J'y crois encore

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

To be honest this is my first review ever, i did this review because this movie has really touched my soul, I've never in my life saw a movie that really made my tears drop but today 28/march/2020 i marked my favourite movie ever, the movie that made me cry, the movie that made me realise that i should be thankful for everything i got from friends and family, the movie that will change my perspective of life.

This movie has many meanings that can be translated into one meaning that is to have a strong faith in god and always be sure that miracles can and will happen just keep believing in god and have a strong faith.

What else can i say cant and will not describe my feelings now, i just dont have the right words...

Thanks for reading this review...

A believer 😶

John 10:10 tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill & destroy but Jesus has come to give us life, an abundant life.

A believer passes from life unto life. How? Place your trust and faith in Jesus Christ. Turn to him. Seek him. Ask Jesus to reveal himself to you. Know God.

Jeremy you are a rock star no doubt. We appreciate that you rock for Christ! Thank you for doing this movie. For listening to Holy Spirit prompt you to follow him. I know Oct 21 1998 is a special date. It's special to me as well, my son Tyler Smith was born that day.

He's alive in Heaven. Jesus loves us so much. I pray that many will come to Know Christ. Keep shining Jeremy! Great job cast!

Thank you Jesus For saving my soul

Typically I'm not a fan of faith based films. I find them to be a little over the top and cheesy. But this movie honestly blew me away! KJ APA and Britt Robertson were amazing and had great chemistry! I believed from the moment they met on screen that they had fallen for each other, which made the story so much more engaging. There were many moments when I couldn't hold back my tears, but at the same time I felt uplifted. This movie was more about how to overcome extremely difficult circumstances that many of us will face in our lifetime, than about pushing an evangelical message; but don't get me wrong, the message of hope was clear, and it's a message that I encourage everyone to hear! This is truly one of my favorite movies of the year. The Erwin brothers are terrific directors and storytellers, and I look forward to seeing more of their work in the years to come!