Lifemark

It probably wouldn't be fair to just trash this film out of hand. There will doubtless be many who find the pro-life message it emphasises life-affirming. As a piece of cinema, though, it is a shockingly simplistic and one-sided attempt to suggest to young women facing that most difficult of decisions that all in the garden is ridiculously rosy! We start with "David" (the easy on the Raphael Ruggero) whom we discover has been adopted by the Christian (that's important) Colton family - "Jimmy" (Kirk Cameron) and "Susan" (Rebecca Rogers). They live a happy life with the young man a keen wrestler about to go on to college. Sadly, though, injury befalls him and after surgery to relieve pressure on his brain - the recovery from which would put Lazarus to shame - he has to rethink his plans. Meantime, his birth mother realises that he is now eighteen and so attempts to get in touch. The rest of this rather sentimentally cheesy drama follows a slightly nauseating path, I found, aided unhelpfully by his rather irritating mate "Nate" (Justin Sterner) who insisted on filming everything on his phone - even some of the most sensitive and personal moments as the story evolves with an almost menacing degree of indoctrinating pontification - subtle, yes - as an air raid! The acting, especially from the adults, is twee and pedestrian in the extreme with adulation and fawning galore as we plod along towards an ending that I found supremely condescending. This is at best, a mediocre television movie that should only be shown in cinemas with a warning that it completely lacks any sense of balance. The soundtrack is also banal - plinky plonky piano chords just to reinforce the gloopiness. I didn't hate it. Cameron et al are entitled to their point of view, but if this is supposed to be in any way educational or realistic, then I'm Tom Thumb!

Wonderful movie! It is an inspiring true story about adoption and what it means to truly adopt someone into a family:) highly recommend it to families, couples, and groups! I would recommend it to anyone who would want to be encouraged in the times of family struggle with adoption and not knowing what choice to make. It can change your life! God works in big ways and He cannot be stopped! This film delivers a powerful message about pro-life and how every life matters and children are a gift from God:) Adoption is very powerful, and this movie explains why adoption is powerful in that way! Every child deserves a chance to live and should be cherished and loved:)

Poorly written. Emotional moments use cheesy royalty free inspirational/sad music, characters don't have any depth. To put it kindly, the acting is subpar and the dialogue is just awkward. Movie falls into countless poorly-executed clichés. One of the worst writing issues I noticed was how characters didn't evolve throughout the entire movie. Movie was so excellent it could have been directed by Donald Trump.

Here's my satirical review: Beautiful film that loves mentioning how god was responsible for every thing down to a character speaking. What an amazing film, I loved it so much hearing about church and god. It was just so inspirational.

As a Christian who is a film buff, I have a love-hate relationship with Christian movies. Many seem too preachy, or hateful towards atheists or liberals, and many are not well shot.

I think The Kendrick Brothers make good movies though, and this one, their first dramatized true story, is their best film yet. I saw it with my Grandma, and we both gave it a 10/10. I hope that they continue to tell true stories.

Lifemark is a true story about an 18-year-old named David who was adopted. (Kirk Cameron, who did the Kendrick Brother's film Fireproof, plays his adoptive father.) Now that he is an adult, his birth mother wants to meet him. After some consideration, he agrees, and has a life-changing meeting with her.

From a filmmaking standpoint, it's very well made. No Oscars will come its way, (which is a little disappointing), but compared to other faith-based movies, even Kendrick Brothers films, the camera work, acting, and pace are all well done for a faith-based movie.

The story was also engaging. Often, in 2 hour movies, I have to use the bathroom in the middle. Lifemark is one of the few movies I have ever seen in theaters in one sitting. The fact that Lifemark is a true story that sticks to the facts makes it all the more incredible.

There is also some light humor in the film. One scene that comes to mind is a scene where David's birth mother asks him if he'd like to go skydiving, and there are some laughs involving David's best friend's fear of falling in the sky. (I'm with you, man! You couldn't pay me a million dollars to skydive!)

Most of all though, like the Kendrick Brother's previous film, Show Me The Father (a fantastic documentary, by the way), Lifemark's best quality is the film's heart.

Lifemark has a pro-life message. While it may seem convenient that this film releases just 2.5 months after the overturning of Roe V. Wade, this movie has actually been in the works for 3 years, long before the Dobbs V. Jackson buzz was going around.

Anyways, I have seen other pro-life Christian movies that were not good. Unplanned tells a contradictory story of a Planned Parenthood director becoming pro-choice to pro-life, and Loving The Bad Man tells of a rape victim not only having her attacker's baby but falling in love with the attacker as well. (I have reviewed both movies on my page if you would like to read more about my critiques of those movies.)

Lifemark tells a consistent and powerful story though. My Grandma and I were in tears often, like in a scene where David finds out that he was almost aborted. After The Bible and movies, the abortion debate- and the pro-life side in particular, is my 3rd main interest, and that made this movie even more powerful.

Sadly, due to the controversial nature of the message, Lifemark is only in limited theaters from September 9th-15th. I had to go to a theater almost 20 minutes away to see it. If you can see it in the next few days, please do. If not, buy the DVD. I'm going to ask for it for Christmas.

Lifemark is one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen, as well as one of the best Christian movies I have ever seen. With movies like this and Father Stu and less ones like God's Not Dead and Unplanned, Christian movies are only improving. The fact that true stories are being told, rather than far-fetched fiction, seems to be a benefit.

Simply put, Lifemark will set a mark in your life. No matter your views on religion or abortion, Lifemark has my highest recommendation.

***

Note to Hollywood: Co-writer and co-producer Alex Kendrick has stated that he's heard rumors of movies in favor of abortion are coming out in response to Roe's overturning. If that is the case, know that I do not intend to be in the theater for those. I want life-affirming stories, not death-affirming ones.

(I do enjoy Lake of Fire, a documentary about the complexity of both sides of the abortion debate.)

***

I've never given a movie 10 stars until this one! I was mildly interested in it before watching it and am so happy I did. I will warn you though it's a tear jerker. Finally a movie with a positive message, so badly needed in our day! Appropriate for the whole family.

Everyone should be able to relate to this movie. I found myself relating to poor choices I've made in my youth, I found myself relating to the longing to be loved and wanted in your family, and I found myself relating as a parent and the love you have for someone walking around with a piece of your heart.

If this movie gets downrated on IMBD, I can almost guarantee you that it will be because of trolls who believe in abortion. This movie though, does not focus on anti-abortion stances, but on the beauty that comes from the selfless act of adoption and the friends and family that are there for you supporting you through your ups and downs.

So heartwarming, only those without a heart will not like it.

Also wear waterproof mascara when seeing this!