I Can Only Imagine (2018)

The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe's beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness.

Directors:

Andrew Erwin (as The Erwin Brothers), Jon Erwin (as The Erwin Brothers)

Writers:

Bart Millard (based on the life story of), Jon Erwin (story by)

Stars:

J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Dennis Quaid

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
J. Michael Finley	...	Bart
Madeline Carroll	...	Shannon
Dennis Quaid	...	Arthur
Trace Adkins	...	Brickell
Cloris Leachman	...	Memaw
Jason Burkey	...	Mike
Mark Furze	...	Nathan
Randy McDowell	...	Jim
Cole Marcus	...	Robbie
Alexander Dominguez	...	Kent
Brody Rose	...	Young Bart
Taegen Burns	...	Young Shannon
J.R. Cacia	...	Rusty
Tanya Clarke	...	Adele
Nicole DuPort	...	Amy Grant

Storyline

10-year-old Bart Millard lives with his mother and abusive father Arthur in Texas. One day his mother drops him off at a Christian camp where he meets Shannon. Upon his return from camp, Bart finds his mother has left and movers are removing her belongings. He angrily confronts his father, who denies that his abusiveness was the reason she left. Years later, in high school, Bart and Shannon are dating. Bart plays football to please his father, but is injured, breaking both ankles and ending his career. The only elective with openings is music class, so he reluctantly signs up..

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Plot Keywords:

abusive father | song | religion | christianity | based on true story | 

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Taglines:

The song you know. The story you don't.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Family | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements including some violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

I Can Only Imagine

Filming Locations:

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,104,797, 18 March 2018, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$83,482,352

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kevin Downes Productions, Mission Pictures International, City on a Hill Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is J. Michael Finley's first movie role.

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Goofs

When Bart's mom is driving him to the camp, and Bart puts in U2's The Joshua Tree cassette tape. Then a U2 song starts to play , but the song isn't from The Joshua Tree, instead the song is" Into the Heart" which is a song from their first album Boy.

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Quotes

Young Shannon: Bart, I'm terrified you saw what was written in my journal. Did you?
Young Bart: No. Wh-what're you talking about?
Young Shannon: You're lying. You saw every word, didn't you?
Young Bart: Maybe.
Young Shannon: Well, then here goes. You know what I think? I think that someday we're gonna fall in love, get married, and that's our destiny. And now I'm mortified. I'm gonna walk down this hill and help Kent.
Young Bart: Wa-wa-wa-wait wait. Shannon, please stay.
Young Shannon: Why? Afraid of the dark? Afraid of monsters?
Young Bart: I just don't like being alone.

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Connections

References The Goonies (1985)

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Soundtracks

Hallelujah
Written by Leonard Cohen

User Reviews

Funny, interesting, inspiring and powerful

"I Can Only Imagine" was a funny, interesting, inspiring, and powerful true-story about the most popular Christian song of all time. It was lighthearted and funny when I needed an emotional break, but the message was strong. If you don't go because it is faith-based, you are missing out. If you grew up in the Amy Grant/Michael W. Smith era like I did...it will be a little nostalgic. Watching the band struggle in the early years reminded me of every kid I knew as a camp counselor at Camp Electric in Nashville. It made me smile. Dennis Quaid was impactful as the abusive father. It had something for everyone. I'll be going back next week with friends.