God’s Not Dead Film Review
God's Not Dead is a 2014 drama film directed by Harold Cronk and starring Kevin Sorbo as the professor. Shane Harper as Josh Wheaton the Christian student who debates the professor. David A. R. White as Reverend Dave and Dean Cain as Mark an atheist businessman.
The film was released theatrically on March 21, 2014. It was written by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman and based on Rice Broocks' book God's Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty. The film made 64.7 million dollars, with a budget of 2 million dollars. This made the film a financial success, which was a shock to most people in the film industry. The film was not received well by most critics or the general population, however it was mostly received well by the Christian community.
The best description for the film is that it is served with a double helping of American cheese, it is meant to be a child friendly and heart-warming story, like a hallmark film or classic family film. This film is meant to be a soft entrance into a difficult and stressful subject. The film covers a very real and serious matter but does it in a toned down and gentle way. The film is entertaining and thought provoking to a point. I would recommend this for teens and adults to watch this, however be aware that in real life the Christian character would be under a great deal more pressure and attack and that some of his fellow students would also be involved in some situations. With the ending also not being sadly very realistic. The film is easy to watch though, unlike many of the YouTube clips of this happening in real life.
The plot is simple but good enough, the different storylines connect nicely, but the characters are a bit stereotypical, but saying this it is only because they have chosen to write about characters which would act in a stereotypical manner. Like an atheistic professor who hates god and can only tolerate the presence of others like himself. This makes for a bit of a two-dimensional character build. Yet the film is still enjoyable. The film keeps your attention, it could have been slimmed down a bit, especially the smaller storylines. The reporter part could have been cut but the actress does do a good job.
There are some quite good and deep moments within the film, the first interaction between the professor and his class, the rich businessman and his sick mother and a few others. I think the film has a positive message and is a good moral boost to anyone. As well as a reminder to keep learning about the faith and not to get too complacent.
The film is worth watching but again be warned it is a feel good film. With a happy ending, in a way.