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Rating:  - A Very Effective Movie, Though Not A Typical Christian Movie.
I am not the first reviewer who saw this movie because of the fact that it was directed by Steve Taylor. This is the first movie my wife and I went to see at a theater together in over a decade, and it was worth it.
One reviewer complained about the profanity. I agree with another reviewer that it fit the character and what might really happen. There is a realism in this movie that a lot of Christian movies miss.
One thing that this movie does well: It silently argues for racial reconciliation. The protagonists are of different races, and so are the antagonists. The focus is putting your faith into action.
This is not a family movie, but very suitable for a group of teenagers, especially shown with a time given for discussion afterwards. Actually, I would recommend it being shown to a group of adults with said discussion following.
One final treat is the closing song, co-written by Steve Taylor and Michael W. Smith. I have been a fan of both separately, and this collaboration brings out the best of both artists.
Rating:  - disappointing
Profanity throughout, too many unanswered questions at the end, and a weak storyline at best, left us really disappointed. The movie did make a few points that deserve mention; but other than that I wish I could get my money back, especially considering that there was no mention of profanity in either the review or the dvd case itself. Don't bother with this one. Save your money
Rating: - The Second Chance
Steve Taylor and Michael W. Smith usually would bring to mind music of the 80's. But they've both developed and kept their careers going and it was neat to see that they collaborated on a movie.
First off, my expectations are not high when I view a Christian movie. Simply because they are usually low budget and preachy. After seeing this one, I'd say they have raised the bar on quality.
The message was simple yet very challenging. Though the plot was predictable, there was a lot of events and a few twists to keep you watching. At the end, it made me wish that our church could be involved in something like what they did. I did cringe when the pastor swore in the pulpit because I wasn't expecting it in a "Christian" movie. But it was true to his character and it showed how Christians are more realistically.
I hope that this movie is the start of something new. Steve Taylor did an excellent job as a newer director and Smitty did a fine job in acting. I look forward to seeing Taylor's next movie efforts!
Rating:  - Edgy in some ways, maddeningly cliche in others
Let me get this out of the way: I do not automatically give all Christian movies 5 stars merely to "give them support." As the leader of my church's drama ministry I believe we are responsible to pursue and promote excellence in the arts. Poor craftsmanship implies poor effort and lacks credibility. Trust me, the makers of this film feel the same way.
When I saw this was a film by Steve Taylor, I knew I had to see this movie.
When I heard Michael W. Smith was in the lead role, I wasn't so sure I wanted to see this movie.
Well, I was pleased with much of it, challenged as a Christian by parts of it, and disappointed with lots of it. As with his cutting edge music, Taylor pushed some buttons that definitely needed to be pushed (punched and smashed, too) about the marketing mentality within the church, the social laziness we ignore, the racial ignorance we tolerate (on both sides), and the flawless facade we try to project. As for the occasional swearing the pastor does, that's just real life. Preachers are fallible.
As for Smitty, all I can say is, "He obviously worked very hard on this and there were times when he was very effective." That's nicer than saying, "Don't quit your day job." And more honest, really. He truly didn't stink at it. But I doubt he'll ever be on Martin Scorsese's speed dial.
jeff obafemi carr (the lowercase thing is his idea) is pretty darn good, though. Hope to see him again.
The great, glaring weakness of 'Second Chance' is in the retreaded plots: Plot A: A small, faithful inner city church is financially strapped and the administrative board plans to shut it down if its fortunes don't turn around, so the congregation rallies to save it. Plot B: A rebellious, successful son is resistant about taking over the reins of a church from his kindly old father, the senior pastor who is beloved by everyone. Heard either of those plots before? Sure, in just about every story about a church that you've ever seen from 'The Preacher's Wife', 'Sister Act,' and 'The Gospel' to dozens of episodes of 'Highway to Heaven' and 'Touched by An Angel' to half of the Christian novels ever written. Is there no other story out there?
I really feel Taylor missed an opportunity by not trying for a more original story to tell, one that the average person could identify with. And hadn't seen before. But this is still a good first effort by Steve.
Rating: - Great Movie
This is a great movie that shows real issues Christians (and non-Christians) face in a very real way. It will make you think.
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