Abel's Field

"It's OK to ask for help, that's what we're here for." Seth (Davis) is a high school student with no parents, two jobs and two little sisters he is trying to raise. Between getting beat up by the football team and trying to keep the bank away from his home he is trying to find his dead beat dad. Convinced he can do it all on his own he refuses help from everyone, but sometimes it is needed. Going in to this movie I was expecting another cheesy, low-budget Christian movie. I was wrong. While it was a little cheesy I really enjoyed this and Seth is so likable that it is hard not to pull for him throughout. While there are some pretty heavy scenes in this this is a very good family movie that teaches a lot of good lessons for families to talk about. For a movie I just put in so I could get the review done I ended up really enjoying this and I surprisingly recommend this. Overall, much much better then expected. I surprisingly give it an A-.

I like the real dialog. The awkward moments and the fact that there are families out there that face these situations is unique to see on the screen. There are situations where teens are faced with adult life---times they aren't prepared for. I hope people see this and realize the opportunities they have to love their neighbors and make a difference. Kevin Sorbo does a great job and Samuel Davis has the tools to take the next step in the movie industry. Great watch for families lending to the opportunity to talk about real life moments and how God is there for them. I'm not a huge advocate of the dating model, but this movie is done well. There are no inappropriate scenes to fast forward through and this was refreshing. I recommend the film and will highlight it on my radio show. God will bless through this program.

It really shows how true to life difficulties Seth and his sisters experience. Abel's reasons for choosing the way he lives, really got to me in that one area of self imposed punishment.

It really portrays what it's like to be broken or live life so close to rock bottom. And the process of redemption. Of confession, repentance, forgiveness, cleansing and blessing.

I loved the characters of Abel, Seth, Katie and the twins. Well worth viewing.

I just wish they showed more of what happens to Abel, after the end scene. I hope there's a sequel. Or maybe a stand alone movie about Abel.

I know that Christian movies are looked down on by many.....but I don t care. This was a good movie offering hope.

What a great drama "Abel's Field" is! Released in 2012, the story revolves around 17 year-old Seth (Samuel Davis) whose mother is dead and his father is no where to be found. He's forced to be the parent to his twin 7 year-old sisters. His cold half-brother is following in his father's alcoholic footprints. Seth is bullied at school by the football team and their bossy coach (Richard Dillard), but finds solace with a popular girl at school, Katie (Nicole Elliott), and -- surprisingly -- with the school's loner maintenance man, Abel (Kevin Sorbo).

Like all great dramas, "Abel's Field" captivates your attention in the first act and you find yourself in the world of the characters. As the story progresses we discover why Seth is mistreated at school, but it's thankfully not spelled out (it has to do with jealousy, rivalry and sectarianism, the moronic "Your not one of us" mindset). You'll notice, incidentally, that the players only confront & attack as a group and never alone. It's a microcosm of the mob mentality, not to mention they're too cowardly to attack one-on-one.

Three relationships are the focus: Seth's fatherly relationship with his sisters and his developing relationships with Katie and the mysterious Abel. Speaking of Abel, Sorbo is excellent here in an atypical role. His likable joie de vivre is completely absent in favor of a quiet, brooding spirit.

The message of the film is A+ all the way and the overt references to God and faith are refreshing, but they're not so overt to turn-off those who don't believe, so don't let this factor deter you if you're amongst the latter. This is simply an inspiring film for everyone, except maybe atheists (or perhaps them most of all, lol).

Those looking for a faith-based film that shows a conventional family environment might want to steer clear (not that there's anything wrong with those types of films; check out the excellent "Cutback" for a quality film of that sort). "Abel's Field" shows the awful truth of broken & dysfunctional families in the modern Western world and the negative repercussions thereof. Thankfully, that doesn't mean that there isn't any hope; but the proud individualist must be broken, both for Seth and Abel.

I also like the fact that the film shows that the mentors we stumble across in life are there to mentor us in one way or another, but we shouldn't make the mistake of idolizing them, no matter how great (or small) the mentor is, he or she is still a flawed human being who just so happens to be further on in their spiritual journey, at least in the area we need help in.

Another thing I liked: Just because someone's in the "mentor" role doesn't mean the "mentee" can't mentor the mentor in one way or another. And a worthy (humble) mentor will receive from the mentee when applicable.

One reviewer referred to Nicole Elliott, who plays Seth's potential girlfriend, as "overweight." Wow, nothing could be further from the truth; in fact, this isn't even remotely true. Check her out in the film and see for yourself. It's idiotic statements like this that drive women and girls into anorexia and it totally ticks me off! If anything, Nicole could stand to gain some weight. Regardless, she's uniquely beautiful, a refreshing alternative to the stereotypical hot blond cheerleader type.

The film runs 104 minutes and was shot in Thrall, TX, which is about 20 miles NE of Austin.

GRADE: A