Flywheel

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.

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

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 is a movie for Christians by Christians. While it could be used as an outreach tool, my personal opinion is that it is geared more toward being an enjoyable film for those already saved.

Now... was it good? Depends on the standard you rate it at. It's not very well shot, some scenes could use better transitions, some dialogue feels forced, and the sound needs work (the background noise when going from indoors to outdoors is noticeable like on any home movie camera). So don't, whatever you do, try to compare this to today's big-budget Hollywood productions!

HOWEVER, all that said, the storyline is great, and story is what makes a great film! For a low budget movie, I think they did a wonderful job. It evokes real feelings of anger, sadness, joy. You forget about the production value once you get into it and look to the characters and story. You'll be asking yourself, "How's it going to end?" There were a couple shake-ups I didn't see coming which made it quite interesting.

I hope we see many more movies like this being produced. With time and experience, and with the viewing public's support, I believe the quality of such films will improve. And the more improvements, the more appeal to a wider viewing audience.

I happened upon this terrific film tonight and just had to come here to comment on it.

Christian Films has outdone themselves in this little gem! It warmed my heart and strengthened my already strong faith in God, and the way He works in our lives.

We often think that God has too many big things to do and He doesn't have time for our tiny lives. But that is where we err. God works in big and little things, and brings blessings to our personal worlds when we are patient and have faith in Him.

The production values were such that I knew this film would not waste time with special effects or high production values but instead would concentrate its focus upon the message and the story. For me, any consideration over its production were melted away when the simple but inspiring effects of the storyline unfolded.

I recommend this movie without reservation to anyone, believers and non-believers. I promise that God will move you. Blessings.