Review of Fireproof (2008) by Lori A — 23 Feb 2010

Let's get this out of the way. I was raised christian, I am agnostic. Organized religion makes me break out in hives and I think most people hide behind the label of "christianity".

Now, why would I watch a movie about God if I don't believe? Well, I don't believe zombies exist either, but that doesn't stop me from watching those flicks. This movie does a really good job of telling a story, keeping to it's agenda and not being full of righteous sanctimony. It portrays agnostics and athiests and searchers as people, not as "less than" heathens.

Now, to the movie itself....I gave 4 stars because it is a movie that is relevant. It might not be the best out there (believe me, some of this "acting" is painful....wisdom teeth pulling painful!) but it is better than most Lifetime movies. It speaks to marriage and how today's society is all about the 'throwaway', the 'instant gratification', the bailing if it gets too hard. There are moments of in your face genius. There are moments of hilarity (I have to say, Cameron's neighbor....lmao).

The largest issue I had with the movie was the plot concerning the mother. It really bothered me the way the main character had so much hostility toward her and it was never really revealed why.....what in the heck did she do that had his undies in such a bunch? Still don't know and that bothers me, not in a good way though.

I challenge any married couple, christian/non christian, happy/miserable...anyone....to watch this movie and not find something identifiable in it. The takeaways here are huge and obvious. That isn't a slam, not everything has to be "I see dead people" to be profound.