I Still Believe

I read all the reviews before seeing the movie without spoilers. I thought it was much better than I expected definitely much better than a "Lifetime Movie" that some reviewers compared it to. Some reviews gave it a low rating probably because the movie is Christian based. I felt it was not overbearing with Christianity but mostly telling the story about Jermy Camp. I never heard of him before the film. I would rate the movie a 7.5/10

Coming into this movie with hopes of inspiration, music, and an obvious love story left me realizing there was so much more. As a person who believes somewhat in Christianity and the other 50 percent on multiple questions and other religions, it really took me places. The acting was solid. The production could have been better as there were too many gaps in the timeline. However, it brought me to tears on multiple accounts. It's decently predictable. I'm glad I didn't know much about the real life Jeremy Camp before seeing the movie. I was a borderline 7/8.

I am a huge fan of Britt Robertson - mainly as a result of her performance in Mr Church. In spite of my regard for her however, I was a little reluctant to see this movie, due to its association as a religious movie. In the end my regard for Britt won over and I took the plunge. I need not have been concerned as the religious content was very subtle and was perfectly within the context of the story. This is easily Britt Robertson's best performance to date and the way she interacted with K.J.Apa was remarkable. You could really feel the bond between them which by all accounts was genuine and it showed in the excellent performances from both of them. This is a very moving film and anyone who doesn't shed a tear of two could only be made of stone. Beautifully shot and directed and interlaced with some really nice music. Definitely one of the better movies of recent times and highly recommended. My seven star rating might seem a little low in view of my approval but I am a harsh judge and my rating is very much in line with IMdB's. I guess everyone is aware that the movie is based on actual events. I have no idea how accurately it depicts them but it would seem that it hasn't strayed too far from the truth.

I love the Erwin Brothers. They're immensely talented filmmakers. But their films are part of a new emergent Christianity where it's become a rock-star religion - the most popular speakers, the most popular bands, the most popular churches, the most popular everything. And the Lord Jesus Christ is always given a supporting role.

Why does the sincerity of 'I Still Believe' feel like 'let's do another successful Christian music movie and get all the Christians to come out' roundtable strategy? Where is the true Christ in these films? Sin? Repentance?

If you carefully watch their previous film 'I Can Only Imagine', the Erwin Brothers spend more time on Amy Grant than Jesus Christ. In fact, Christ is completely MIA in that film. It's like he's a cool Cross symbol hanging on the neck of Madonna.

American Christianity has become a corporation.

It's filled with Christian publicists trying to get the Erwin Brothers on Fox Morning News. They try to find some 'angle' that will make people go and see their movie. Again, it's not about Jesus at all. It's about galvanizing millions of these Christian music fans to watch the film and bring in millions of dollars in revenue. Like with "I Can Only Imagine" - a film that to this day I have no clue where the true Christ is.

Put another way, would an elderly 80-year old woman who was a missionary to PNG her whole life be advertised at Harvest Crusade, the National Religious Broadcaster's (NRB) conference, Joel Osteen's church, etc?

Of course not. It's always the most popular speakers, the most popular bands, the most popular authors, etc. It's worse. Really it is.

American Christianity has become a popularity contest.

Can you see Jesus or His disciples doing this? Do you see them selling tickets to hear Jesus speak? Telling their listeners to buy their books, movies, CD's?

"Come hear Jesus speak! We also have Jeremy Camp, Mercy Me, Amy Grant singing! And popular speakers Greg Laurie and Joel Osteen also talking before Jesus! Get your tickets now!"

It's all about being hip and cool. This 'emergent' new American Christianity that started in 1982.

In the meantime, this army of luke-warm Believers continue to buy t-shirts, pay for concerts, attend conferences - and help perpetuate this incredibly dangerous mindset that Christ has a price tag. A monetary value. A box office gross.

American Christianity has become an embarrassment.

It's an embarrassment to all the persecuted Christians in the world.

The emergent Christian filmmakers would never make a movie about persecuted Christians. Why? Because no one would go. It's all about making money and being popular with them. They will deny this, of course.

American Christianity - and there's no other way to put this - has become a false religion.

This is why poll after poll shows there's no difference between American Christians and the secular heathen. Divorce rates, depression rates, suicidal thoughts, etc - all the same.

A false religion? That's too strong, right? Only if you believe a luke-warm Christian is not an oxymoron. You will not see a luke-warm Christian in heaven. Just read Matthew 7:21-23: "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me..."

You can tell a luke-warm Christian a mile away because of these 5 words: "That. Doesn't. Apply. To. Me."

So this Scripture doesn't apply to them: "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." James 4:4

It's all about pursuing holiness. Not pursuing fame, riches, popularity. Instead of supporting this American Christian 'industry' - jump on a plane and help bring Bibles to Afghanistan. Oh wait - that would be outside your comfort zone as an American Christian. My pastor at my popular church said I don't have to preach the Gospel. I can work at my 9-5 job and be fine with that! I'll save that good thought though. In the meantime, any more music concerts I can go to?

I Still Believe is a sincere and true love story, held down by clichéd dialogue and plot development. The subtle messages and radiant leads stick their landing without feeling preachy. Adults and kids will admire this faith-based tale, perhaps in a matinee and a box of tissues.

This story brings the true-life story of Christian music star Jeremy Camp (KJ Apa) and his remarkable journey with his wife Melissa (Britt Robertson). Their faith in God is tested when Melissa is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Still, Jeremy believes there is always hope and a faith worth sharing through his music and memories.

The two leads share great chemistry allowing for a believable relationship. KJ Apa, as Jeremy Camp, steps into the shoes of the Christian music singer, through his original music and devotion towards his wife Melissa. Speaking of which, Britt Robertson, as Melissa, is the best performance nailing the emotional gravitas of the real-life counterpart's plight. She fares much better in emotional scenes, and while KJ has great screen presence, he could improve his emotional chops. Both characters absolutely deliver a heart-warming dynamic that makes the ending all the more tragic, but also reminiscing. Nathan Dean, as Jean-Luc, adds a love-triangle dynamic that feels more at home in a CW show than a dramatic real-life story. Still, his character is charismatic and relatable in his struggles. Gary Sinise, as Tom, is Jeremy's father, adding more heart to Jeremy's unwavering love and choices.

Directors Andrew and Jon Erwin return after directing the Christian film I Can Only Imagine. The Erwins have a good grasp on not being preachy and instead, focus on the human relationships that bind. However, this film's first half panders with one instance of egregious product placement, unbecoming of its more mature second half. It feels tonally inconsistent in spite of KJ and Britt's natural chemistry. There's a scene involving a broken jar of pickles where the film becomes thoughtfully complacent about its conflicts. This is where the film began to click, and it ends up being moving and lyrically heartwarming.

The message of this film is to always keep the faith and stay close to those you love. They make us for who we are, and unfortunately, tragic things can happen. It's best that we stay close and not waste any day with them.

I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18 due to strong thematic material. Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 18