Review of The Shack (2017) by Tim P — 30 May 2017

The Shack plays as that sentimental religious drama film about the thought of forgiveness and loss of a loved one. I will admit the film does have some striking moments, were it's not trying to be an entertaining movie but more of a thought provoking film on forgiveness. Sure, you feel emotionally sad and a sense of joy in the end that there is more to life than holding grudges of hatred or vengeful thoughts.

The plot follows Mack (Sam Worthington) and his family going on a camping trip. His teenage kids were out boating, when an accident occurs, making Mack rush out to the lake to save his son from drowning. He leaves his youngest daughter alone by their campsite. Only to come back to an empty site, when he notices his daughter is missing. After a search party went out, only to discover that the daughter is presumed dead when they just find clothing left behind. Mack receives a letter about going back to the shack on where his daughter was possibly murdered. First, believing to be a prank. He goes out there to discover more hidden beyond the shack. He meets papa (Octavia Spencer) god that portrays as a human form and Mesiah (Aviv Alush). As they try to help Mack understand and learn to forgive his enemies. Trying to help him cope with the lost of his child.

The film has some bright ideas on trying to convey a meaning message about forgiveness and death. Religious films are usually hits and misses when it comes to quality filmmaking. The direction was poorly handled. The script was dull when it came to characters and their development. The acting was not even decent. Even coming from some talented actors like Sam Worthington and Octavia Spencer.

The direction was dull and the script never progressed the story. Once Mack discover the three strangers to help face the loss. It gets uninteresting as characters inform him the same meaning over and over. "I am not sure what I am doing here. " Mack tells Papa. Neither does the audience, were they see Mack go on this self discovery journey that feels like nothing really happens in this journey.

The characters were lacking development and felt one dimensional which made it hard to sympathize for them. These type of films is meant for the audience to feel for these characters with real world elements.

Sam Worhington and Octavia Spencer performances felt like they were bored with their roles. There was barely any emotions to them.

Overall, The Shack may follow the cliche for a emotional religious movie with a message. This one is a miss with a boring direction, hollow script, and not so great performances.