying to choke back my reaction so as to not disturb the audience. (My throat is pretty sore right now from stifling it.) Even without top-line actors, the scenes are a testimony to a tragedy in our midst, happening right now in your city and mine, yet unseen.
There are heroes in this movie, and this film will satisfyingly define the difference between their heroism and running with over-weighted spur-of-the-moment feelings from one fire to the next.
A fireman (Kirk Cameron) with leadership responsibilities and strong commitment to the working relationship among the team finds that his own marriage relationship is suddenly tanking, and spends the rest of the movie finding a way to respond. Will the couple be able to do what it takes for their marriage to survive? Do either of them even want to?
Intensity comes from several sources. The characters brazenly act out in ways that, from our vantage point, make us cringe (déjà vu, perhaps?); there is no quick, easy resolution, and reaching the final disposition wrings more from the characters (and the audience!) than would be expected from, say, the Hollywood quick-fix relationship movies we are accustomed to.
The story paces well, with characters that avoid the stick-figure caricatures we can expect with most H*wood fare, A wonderful balance of humor lightens the movie, and even some of the intense moments are funny as well. (If you have experiences in life that you thought were totally serious at the time, but you look back in laughter, you know what I mean...)
Another couple, my wife, and I watched the movie this afternoon, and after checking the score and reading the comments on IMDb, I must wonder: how can someone see this who has any experience with real life, and not be moved? I personally writhed with tears in my seat most of the time, trying to choke back my reaction so as to not disturb the audience. (My throat is pretty sore right now from stifling it.) Even without top-line actors, the scenes are a testimony to a tragedy in our midst, happening right now in your city and mine, yet unseen.
There are heroes in this movie, and this film will satisfyingly define the difference between their heroism and running with over-weighted spur-of-the-moment feelings from one fire to the next.
I expected to hate it!
dottyjyoung21 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This is only the **second** Christian movie that I would ever recommend to friends, and buy the DVD. (The first was "The Second Chance", directed by Steve Taylor, starring Michael W. Smith.) "Fireproof" is a wonderful example of *how far* Christian movies have come. Both Christian and non-Christian characters are shown as flawed people, the dialogue was (mostly) believable and well-paced, and the script was awesome.
Best of all--everyone's problems didn't magically go away when people got saved. Most Christian movies are choked with a "deus ex machina" that shows life being all sunshine and roses after a simple sinner's prayer. This element, more than any other, is what makes Christian movies unbelievable and unpalatable in the eyes of believers and unbelievers alike. Fireproof gave the main character plenty of room for growth *after* he accepted Christ, then made us wonder if he ever would reach his goal of restoring his marriage.
We can overlook the obvious product placement for Chic-fil-A, since they probably gave a hefty grant to fund the movie. :) What I can't overlook is the way that the characters talked about Christianity. The "Christian-ese" of this movie was ladled on like thick gravy, and it was hard to get at the yummy story underneath. When Caleb and his dad were talking about salvation, they tossed around phrases like "significance" that most people just don't use in casual conversation. There's no need to dress up basic human needs in fancy words. However, most Christian *ministers* have this problem, so it's not restricted to these film makers. We as a body of artists need to find words that communicate salvation in common, every-day language. (Just like the apostles did, using Koine Greek!) All in all, I'm thankful this movie was made, and I'm thankful for the blessing it's been in the lives and marriages of the people that watched it.
Best of all--everyone's problems didn't magically go away when people got saved. Most Christian movies are choked with a "deus ex machina" that shows life being all sunshine and roses after a simple sinner's prayer. This element, more than any other, is what makes Christian movies unbelievable and unpalatable in the eyes of believers and unbelievers alike. Fireproof gave the main character plenty of room for growth *after* he accepted Christ, then made us wonder if he ever would reach his goal of restoring his marriage.
We can overlook the obvious product placement for Chic-fil-A, since they probably gave a hefty grant to fund the movie. :) What I can't overlook is the way that the characters talked about Christianity. The "Christian-ese" of this movie was ladled on like thick gravy, and it was hard to get at the yummy story underneath. When Caleb and his dad were talking about salvation, they tossed around phrases like "significance" that most people just don't use in casual conversation. There's no need to dress up basic human needs in fancy words. However, most Christian *ministers* have this problem, so it's not restricted to these film makers. We as a body of artists need to find words that communicate salvation in common, every-day language. (Just like the apostles did, using Koine Greek!) All in all, I'm thankful this movie was made, and I'm thankful for the blessing it's been in the lives and marriages of the people that watched it.
Weak acting, stilted script, preachy
janeff4023 April 2009
The theme could have been conveyed more effectively without the heavy-handed preaching script/scenes. The consequences of the fireman's behavior towards his wife were clearly dramatized and did not need the oratory to expound on the obvious.
The acting was as stilted as the script, especially by the husband/fireman. At times it seemed almost amateurish. His approach to the black firefighter of lower rank to admit that he had changed his beliefs was not believable.
The few firefighting scenes couldn't carry the story; thus it quickly became boring. One of the firefighting scenes was obviously a training exercise. The husband/fireman's heroic actions at the house fire did illustrate his basic reason for being a firefighter. The father/son bond was integral to the story, but also overly preachy.
The acting was as stilted as the script, especially by the husband/fireman. At times it seemed almost amateurish. His approach to the black firefighter of lower rank to admit that he had changed his beliefs was not believable.
The few firefighting scenes couldn't carry the story; thus it quickly became boring. One of the firefighting scenes was obviously a training exercise. The husband/fireman's heroic actions at the house fire did illustrate his basic reason for being a firefighter. The father/son bond was integral to the story, but also overly preachy.
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