Review of Fireproof (2008) by Duran S — 15 Mar 2010

"Fireproof" has everything a godly film should have: encouragement, hope, and Spirit-filled filmmakers. Because of this, it's hard to hold anything against it. But as moving and crucial as the messages about marriage and getting saved are, "Fireproof" still falls short when it comes to earning the respect of its audience.

Don't take me wrong; the independent Christian film industry has come a long way, and for that I am eternally grateful. The growth I've witnessed in the Church's dedication to the art of film is encouraging, but it still has a long way to go. "Fireproof" is a milestone in this respect, but somebody really needs to pick up this milestone and skip it across a lake. The film is full of poor writing, poor acting, and overall poor technique. It sometimes comes across as forced. A film earns respect from its audience when the filmmakers are valid (see Validity category below) and when the film is of the utmost quality (see Technical Excellence).

"Fireproof" has 100% validity. I don't doubt for a moment what the filmmakers were trying to do nor their heart. For that, they have my utmost respect. However, their inattention to the quality of the technical excellence is almost inexcusable. Sherwood Baptist Church is playing with the big boys now, and they need to take their craft more seriously.

However, technical criticism aside, "Fireproof" accomplishes what zero Hollywood romantic comedies accomplish: it improves marriages. And you know what? It shows how God is the only key to a loving marriage. That is a bold word for the big screen these days, and I hope that more filmmakers are willing to undertake such a difficult task. I am amazed and encouraged by "Fireproof." It is such a wonderful film, but it could have used a lot of tweaking.

Schaeffer System: 2 1/2 out of 4 stars.

Technical Excellence: 0 stars.

Validity: 1 star.

Worldview: 1 star.

Content/Vehicle Integration: 1/2 star.