Plot Summary
Grant Taylor (not the football coach) is a soon-to-be father who finds himself distracted and confused by wounds from his past. Specifically, he feels scarred by the way his father treated him and is bitter at him for leaving his mother so he could become involved with another man. Grant never forgave his father and allowed the unforgiveness to poison his marriage. Thus, his wife encourages him to go see his dying father in the hospital when she receives a call about his condition. Grant reluctantly goes and discovers that nothing is always as it seems.
Production Quality (2.5 points)
Even though this is a somewhat underfunded amateur production, a lot of good effort was put into it to make it high quality. Almost every production element in as professional as it should be—video quality, camera work, and audio quality included. The soundtrack is also interesting and creative. Sets, locations, and props are mostly good, with only some minute errors. The same goes for the editing, as there are a few lagging parts. However, overall, this is an excellent production, especially considering the limited resources.
Plot and Storyline Quality (.5 point)
At least a part of this film really does mean well, but the good message is too easily derailed by the obvious and forceful way it’s presented. Dialogue is too in-your-face, and there are too many character stereotypes and cringe-worthy caricatures, especially of the gay characters. This seems to be a problem in Christian film. Though there are plenty of good ideas and realistic circumstances here, it needs some major refining and toning down. Subtly and ambivalence is the key here. There are many interesting points raised here, especially through flashbacks, that are often packed incorrectly. The characters definitely have potential, but they need more development. In the end, this was a good idea that needed a lot longer look than it was given.
Acting Quality (1.5 points)
This cast is semi-professional, and they are mostly fine in their performances, especially in their line delivery. However, emotions tend to be all over the place—they are sometimes awkward and forced and other times too flat. Yet overall, this is an average performance that makes this film basically average.
Conclusion
Many a film has started with a good idea and even good production like Reconciliation, yet it doesn’t have the necessary elements to close the deal. This is fine as a first-time film, but it’s still frustrating to see movies like this rise up and fall back down, short of their potential. Yet maybe this creative team will build off of this movie and make a better one in the future. One never knows what is coming next in the Christian movie market.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 10 points
Box Office Revolution 