Sherwood Picture’s “Courageous” opens on 1,200 screens nationwide Friday. In the inspirational film about fatherhood – as told through the story of four police officers – you’ll find no coarse language, no gratuitous violence, no nudity or sexual innuendo. The Lord’s name is not taken in vain. In short, it’s a film you wouldn’t be embarrassed to watch with your family, your parents, your friends and neighbors, or your children.
There’s something else that you won’t see – and that is all of the work, prayer, and dedication that volunteers at Sherwood Baptist Church put in behind-the-scenes to bring this movie to fruition.
Albany, Ga. is home to seven different Baptist churches, a Methodist church, two Episcopal churches, a Catholic Church, a Presbyterian church, and at least four evangelical Christian churches, but only one of them is making movies. That’s Sherwood.
You might be asking yourself, why is a Catholic journalist pushing a film produced by a Baptist church? Would the Baptists promote a film by the Catholic Church?
I’m promoting it because I was touched not only by the dedication and faith of those who made the film, but as a father I was touched by the movie itself. It is Sherwood’s best film to-date, both in terms of cinematography and in terms of story. Like all of their films it crosses the line from story-telling to proselytizing. Some critics will attack the film for this. Yet, there’s still a place for “Courageous.” The film is at its strongest when it is telling a story, and that story will move men.
I’ve written extensively about “Courageous” because I was fortunate to be invited to be on-the-set during some of the shooting. I was able to interview the writers, director, and actors. I was able to attend the Atlanta premiere of the film. I had the opportunity to serve as an extra in the film’s 5K race scene, running beside friend and fellow Catholic writer and blogger Chris Faddis (for those who are interested, we did make the final cut. We can be seen briefly in the race scene on the right hand side of the screen). Most importantly, I was able to witness a community of faith pulling together to produce something inspirational.
While on the set, I couldn’t help but be moved by the vast number of church volunteers who pulled together to make meals, apply makeup, babysit, serve as actors and extras, create sets, deliver people and set pieces to where they needed to be, essentially made everything happen behind-the-scenes that needed to happen to schedule, produce and shoot, and edit a major film like this.
I was also eyewitness and participant in the sheer amount of prayer that went into this film. “Courageous” is surrounded and covered in prayer.
The decision to make the film and its subject is the fruit of prayer. Each day, as the shooting began, cast and crew gathered for prayer. Before meals, there was prayer. Before every scene was shot, there was prayer. I saw individual church members praying with actors before and after specific scenes were shot. At the film’s premiere in Atlanta, it opened with prayer. All along the way, church members, cast and crew have been praying not only for the film, but for all those who will see it on-screen and on DVD. They’ve been praying that the film might have a positive impact upon the viewers, upon our nation, upon fathers and mothers. They know well the power of prayer because they’ve seen the effects from their previous three films, and they’ve heard stories of how “Flywheel” led unscrupulous businessmen to change their ways, or how “Facing the Giants” led not only to prayer, but to couples conceiving children, or how “Fireproof” saved marriages in the U.S. and abroad. If “Courageous” succeeds, and I pray that it does, it will be due to prayer.
One doesn’t have to look far to see that we’re facing many crises in this country. Among them, absentee fathers and fatherlessness ranks among one of the largest. Courageous addresses that topic through its characters – a lazy father, a man who grew up without his father, an absent father. In so doing, it challenges men to embrace their responsibilities as fathers and protectors. Sherwood has partnered with a large number of Protestant and Catholic men’s ministries to provide the tools that men need to learn how to be the husbands and fathers that God intends them to be. It’s clear that the movie-makers want this film to be a movement – a movement of turning the children’s hearts to their fathers, and the father’s hearts to their children.
Do yourself and your family a favor. Go see “Courageous” this weekend and invite and encourage others to do likewise. “Courageous,” in short, is a movie that audiences want, and a film that America needs.
Comments
Post a Comment
I am intrigued by the trailers however again I notice none of these men are coverages enough to have more then 2 children, Haven’t seen it and I will but when will we look at ourselves and the mistakes that started the slide.
I am looking forward to this movie. It is great to see good Christian films out in the theaters! Keep writing reviews about it and all the other movies your review. I know a lot of families that based on the NCR review of movies is what they will go watch. God Bless ya!
I had a chance to the movie during Sherwood’s promotional tour last spring. It is a great movie and I echo the encouragement to go see it. My men’s group from church is going Saturday night with our wives on a group “date night”.
