Monday, October 6, 2008

Fireproof

This past Saturday evening we went to see "Fireproof." This was written and produced by the same church that made "Facing The Giants", Sherwood Baptisit Church When we began to watch "Facing The Giants" the acting showed signs that it was produced by nonprofessional actors. However, the characters and story line pulled us in and before we knew it we completely forgot the acting. The budget for the 2006 hit was only $100,000, not exactly a Hollywood budget. But many in Hollywood became envious of the $10 million the movie made in the theaters and the additional $12.5 million from DVD sales.

Actor Kirk Cameron (from Growing Pains fame) saw "Facing The Giants" and knew he wanted to be involved with Sherwood's next film. After calling he was required to audition nine scenes to gain a part in "Fireproof." He has stated it is his most challenging part—both physically and emotionally—of his career. He and his wife Chelsea Noble married in 1991 and have six children. In this movie his wife plays a small part, but you would never know it. Kirk has made a decision to never kiss another women—off or on screen. So when he must kiss his on-screen wife in Fireproof, there is a little movie magic. The scene is done with back lighting and Chelsea is actually standing in, dressed as the wife.

"Fireproof" had a cast and crew of over 1,200, of which all were volunteers. The budget this time was $500,00000, a large jump from their last endeavor.

This is an incredible movie! Every married couple should see this TOGETHER! Even though the movie is about a couple that is facing the end of their marriage, it is a reminder that all marriages need constant care. But be warned—BRING TISSUES. You will need them. This is a movie that was enhanced by watching it in the theater. The sense of fellowship can be felt as fellow viewers have the same response to the scenes. Believe it or not the audience of strangers left the theatre in a more caring mood to each other just by sharing this time together. This isn't just a story about how to love your spouse, but it is so much more.

The couple in the movie is about the end their seven-year marriage when the husband's father issues a dare to his son. He dares his son to hold off on divorce for 40 days and sends him a book with a challenge to be completed each of those 40 days. In our instant gratification society, he can't understand why after 4 days it's not working. It is only part way through the dare that he stops going through the motions and begins to work at the challenge.

There are so many parts of this movie I would love to share with you, but I don't want to ruin any part of it. The movie reminds us that fireproof doesn't mean you won't go through fires, just that you are able to withstand the fires you will go through.

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