A Promise to Astrid

This is apparently a true story about a very kind and generous woman. However, the film, like so many Christian films, isn't very well made. The dialog is sometimes stilted and awkwardly delivered, the lighting is rough, and the main character has a bad wig. I thought the big reveal would be that she was a cancer patient, but there was a haircut scene near the end, so I guess it was actually supposed to be her hair. Also, these Christian filmmakers seem confused about denominations. Mike attends a Protestant church with a married minister, but he has a rosary and Catholic art in his house. They cared about this story and wanted to remember a special lady, so I don't want to be too harsh. I watched this because I knew somebody who was in it and I guess I was just expecting something that didn't look so homespun.

It's a faith-based film. If you don't like them, you likely won't care for this one. That said, it's probably the best (least ghastly) faith-based film I've seen.

The acting was good enough, considering their short (or no) experience and the obvious low budget. I have NO problem with low budget films. In fact, I rather enjoy them - I feel like I might just be seeing early work of an unknown master. So I give them a chance and don't much care if they don't have funds for all the best stuff.

That said, who the hell let JoAnn F. Peterson wear that wig?!?!!! It looked absurd and was quite distracting. Pretty much any person you find walking down the sidewalk could find a better wig for her. It made it a bit hard to look at her, which is a shame. She is new to acting and I thought she did a good job.

It's a sweet story and just the thing for a particular kind of Christian. But if you're looking for depth or complexity, this isn't your story.

Watching this film I was reminded of the old Millionaire series where Marvin Miller kept giving out million dollar checks every week to some lucky soul to do with as they please. Seeing A Promise To Astrid I was thinking how remarkable if true.

Then I see the film was based on a novel and then it was like the old series. Soon enough old John Beresford Tipton would leave his magnificent estate Silverstone for the poorhouse.

Thus it would be for our old lady protagonist Astrid who is constantly looking for people and causes to give money to. The cast whom none of you will know save for Dean Cain from he Lois&Clark series is sincere but working on a project that defies logic.

Charity has its limits.

Clearly not a big budget movie, but it didn't need it. Great story, good acting. Even the wig was perfect. Worth the time.

An uplifting movie bringing some meaning to life, by being helpful in life.