I am so very excited to see this film. I just finished reading the book and as a Catholic Mom, I was moved to do more. I am encouraging everyone I know to go see this movie and to watch the others that you mentioned. I also really enjoyed Fireproof. We ALL need to be excited about the one thing that unites all Christians…a love of Christ. Regardless of which denomination we are, we are all called to live the Gospel. These movies can inspire us to respond to God’s calling in our lives if we are open to it. :)
@Linda - I would invite you to take a moment and reconsider the judgement you just placed on those with only two children. I am a father of two - I’m only 32 years old and while my wife and I started out with a plan to have multiple children, that weighs in the balance as my wife battles stage IV colon cancer.
We converse regularly about how we hope we will still be able to have more. But the beating that my wife’s body is receiving may prevent that. We plan on trying if we are so blessed - but the truth of the matter is that it may not be in the cards for us.
A dear friend of ours, Catholic author and speaker Melanie Pritchard also has two children. She and her husband Doug had also planned to have several children, but Melanie had an amniotic fluid embolism during delivery of her second child, Ella. She coded on the table three times and is a walking miracle today.
Though she is alive and very well, she is no longer able to have children.
Consider these two stories and ask yourself, “should I judge someone’s level of “courage” based on what I see in a 2 minute clip of their lives?” Sure, this is a movie - but your statement speaks volumes.
I agree that our culture does not encourage or support large families. However, to make a judgement about the characters, about the film, or about the makers of the film based on only seeing two children is absolutely uncalled for.
What Tim didn’t share in this article but did in another is that while we were on set - we were also running next to the Duggar family, you know 19 and Counting from TLC. They were on set as well at the invitation of Sherwood Pictures. All of those children ran and all of those children stood as an example of a large Christian family.
Consider these things before dumping a judgement next time.
Sincerely,
Chris Faddis (1 of 7 children and father of 2)
I CANT WAIT ...... I have watched Fire Proof , Facing the Giants , Fly Wheel at least 150 times, These movies have helped me not only with my walk with the Lord . But on a daily walk through life ... For years Men,s minds have been fashioned & forumed by the worlds standards ... Finally GOOD SOLID movies for men ... Thank You Jesus ...
Keep in mind, too, that this film was primarily cast with volunteers from the church, therefore obtaining a larger number of young actors to participate was an issue. However, many of those involved in the making of the film are part of large families, one young actor being a sibling to 11 others! Actor and director Alex Kendrick is a father to six. Another actor and his wife was “courageous” to adopt. While the families in the movie do not depict large ones, God’s message in this film is clear. As Tim wrote, every aspect of this film was bathed in prayer, even from the conception of the story idea! Don’t worry - regardless of the lack of depiction of large families, the message itself is timely and inspiring. All men, whether married or not, whether fathers or not, will be encouraged and inspired through this film to step up and be “Courageous!” Best wishes!
In response to Linda - I don’t think you should bring judgement to the film before you see it. I have been following this film since the creators announced that they were making it, and I believe the take home message is to step up and be a Courageous father/parent no matter what the size of your family is or your circumstance is…to truly answer the call that God placed on your life when He made you a parent. There are many families out there that want to have more than 2 children but can’t because of various reasons out of their control. Being courageous doesn’t depend on the size of your family…but just that you answered the call to be a parent. Mr. Drake, thank you for writing this review - Sherwood has changed lives all over the world with Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof and I believe it will continue to do that with Courageous!! I am praying that they receive the support they deserve this weekend - because much prayer, thought, and hard work has been put into creating this movie…
I loved the outpouring of your heart,It brings me to another level when a man of God, Can express himself of that of a true beliver, thats what it all about.
And see’s what’s going on around him and feels the holy spirit move in such a way that, that the resounding ripple effect can go on forever.
Thanks and may God continue to bless you Tim Drake.
Paul Smethurst
Founder
Mountain Men of God
I am very excited about the release of Courageous! I am praying that this movie will speak to the hearts of all men and that families will be strengthened as well.
And I thank Chris for sharing. If you look at my family you see a mom, a dad, and 2 kids. What you don’t see are the 5 babies we lost. You don’t see everything we went through trying to save their lives. You didn’t have to listen to comments from drs about “Don’t you know what you’re doing to your body?”, “Don’t you know how this happens and how to prevent it (pregnancy)?”, or “If you go through with this your son will have at least one of the following but most likely several: deformation, blind, deaf, retardation, etc.” That son is our miracle. After 8 blood transfusions, before he was born, he came into this world with none of the challenges they tried to use to scare us or make us feel stupid. We wanted a large family and we were blessed to have one…but it’s a family that you can’t see.
