Movies from Sherwood Pictures
Flywheel (2003). Facing the Giants (2006). Fireproof (2008). Courageous (2011). You might recognize the latest title, Courageous, which made its mark in fourth place in the box office last year. The films trace back to a church in Albany, Georgia, with its independent production company, Sherwood Pictures. According to Hollywood reviewer Frank Scheck, “The movies have progressed from amateurish to critical successes. ‘The characters are complex and well drawn, struggling with various personal issues that test their faith and character in believable ways” (Hollywood Reporter, 2011).
In Facing the Giants, a high school football team is transformed when its coach take a new approach to the team’s philosophy. How important is a fresh perspective? The team has been on six-year losing streak, and the team starts off the season losing to the worst team in the region. The coach then challenges them to look beyond their defeats and past record. He gives them the hope with the possibilities of their potential, stretches their current outlook, and encourages strength especially in difficult times.
Fireproof starts off with a couple ready to throw in the towel. However, the husband’s father steps in to save their marriage. He gives his son a journal of daily things-to-do, and every day this leads to a gradual change of his attitude and heart, which ultimately saves the marriage. He does kind acts to help his wife, each time differing by the day in the journal, but this repels her rather than drawing her in. The amazing plot shows how the husband himself transforms through each challenge, and this change in character is the cause of renewal of the marriage.
The movie Courageous involves a group of men from various backgrounds and histories residing in a single community. Their lives take a turn when a tragic incident occurs suddenly, and the sorrowful event causes them to question their present view of life. Soon, the four men vow to serve and love their families and friends together, to live lives of commitment, honor, and integrity.
All three movies reveal a transformation of heart and character, which keeps the movie plot alive and touching. I highly recommend all three! Director and screen writer Alex Kendrick, who began making home-made movies since childhood, acts in all his films. As I’ve seen three out of the four, each movie has progressed in excellence of story line and inspiration.
The website for Sherwood Pictures can be viewed here.