Flywheel

Okay, let's be honest. Low-budget, amateur actors, and a blatant agenda. All this has been commented on. Rather than "getting past" all this, though, I think much of the charm in this movie is in constantly remembering these factors.

I have seen dozens of Christian themed movies done with similar talent, technology and budget. Most are disappointing on more than one level. I'm not enough of a connoisseur to put my finger on it, but something about "Flywheel" transcends the genre. I was moved by several scenes; and the performances, while not stellar, were powerful and real. I was nearly asleep when I started watching, and I was captivated for two hours. Part of what held my interest was my awareness that these are not professional filmmakers or actors; watching them grapple with these roles was a treat, and the result is surprisingly satisfying. Once you take it as a given that the goal is to present a particular message, I think you have to hand it to the Kendricks for handling it like they do. Just real enough to be effective; just sanitized enough to make it completely family-friendly. Nothing, wrong, in my mind, with a rawer approach, but given certain self-imposed limitations, an admirable movie.

Worth the time, worth the rent, worth a second look

I happened upon this terrific film tonight and just had to come here to comment on it.

Christian Films has outdone themselves in this little gem! It warmed my heart and strengthened my already strong faith in God, and the way He works in our lives.

We often think that God has too many big things to do and He doesn't have time for our tiny lives. But that is where we err. God works in big and little things, and brings blessings to our personal worlds when we are patient and have faith in Him.

The production values were such that I knew this film would not waste time with special effects or high production values but instead would concentrate its focus upon the message and the story. For me, any consideration over its production were melted away when the simple but inspiring effects of the storyline unfolded.

I recommend this movie without reservation to anyone, believers and non-believers. I promise that God will move you. Blessings.

I completely disagree with the reviewer "Obliv". He is obviously pretty nutty. I mean to bash people just because they say they enjoyed the movie... PLEASE! And then he was bashing Christians throughout his review while claiming to be one, yeah right! So If you want a true review, I don't think you will get it from that guy.

My two cents.... I watch a lot of movies (pretty much everything) and I really enjoyed this one. The story line was great, I found it very touching and refreshing. I thought the main character did a great job too. My only criticism would be to work on the film quality as it was not the best and some of the acting could use some work too. However, this was a very good start and I look forward to more movies by this church in the future! By the way, I loved "Facing the Giants" too.

Funniest part of the movie was the joke about how the film staff at their church only copied tapes all day and did nothing else… I'm sure they got a kick out of that!

Refreshing non-Hollywood style drama. It was obviously made on a shoe-string budget by relative unknowns, but that's part of this sweet little film's charm. It is a fine example of a thoughtful effort to get a point across without explosions, car chases, or four-letter slang.

The writer and lead Alex Kendrick has offered up a very sincere and cleverly told story. It's not polished; its independent roots are evident (tops of people's heads get chopped off a lot, for example). Nevertheless, the characters are likable and the acting isn't bad at all. The writer puts a lot of humorous one-liners in the script ("You lazy, fat, last-chip-eating thief!"), and the story rolls along nicely.

Used car salesman Jay Austin makes a perfect modern Ebenezer Scrooge type, a dishonest and ruthless businessman. His life (both business and private) starts crashing down, and he cries out to God for forgiveness and help. His revival seems rushed in the story, but it's believable. But it's not just his personal epiphany and the changing of his ways that this story focuses on, it's the result of that change. The dishonest employees of Austin who do not change, make a great counterpoint between his past and present behavior. A couple of plot twists near the end can be seen coming from a mile away, but that doesn't really hurt the film.

Certainly there's a moral, and the movie succeeds at presenting food for thought. It makes for a good rental.

Student like production quality does not stop the enjoyment of this film. Unlike Hostle, people in this film actually redeem themselves, life is good, and can get better, and the world is NOT falling into ruin.. People really want Love and Light and venture to improve the human condition, and not just rape and torture for fun and profit. I really wish there were more films like this produced by major studios, but some of them must think only Death and Dishonor sells tickets. I see this film and know there are people out there who want to spend their time and money on GOOD thoughts and feelings.

(Thank God, or whoever your "higher power" may be)