Mr. Drake,
Since my daughter is a missionary student in Costa Rica and has a blog herself,.....of course, I am a fan of her blog. But today…. I am have become a fan of yours. This is one of the finest blogs I have ever read. Thank you so much for using your gift of writing to capture the essence of this movie. I cried when I read it. I cried when I reread it to my husband and to one of our pastors. I will be encouraging others to read it as well. As a small town girl from Streator, IL who has the privilege of being in a town that has the film for this opening weekend, we are overwhelmed by seeing how God is going before us in every aspect of making this movie a success. You have it right, this movie is covered in prayer ...every step of the way. Thank you again for starting our day in such a beautiful way with your blog. God bless you and yours. Would love to have any of your readers from Streator and the surrounding areas join us at the Majestic Theatre.
Jessica Pastirik
Central Church of Christ
Action Squad Coordinator
jessica@christiscentral.com
815-673-1581
Thanks again Mr. Drake
Considering that Hollywood regularly produces proselytizing anti-Christian (often specifically anti-Catholic) movies, I think any film critic who complains about Sherwood’s movies proselytizing is willfully blind.
It’s painful for me to see that the discussion about the merits of “Courageous” got sidetracked to discussing how many children is the perfect number.
Frankly, I have little patience for the “fertility police”. It’s too easy to judge a couple by first appearances, something I humbly admit to doing earlier in my marriage - AND regretfully so. It wasn’t until my wife and I faced primary and secondary infertility, and came face-to-face with other couples facing the same issue, that I understood the tremendous pain that so many couples carry with them.
Even now people could easily look at our family (five living children, one in Heaven) and think we’re somehow complete. We’ve been unable to conceive since the birth of our nearly-nine-year-old son. What they would not see, however, is the pain of desiring additional children who never come; and the pain of having a daughter who continually prays for another baby in the home and who asks why God doesn’t answer her prayer; and the joy coupled with pain every time a friend or relative conceives. It is a pain suffered largely in silence. People do not talk about it because they fear that bringing it up will cause additional pain.
Do not judge what the perfect number is because that number, or the lack of a number, is known only by God.
Reading Jessica’s post causes me great excitement. I’m happy to be living within 15 miles of the Majestic Theatre in Streator, Illinois. I believe God has called Sherwood Pictures to deliver bible based truths to the world today in a format that people are clamoring for; that being visual entertainment. The past films presented by this organization go beyond entertainment and deliver life changing truths in a palatable fashion.
Thank you Jessica. Many from New Life Christian Center in Cornell, Illinois will be joining you at the theatre!!
Thank you Mr. Drake for your overview of this production. Many blessings to all!!
Pastor Don Leonard
Cornell, Illinois.
Loved this movie! Our Country, our States, our Communities all depend on strong families. Where LOVE, RESPECT, and Joy is taught and lived. Unfortunately, there is not a license to be obtained before becoming a parent and it is a tough job. Thank you for a great film and I encourage everyone to take young men and women to see it and discuss it.
As for me and our home..we shall serve the Lord. God Bless you and prosper you.
Kristen - Michigan
PS: Not all can be parents of our own children but we can all be spiritual parents to many.
Do yourself a favor and avoid this movie like the plague. The Sherwood Baptist Church has yet to make a movie worth watching. Movies that are based around a message are terrible.
I was able to catch an early screening of “Courageous” and I agree, its a riveting if preachy (I don’t mind hearing preaching in a film if they tell a good story) film which touches the heart of the crisis in society, absentee and uninvolved fathers.
I was emotionally exhausted but inspired leaving the film, my sides ached from laughing and my eyes were wet with tears.
“Courageous” makes no bones about its intentions about wanting to start a movement of men supporting men in their fatherhood, and I hope, that as they did in “Fireproof” they succeed (“The Love Dare” the book used in the film was a bestseller)
It could go a long way toward healing millions of broken hearts in our country.
It is time that we Catholics start to make films like this that includes the fullness of Christianity only found in his One Church. I think I know just the fella to start this…Father Barron…
I think that this movie is great. I’ve seen it at a screening and then started an action squad. I really wanted this movie in my home town of Merrimack,NH. This movie will move men for sure, but just how long will it last. If your moved after seeing this movie you should read the Resolution for men and for women. get plugged into a church and work through the stuff together. I have strong faith, kids that love me (4 girls) and a wife that adores me too. lets get out there men and lead our families. Courageous is showing at Cinemagic in Merrimack, NH at 12, 2:50, 6:30, 9:30. Bring your family and see this great movie.
