"Fireproof" the movie review

My wife and I just saw "Fireproof" the movie. It stars Kirk Cameron as the main character, Caleb Holt, a Fire Captain for Albany, GA. Caleb and his wife Catherine barely speak to each other, and when they do it usually ends in a fight of who does more in the relationship and who does more outside of the relationship. Without giving away the movie's ending I'll sum it up as best I can. There are funny parts and all too realistic parts that A LOT of people can and do relate to.

During a fight between Caleb and Catherine, Caleb becomes so angry he ends up scaring Catherine. Catherine's only means of "defense" is to sobbingly say "I want out." As the movie progresses Caleb speaks to his dad and his dad asks him "Is there any part of you that is willing to fight to save your marriage?" Caleb tells him it's over. His dad then says he's going to send him something in the mail.

Later the package arrives, it's a handwritten book called "The Love Dare". In it his father's memo says that the book is a 40 day journey. After an insightful read of a couple pages Caleb comes to the daily dare. "Today's dare is to not saying anything negative to your spouse. Even if your tempted, it's better to say nothing at all."

The movie continues along, each day Caleb reads that days dare and does it. It isn't until halfway through the book that he realizes how bad things are with his marriage. And they get worse. Caleb continues the love dare though.

We later on find out that Catherine has some secrets of her own as well. Her friends at work tell her Caleb is doing nice things because he wants his fair share during the divorce. This angers Catherine and she continues to fight Caleb's persistence. Catherine draws up the divorce papers and leaves them for Caleb on the table.

I won't say how this ends. However I will say that it is a great movie. While it's not a blockbuster or a billion dollar budget it is what it is. A simple and well done movie that shows the reality of marriage now in today's society.

Kirk is the only actor with any previous acting experience, that I know of. But it's easy to forget that and get completely wrapped into Caleb and Catherine's world. This movie is done so well that the budget doesn't even matter. I'm glad it was a smaller budget, because that would've taken away from the movie. I felt it was an intimate movie just in that respect.

I'm married. I see a lot of our marriage in there yet at the same time I'm relieved our marriage is not in that bad of condition. I think this movie is wonderful for anyone. Whether you are married, dating, engaged or even for you to bring you adolescent children to. The message is the movie's tagline, "Never leave your partner behind." Speaking mainly from the firefighter aspect, the director and writers and producers have captured that on film and aimed that at marriage.

While some people might know that Kirk Cameron is a Christian, it might just surprise you that the "God pushing" is not really center stage of this movie. It comes into play, but that is not the whole movie, but a mere minuscule tidbit of the movie. While small, it's there and a nice part of the movie, then continues on.

Overall I have to say it was funny and had the whole audience laughing in those spots. And quite sad. My wife cried a majority of the movie. I found myself getting choked up in parts aswell. And as I peered through the audience I could see other men and women wiping away tears also. I thought we'd be the only couple or people in the seats, but was very surprised that given how long the movie has been out for, the turnout was great. About 100 people, give or take.

I loved this movie, and so did my wife. I find it to be a very insightful and powerful movie. It forces you to look at your own marriage. And for that I give this a 5 out of 5 star review. Stellar performances given that no one besides Kirk has acted before AND that most if not all of the other actors are all from his church. Wonderful movie, even more wonderful message. Below and above is a link to the movie's website.
Fireproof the movie for trailer and theater locations and showtimes. Or find your local theater online and see if it's playing there.
If you'd like a copy of "Fireproof" I'll also post a link to that. I will note that it did come out nationwide and can be bought at Barnes and Noble for $14.99, a great price for a tool so powerful.
The book from "Fireproof" called "The Love Dare" can also be bought at Amazon or Christian Book Stores. I say don't wait, however, if you want to, they will be publishing a leather bound version of "The Love Dare" in early 2009. Or you can do what I plan on doing. I have the one that's out now, and I will be getting the leather bound version when that comes out. I think that one will hold up better to the riggers of time and maybe be able to pass it along to my kids, though I pray they never need to use it. See this movie, buy the book!!! You won't be disappointed!