Finding Grace Movie Review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE:  Finding Grace

RATING:  Not Rated

LENGTH:   1 hour, 46 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Epic Media invited me to a private screening of this lovely film directed by Warren Fast, who makes his directorial debut and even plays a minor role in the movie.  He also wrote the movie.  That’s what you call a triple threat of talent.  You might have seen him act previously in the movie Geostorm.

This faith-based film has already been nominated for “Best Picture” from the International Christian Film Festival.  Pretty nice start for a new director, don’t you think?  One of the actresses in the movie, Kisha Oglesby, was also nominated for “Best Supporting Actress” for her role in this movie.

I had the privilege of interviewing the director of this film and now you can see our conversation here!

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• A teenage girl swears and her father tells her to watch her mouth. Otherwise, the only other “swear” words you hear are “friggin” and “crap.”  There are also some scenes from a prison show that someone watches on a TV, but all the profanity from the show is bleeped out.
• There is a serious issue that is revealed later in the movie that you might want to talk to your kids about.
• Talk to your kids about the influence their friends have on them, which is why it’s important to choose good friends.
• It’s generally a family-friendly film that all ages can enjoy.

THEMES:

• Hope
• Choices and consequences
• Responsibility
• Listen to inspiration
• Judging others
• Forgiveness
• Peace, pain, sadness
• Being a single parent
• Service to others diminishes our own pain and challenges.
• Family

THINGS I LIKED:

• The music at the beginning is lovely.
• I absolutely adore Jasen Wade in everything he does.  He always elevates the quality of acting among all of the other actors in scenes he’s in.
• The leading lady is teenager Paris Warner who carries the film very well and is up to the task of a roller coaster of emotions.  She does a great job as an eye-rolling, obnoxious teenager in the beginning.
• The movie was shot in only 19 days! Filming took place in Panama City, Florida.  There were no sets; all locations were real places.  Sadly, Hurricane Michael hit the area shortly after the filming finished.  The good news is that they finished all of the principal photography; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to go back to re-shoot.
• The filmmakers tried very hard not to preach, but to simply show gospel principles. Many Christian denominations were intentionally represented.  You don’t have to be religious to still enjoy the film and get something out of it.
• There are some light-hearted moments to help break up all the drama.
• It’s not super preachy like some Christian movies can be.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I always hate watching disrespectful kids. Paris Warner does a great job as an eye-rolling, obnoxious teenager in the beginning.  You just want to “ground” her or something so she’ll snap out of her terrible attitude.  ha ha
• Some of the pacing within the dialogue stalls.
• Sometimes it’s hard to understand what people say.
• It’s pretty predictable.

INTERESTING LINES:

• “We’re going to church on Sunday or I’m going to sell your car.” – Conner Rose  (Jasen Wade)
• “You can’t blame God. He’s always there.” – Conner Rose    (Jasen Wade)
• “God has always wanted loving disciples serving of their own free will, not mindless slaves.” – Bishop Reed (David Keith)
• “We’re expected to forgive others through our love to our fellowman.” – Bishop Reed (David Keith)
• “I needed to make a decision. You know, all in or all out.  Once I realized God was all in and always was, the choice was easy.” – Bryan Shaw  (Warren Fast)
• “God is a God of love, not of punishment.” – Bishop Reed (David Keith)
• “Decisions have consequences.” – Conner Rose (Jasen Wade)

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@TrinaBoice