Flywheel

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.

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

This was obviously a low budget flick and I only picked it out at the video store due to lack of other options. Having never heard of the movie, the description on the back of the DVD sounded OK so I rented it.

I'm not much of a religious man but I found this movie to be heartwarming, philosophical, and entertaining (although the middle was on the edge of boring.) And I disagree with the earlier reviewer who took issue with the movie's description of the flywheel. I don't think the guy said or implied that the sole use of the flywheel is starting the engine. What he said was that the flywheel was bad, which prevented the engine from starting. If he fixed the flywheel he would then fix the car.

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)

This movie was a great example of how God works. The movie itself is a true to life as it gets for a born-again Christian. Flywheel makes you think, cry, laugh and praise God. This movie was only to be in one theater for a couple weeks, a very limited engagement. However, the response was so great it was held over for a long time and then spread to other theaters, and is now at Blockbuster. It is a great way to spend 2 hours. Although the quality is not what movie-goers are used to, the film more than makes up for that with a great story, awesome music and terrific actors. Within a few minutes you will forget the lack of production quality.

I was not involved in the production of the movie, but I know some that were; these actors, directors, crew and all others involved, sacrificed weeks and months of time and energy to make this film the success it is.

The same production company is now making a new movie, "Face the Giants." The quality has been improved and I look forward to seeing what these talented people have in store for me.