The movie “Courageous” addresses the biblical call to excellent fatherhood. While I hope this movie will encourage the men in our churches, I also know there is so much more that could be said about our most vulnerable children, especially those from fatherless homes.
As Christians, we called to the “rest of the story”. Children who are from fatherless homes are more likely to be involved in crime, to not finish their education, to become a teen parent, and to experience long-term poverty. Today, when 40 percent of the children in our nation are growing up in fatherless homes and when over 50 percent of children growing up in poverty are from female-headed homes, the message of Courageous could not come at a better time.
John Crupper
National Director, Shepherding the Next Generation
http://bit.ly/nQcGMv
The movie “Courageous” addresses the biblical call to excellent fatherhood. While I hope this movie will encourage the men in our churches, I also know there is so much more that could be said about our most vulnerable children, especially those from fatherless homes.
As Christians, we called to the “rest of the story”. Children who are from fatherless homes are more likely to be involved in crime, to not finish their education, to become a teen parent, and to experience long-term poverty. Today, when 40 percent of the children in our nation are growing up in fatherless homes and when over 50 percent of children growing up in poverty are from female-headed homes, the message of Courageous could not come at a better time.
John Crupper
National Director, Shepherding the Next Generation
I saw Courageous tonight. I thought overall it was a good story with a great message. But I have to criticize the producers for one thing. I am a deputy sheriff in Georgia and I take great pride in my career but everytime an officer does something wrong all officers suffer the consequences. Alot of people do not trust the police, call us names, and teach their children to fear us (i.e. I hate hearing when I stop at a store for a drink some one tell their kid “You better behave or that policeman is going to lock you up”). So I am a bit put off by a Christain film maker including a “dirty cop” as one of the main charactors. They could have come up with some other moral dilemma for the main character to deal with other than turning in another cop or not.
I just saw the film about thirty minutes ago and all I can say that is that my plan to become a single mother after I graduate from my doctorate program is now ruined. I had a father, he’s dead now, and if I ever have children they need a father. I see now this is not optional.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THIS MOVIE, HEARD ABOUT IT 2 YRS AGO AND WE SAID THEN THAT IS SOUNDED LIKE AN AWESOME MOVIE AND FROM THE TRAILER LOOKS LIKE IT IS PRAISE GOD WE HAVE CLEAN MOVIES TO WATCH AND INSPIRE OUR FAMILY, CANT WAIT TO TAKE MY WIFE TO SEE IT!!
My message is to Mark the Deputy and to anyone willing to read this comment. I watched the movie and for a fraction of a moment, agreed with what you stated and as a Deputy in TN. I also hated the comments made by parents to thier children about behaving or the Officer will lock you up. However, the message in the movie appeared to me pretty clear.I believe that the producers were trying to show the public that we are all human and make mistakes and we are all sinners saved by Grace, none are perfect not one but God will forgive us all if we ask. I have seen “Dirty Cops” come and go as I’m sure you have. I ask that you just don’t get hung up on something so simple as “Pride.” There are great falls with that. I understand what you mean about taking “Pride” in what you do but don’t let the Devil sidetrack you from the overall message from Christ.I love you Brother and Thank you for what God has sent you to do for those in need. God Bless you Mark and keep you and your brothers and sisters safe.In closing…I am so Thankful for all the Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus that Stand Up for Him. I would LOVE the opportunity to visit the Sherwood Baptist Church and play a major role in any upcoming films. I would be Honored to even play the “Bad Cop” to show the world I also am a sinner saved by Grace! Thank you ALL for such a blessed film and all the hard work, prayers and money that went into the production of ALL of your films. God Bless You ALL!!!!!!!
Jason Moody
Former, Sheriff’s Deputy and Marine
Present, Soldier for Christ Jesus
Bristol, Tennessee
Coming late to the party - not sure anyone will read this. I saw the film and didn’t care for it, for as much as I love Christians being favorably portrayed anywhere in entertainment. The men portrayed in the film weren’t dead-beat dads, or men getting women pregnant and then abandoning their kids - which is the greater problem we have in society. It portrayed flawed dads, struggling dads - but the message didn’t rock my world. The story arc of the angelic daughter getting killed in the middle of the day by a drunk driver on the way to a birthday party was not one bit believable. Also at the end, I would have liked to see the Christian men ministering to the actual criminals in jail, not just the dad-free kids.
Post a Comment
By submitting this form, you give The National Catholic Register permission to publish this comment. Comments will be published at our discretion, and may be edited for clarity and length. For best formatting, please limit your response to one paragraph and don't hit "enter" to force line breaks.