Courageous

The movie "Courageous" needs to be seen by men, youth and boys but also by any family member who wishes to learn some things about parenting and love.

Some would probably disagree, but I feel that this movie is not preachy and certainly doesn't match the usual criteria of what people might call a "religious movie" or a movie that deals with "religion" on some level.  Yes, there is a church scene and a clear witness of Christ as Savior but it is definitely a part of the plot.  (I do have to smile that the inside of the church in the Father's Day scene seems far larger than the outside of the church as depicted.  Dramatic license, I guess!)

The premise of the movie is stated by the sheriff himself as he urges his Albany, Georgia, deputies to spend more time with their families based on the statistic that fatherless or "under-fathered" children are more likely to get into trouble.  One father, Adam (Alex Kendrick) adores his daughter but is distant from his son.  Nathan (Ken Bevel) has strict rules for his daughter while Shane (Kevin Downes) is divorced and trying to raise his son and the rookie David (Ben Davies) has a child from a teenage fling.  The group also befriends Javier (Robert Amaya) who is struggling to find and keep work.  I love the Javier character.  I think you will too.  Adam's daughter is killed in a car accident and this is an awakening for him to to become and be the father he needs to be for his surviving son.  His study of the Bible leads him to challenge his four friends to take being a father seriously.  He doesn't push them to do it, but they agree to pledge to become better fathers.

There are many fine subplots as one of the men fails to keep his vow, another faces an employer asking him to cheat, one realizes he needs to step up and take responsibility for his actions, and two others must build trust with their very different children.  An exciting car chase and gun battle with a drug gang provides as much excitement as from any contemporary movie.

Ultimately, the closing verses of Joshua (Joshua 24:15), "Choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," are words that inspire the movie and the audience.  It was one of those movies where you hear clapping at the end.

The movie is in the tradition of "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof" and is one of those movies where you can invite your neighbor or friend who will discover it is very moral but not heavy handed.  There is drama, compassion, humor, and morality as well God's love in Christ.  I'm convinced you will love the movie.