*Spoiler Alert*
When I popped God's Not Dead into the Blue-Ray player, my hopes were high. For some reason, both my wife and myself had heard that it was a good movie. I don't know whether the movie was shown in theaters around the country or whether it went "straight to video" but either way, I was excited to watch it. By the end, though, I was simultaneously glad it was over and overwhelmed by its message.
I don't know if it was the unrealistic classroom setting or the "powerful" moments that got to me the most, but I left the movie unsure of how to take it. I wanted so bad to like this movie. I liked the message. I liked the acting (though it wasn't the best and was slightly bad at points). I liked the story and I liked the concept. Overall, I really like the movie, but there were some parts that made me uneasy and those parts were the more important parts of the movie.
Some Major Issues
The following scenes were the ones that killed it for me. And if I am being honest, it isn't the scenes so much, as it is the characters.
The classroom scenes were so unrealistic. While there are many instances of similar scenarios, the idea that a professor would really make such a big deal about a student not signing a piece of paper that says "God is dead" was a little hard to bear. Yes, I know that university professors are overwhelmingly liberal and I would wager that most are athiest, but it doesn't follow that a professor would be so...illogical and so unlikeable. I get it. His character is a villain, but he is so much of a villain and comes across as so pompous, that it is surprising that any of the other characters like him. And it think it's stupid that he makes such obvious mistakes in his logic.
The other character that ruins the movie is the reporter. She is so blatantly anti-Christian, but we never really understand why. Her antics come across as cheap, reaching, and completely emotional. She is always on the attack and always casting stones. Her questions for her stories are riddled with allegations and misnomers. By the end, I was praying that she wouldn't have a conversion experience because I didn't like the character at all. Here I am hoping that this person misses out on salvation because they have little, to no, redeeming qualities.
The last character that ruined the movie for me was the girlfriend. She was such a nag and had little of value to add to the plot. She wanted her boyfriend to compromise his values and was upset when he didn't. Then she broke up with him. This would have been fine if she had a compelling reason, but it didn't add up. She was mad from the start for nothing. I was glad when they split up because I knew I wouldn't have to see her anymore.
Overall, the villains do more harm to the movie than good. These aren't the Lokis of the world that would tear it down but at least make you feel that it is justified in its own way. These aren't the Jokers of the world that frighten you enough that you root for their demise. What made them frustrating as characters is that, in the end, we are supposed to love them. We should be relieved that they made their conversions or at least be happy for them. Instead, I was relieved that their conversion meant that they were no longer a plot point.
Major Wins
While the movie could definitely use some adjustment in the character department, there were definitely good points. I loved the way that they showed people living for the Lord. This is a major sticking point for me because, I think this is what hurts Christianity so much. We preach God's word, but if we don't live it, we come across as hypocrite and ruin the name of God.
Additionally, I appreciated how much the movie emphasized God's timing. There was so much in the movie that hinged on being at the right place at the right time. And while, I can't say that I wholeheartedly agree with that view, I love hearing stories of people who missed something by 2 minutes and happened to be at a place where they were needed because of this. This movie does a great job of this and I appreciated it so much, especially at the end.
Overall
All in all, I liked this movie. It isn't the best, but is a good, solid view. I don't know that you will come out with any major epiphanies, but you will get to see a heartwarming movie that tries to get across God's message of love and forgiving. I give it 3.5/5.