God's Not Dead Review

Sometimes being me has perks.  Usually, those perks are things like grading Physical Science test problems that involve force, mass, and acceleration problems that send me scrambling for the teacher's guide or figuring out a way to get a door unstuck that has literally been closed a little too emphatically and is now partially on the other side of the door jamb from where it is mean tot be (true story)...

But sometimes...

when God is really feeling sorry for me (just kidding)

sometimes I get to do something really cool..like see a movie BEFORE it comes out.

A super cool movie like God's Not Dead.

Yep!  It was all I could do not to be squealing it from the rooftops.  Actually, I have been blabbing on Facebook to anyone who would listen.  But I patiently waited to blog about it until NOW, when you can actually go see the movie yourself.  Cause you NEED to.

It's awesome.

Really.

Here's the official blurb about the movie:

How far would you go…to defend your belief in God?

Present-day college freshman and devout Christian, Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper), finds his faith challenged on his first day of Philosophy class by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo). Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a failing grade. As other students in the class begin scribbling the words “God Is Dead” on pieces of paper as instructed, Josh find himself at a crossroads, having to choose between his faith and his future. Josh offers a nervous refusal, provoking an irate reaction from his smug professor. Radisson assigns him a daunting task: if Josh will not admit that “God Is Dead,” he must prove God’s existence by presenting well-researched, intellectual arguments and evidence over the course of the semester, and engage Radisson in a head-to-head debate in front of the class. If Josh fails to convince his classmates of God’s existence, he will fail the course and hinder his lofty academic goals. With almost no one in his corner, Josh wonders if he can really fight for what he believes. Can he actually prove the existence of God? Wouldn’t it just be easier just to write “God Is Dead” and put the whole incident behind him? GOD’S NOT DEAD weaves together multiple stories of faith, doubt and disbelief, culminating in a dramatic call to action. The film will educate, entertain, and inspire moviegoers to explore what they really believe about God, igniting important conversations and life-changing decisions.

GOD’S NOT DEAD features a talented cast of actors including Kevin Sorbo (SOUL SURFER, HERCULES, ANDROMEDA), Shane Harper (GOOD LUCK CHARLIE, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2), David A.R. White (BROTHER WHITE, REVELATION ROAD and JERUSALEM COUNTDOWN), and Dean Cain (LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN), with special appearances by Christian super-band Newsboys and “Duck Dynasty’s” Willie and Korie Robertson.

Here's what OBM has to say:  I want to be clear I got to see this movie for free in the hopes I'd mention it kindly somewhere in the cybersphere.  And I got a fun little goodie bag full of promo stuff like pencils, paper, a bracelet, and a pen to remind me to do just that.  But if you know me at all, you know my positive review can't be bought, and certainly not with a movie ticket or some trinkets (although I love me some trinkets).  I want to say this movie floored me.  Really.  It's well written, the cast is great, and this is no low budget Christian flick.  This is right up there with some of the other Christian biggies (mostly with one word titles if you catch my drift) in its ability to draw you in to the story and never once make you feel like it's "cheesy" or low budget.  It's a great movie for students who will be heading out "into the world" for the first time soon.  This film is a wonderful evangelizing tool as well.  As you watch Josh defend what he believes and why, it easily opens the door for conversation with non-believers.  And while the Robertsons from Duck Dynasty don't have a huge part to play in the film, their presence can also help to draw in non-believers who know them from their television show.  We are all charged to be ready to give a defense for the hope we have within in us (1 Peter 3:15) and with the release of God's Not Dead, we really should all be expecting that unbelievers might come to us with questions-it really is that life-changing a movie.

Still not sure?  Here's a trailer so you can see for yourself.