Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) and Jake Sanders (introducing Jeff Obafemi Carr) are both passionate pastors who worship the same God from the same book--but that's where the similarity ends. White and well-to-do Ethan is... more » comfortable in his music ministry at the media-savvy suburban mega-church, The Rock; Jake is a street smart African-American who ministers to the gang members, teen mothers, and drug addicts of the urban Second Chance. When they are suddenly thrown together in a tough neighborhood and forced to work side by side, Ethan discovers there is no boundary between the streets and the sanctuary. But can the faith these two men share overcome the prejudices that divide them to give themselves and a struggling urban church a second chance?« less
Potential was there but it dragged. Michael W. Smith was unable to sing his way out of this one!
3 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Lydia Z. (grandmalydia) Reviewed on 6/6/2023...
Different christian movie, but I liked it
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Daniel W. from LANSING, MI Reviewed on 1/1/2018...
This film scores major brownie points simply for what it isnt. It isnt your average Christian movie (i.e. God makes everything work out wonderfully for you). Michael W does a good job in this movie as does the whole cast. Its not overly "preachy" and all the Christians potrayed in the movie are flawed, just like we all are. Once again, not your typical Christian movie.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
William J. (billystan3) from AUBURN, NY Reviewed on 1/26/2016...
This film far exceeded any expectations I had going into it. Michael W. Smith (the Christian singing artist is one fantastic actor. He plays a hardened preacher's son; telling his dad that he needs to worry about his own congregation and to forget his old church and its place of origin. Needless to say he comes around to seeing things differently when the original building faces destruction at the hand of a greedy land grabber. Great film and top-notch acting all the way around 4 stars.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Gerald S. from SAYRE, PA Reviewed on 12/14/2011...
Could have been a great movie, however, having the Pastor having a cussing problem was really a bummer for me. Yes, we all have a "besetting sin" that we struggle with. But to sit down with the family w/children thinking you have a Christian movie you can enjoy, it's very disappointing. We have a TV Guardian to take foul language out of otherwise acceptable viewing except for the language. It's pretty bad when you need this to watch a so-called Christ-affirming, encouraging Christian movie. Very disappointed indeed.
5 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Casey R. (yedidyah) from POST FALLS, ID Reviewed on 12/14/2011...
Great show! Perhaps one of the best shows we own in all our Christian library. Has minor cussing as the guy is trying to control himself but is in that sense a reality. Highly recommended for people open to correcting aPathetic churchianity.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Eric B. from ORLANDO, FL Reviewed on 9/25/2010...
This is supposed to be the story of a "Pastor" of an inner city church who gets help from it's affiliate MegaChurch. I guess the point of this movie was to show the representatives of two different "worlds" (Inner City & SubUrban) clashing but eventually changing for the better because of each other..
Instead we see a professing Christian Pastor, who harbors hatred [racial undertones], curses/speaks profanely, and resorts to violent vigilante style tactics in dealing with local troublemakers. If that was the intent of this film, to expose the hypocrisy and very real problem of False Converts posing as Christians even in leadership roles at church, then i would rate it 5 stars. Unfortunately, i seriously doubt that was the goal for this particular production.
That's honestly why i want to get rid of it. It's been watched only twice*, in great almost new condition, and hopefully a dvd someone else can take off my hands. (i would throw it away, but want to at least Get something for it.)
Eric, Orlando FL
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Mary A. from SOMERSET, KY Reviewed on 1/14/2010...
Great movie with good lesson!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
JC B. (peditex) from MT PLEASANT, TX Reviewed on 8/11/2009...
Intrigued by the DVD featuring Michael W. Smith--to my knowledge a composer/singer of inspirational music, but never before an actor. I have seen him live in concert; he does as amazing job of entertaining and relating to the audience with his presentations. I was curious if he could make this transition into the screen. My verdict? Yep, he made it.
In the follow up "special features" about how the movie was made (the compulsory 'behind the scenes' story that most all current DVD movies now have), Michael W. Smith confessed that he had teamed with a drama coach to learn the trade of acting for several months before the actual filming was done. Obviously, he devoted as much dedication to "getting it right" as an actor as he had previously done for his music. The effort sold the movie to me--I think he nailed the performance far better than the rookie performance I was anticipating.
To some this DVD may seem somewhat "preachy" (It IS about preachers and churches!), but there are several raw real world moments that keep this presentation from being suitable for younger children; although most church-type people probably won't be offended by this.
Yes, for a rookie actor about an unexpected subject not common to typical movie plots, this movie sits in my upper shelf of movies to share and watch again.