Brave the Dark

I thought this movie would be average at best. How many times do we get a story about a down and out kid that gets saved by their hero teacher. This movie was that, but they did a wonderful job at telling the story.

The acting is what made the show. I really cared about the kid. I felt his emotional pain. It was not overdone. The teacher was played well. Again, there was not a bunch of over-emoting or cornball jokes.

If you like touching movies, this is the one for you. Don't avoid it because it is from Angel.

This is not an overbearing religious movie. It is a movie about people needing people.

Just watched this movie. If you have ever been or are a mentor, or a foster parent or adopted this movie will inspire, encourage and draw emotions of the journey. If you are a teacher this movie is for you. Yes there is some swearing, but not excessive. I have live the life of Mr Dean many a time through my life. It is humbling seeing what God has done. This movie is not churchy but there are signs of faith throughout. I encourage you to see it. INVITE TEACHERS, MENTORS, and those that work with troubled teens. It is refreshing, hopeful, encouraging. The actors did a great job. I am sure they were moved making it.

What we see on the surface does not reveal what's hidden beneath. Nathan is a troubled teenager feeling guilty about his childhood felt worthless. Mr. Deen, a compassionate teacher, is optimistic about all of his students. When Nathan finally shares past events, he exorcises his demons.

Angel Studios continues to produce movies like this based on true stories. Angel Studios showcases what many people would consider to be lost causes. Unlike fantasy movies and fairy tales, publicizing real hardships hidden in plain site serves as wake up call: Advocate with acts of kindness, whether large or small, to make a difference one life at a time.

A bold reminder that we don't know the road that many of the people we think we know have travelled and how those experiences have shaped their lives, for good or for bad. It forces one to consider the question: Do I have what it takes to be a Mr. Deen? While the performances were okay, the story trumped any deficiencies in that area. It was also notable how music was shown to be liberating for the lead characters. I hope the messages from this film will reside in the back of my mind and help me seek a clearer picture when assessing a person's character and worth. It is easy to profess that we are each a Child of God, but quite another to treat others in that manner.

The Harris brothers came with the heat on this film. And Nicholas Hamilton does an incredible job matching Jared Harris' energy. Love every second we get of them together on screen.

This film is a testament to the fact that you never know how deeply you can alter the course of someone's life by showing up.

Nate played by Hamilton has a deeply troubled past and horrible mentors as his life spirals into a destructive path. Nearing rock bottom, his teacher Mr. Deen (played by Harris) sees the good in Nate and chooses to show up for him when nobody else would.

If you want to feel uplifted this New Year 2025, go see Brave the Dark!