Hidden Secrets

I agree with Pat Chris. This was probably the finest Christian film I've ever seen. I was so involved with the real life circumstances that I didn't even bother to critique the film-making.

It's real life movie making. Outstanding. I hope I see many more like it.

In hindsight, the structure of the "working out" of the issues weren't as fluid or as realistic as one would hope to see, but there's only so much time in a movie and they did what could with what they had.

I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to see "reality" in Christian film-making yet without the unnecessary garbage of inappropriateness. I have added it to my collection.

Update:

I've seen the movie a couple more times and its weaknesses are a bit more evident, but nevertheless, the acting overall was quite good and the messages in the movie are so practical and just as importantly, it doesn't have that "lame Christian movie" look and feel that so many have.

If you relate to that moniker, and would like to watch Christian movies that are a clear step above, then I think this will not disappoint.

Hidden Secrets, like last year's The Second Chance, shows a bold new direction for Christian film-making. Screenwriters and directors of faith are starting to leave the easily-fantasized world of "end times" stories behind and stepping out in faith in an attempt to make films that really challenge both Christians and non-Christians by showing more realistic people and the realistic crises and problems they face. Like The Second Chance, this movie will actually be maligned by some believers... which means it's just doing its job. After all, Jesus's message of truth was not wholeheartedly embraced. But the fact remains that people struggle with many issues, and Christians are no different. Being a Christian isn't a magical diagnosis for all your problems going away (one of the issues I had with Facing the Giants - while I found it quite inspirational and enjoyable, it didn't show the other side of the coin) - in fact, the bible states over and over again that in this world we will have trouble - but it is in the promise of an eternal life with Christ where we can live free of sin and free of tears that we rest our hope. This movie portrays that brilliantly. The always reliable, very natural David A.R. White shines in this as he does in his other films, and game support is provided by some well-known and lesser known veterans, including John Schneider, Staci Keenan, Corin Nemic, Tracy Melchior and Gregg Binkley. Oh, did I mention it has a lot of genuine laughs, too? Those come courtesy of a witty script that lets the humor flow naturally from characters and situations as opposed to cheap laughs and pop culture references. I guess you can say it's a "dramedy" version of The Big Chill, but with a Christian worldview. You'll like the folks in the film. You'll root for them (well, except maybe for one). You'll spend an hour and a half with a thought-provoking, engaging, heartwarming and humorous story. That and dinner sounds like the perfect date night for you and your S.O., no? Enjoy! :)

This movie just popped up on my YouTube, & I thought I'd watch it because I saw John Schneider was in it. After about 10-15 minutes, it seemed so cliche' that I almost turned it off but didn't have anything better to do so I finished it. I will say without giving anything away that it really stepped up in the last 40 minutes and actually became interesting. As a sinner saved by grace myself, I like that it delves into hard themes and shows legalistic thinking for what it is...hypocrisy. Of course, John Schneider was the best actor in the film, but the others were good, too. It certainly is worth giving a watch to see for oneself.

Given the rise in more aggressively made, and marketed, conservative films, many of which see Christ as nothing more than an excuse for a dollar sign, there's something almost admirable about the aims of this film. The characters have genuine conversations. They aren't there.to rant and rave. They go to great lengths to skewer a character whose excessive bitterness and judgmental behavior mirrors much of this movement today. And the performances are, for the most part, fine - certainly no worse than you'd see in many higher budgeted productions.

You do have to wonder if the film is trying to reach new audiences or is just preaching to the choir, but I can't exactly criticize the film for not being mealy-mouthed and instead being honest about its views on any number of hot topics (abortion, homosexuality, Judaism, a wife's role in a marriage, saving yourself for marriage).

There is one particular moment where the propaganda is unsure enough of viewer response that it needs to double down. The film's token gay character (well-played by Corin Nemec) gives a speech about being celibate and the difficulties in avoiding temptation. You're left being somewhat impressed with the restraint...until there's a few lines letting us know he was abused as a child, and another brief moment late in the film letting us know he'd almost killed himself a few days earlier. I'm sure the idea is meant to be comforting, and if people do find comfort in the character, I'm happy for them, but the pile-on.of trauma and loneliness serves as a reminder of just how demoralizing what is intended as an inspirational message can be.

This movie is a must see for those on the fence Christian people who are not just sure what to make of God or Christian thinking. I heard my wife play this while I was on my computer, came in to watch, and almost left, but something about the way these people presented the issues, and topics, I couldn't leave, and am I glad I didn't; the end was phenomenal, and I could not of asked for sweeter tears! It covers some very controversial issues in today's world, not all mind you, but it does cover them, quite well, and with amazing clarity. I was amazed at first with John playing such a part, but he was better here than in The Duke's of Hazard. Hope everyone sees this movie!