I Can Only Imagine - The Movie- Is it worth it?

I use to watch a lot of Christian movies and I gave up on them. They were hit or miss with me and most, missed the mark. I even wanted to direct them too. A dream never to be realized but studying film help me recognize a good movie from bad from a serious movie to a popcorn flick.

Christian movies were for the most part the kind of movies that, had they been science fiction, perfect fodder for Mystery Science Theater. They were so easy to be made fun of for either the acting, dialogue or contrived story line.

I think this movie has exceed my expectations. Granted, they are low to start so don't get too excited but this is definitely worth a watch. First of all the cinematography is a little rough, Most of the b-roll is better shot than this movie. The colors, the lighting, the set up, arrgh! Are any of these guys movie lovers? The dialogue is bland. the tension of an abusive father isn't really felt. They really made this part safe for "christian eyes". God forbid you feel uncomfortable or icky. I am not asking to see hard core violence. I am asking that the director take time in a creative way using the camera to make me feel the tension and pain I can not see. Alfred Hitchcock did this very task film after film. The Erwin Brothers can take the time and put a little effort. They do show broken glass and shattered frames but it's all aftermath. Could have been a tornado for all I know. 

I'd have to say the latter part of the movie when Bart returns home is when the real movie starts. The shots they choose are better and the acting is stepped up. Maybe they split responsibilities on who covers what part of the movie, I don't know. I can only imagine how much better this would have been if the first part of the movie shared the tone and creativity of the second part. (see what I did there.)

The bottom line is, this is a good Christian movie. Is it a good movie period? No, still Lifetime Movie quality. These are popular and they make movie but no one going to point to this and say, Wow, this was a game changer. Directors will copy this style for ages.