Directed By:
Steve Taylor
Cast:
Michael W Smith …… Ethan Jenkins
Jeff Obafemi Carr …… Jake Sanders
J Don Ferguson …… Jeremiah Jenkins
Lisa Arrindell Anderson …… Amanda Sanders
The Movie
When I first asked to review this DVD it was me trying to get my feet wet again in the reviewing arena. Travis told us all that some movie called The Second Chance was available, I quickly went to imdb to see any information I could find on it but apparently I only saw the score (which was high) So I asked for it and by the time it arrived at my door I’d completely forgotten about asking for it and discovered that it was a “Christian” movie.
This filled me with reservations, some of which ended up justified and some of which ended up unfounded. Is the movie complete and utter trash like a lot of “Christian” media? No. Did it rise past the “Christian” label become a good movie the has Christianity as a major theme? Also no.
The movie is a story about a church called Second Chance. It was the starting ground for a minister who went on to start a huge ministry with churches all over the world and his own weekly televangelical show. Second Chance is an inner city church with very little money who isn’t surviving without the financial support of this massive ministry. It has every cliché you can imagine going along with that plot synopsis, but most of them revolve around the rich white minister not understanding the inner city black minister.
The “name” star in this movie is some Christian music singer/performer named Michael W Smith. He wasn’t awful in the lead role, but I’m pretty sure his name in the community helped him beat out other, most likely more talented, actors. He was serviceable though.
Despite the constant fish out of water cliches, the inevitable meeting of minds the extremely formulaic plot and the inevitable and predictable ultimate understanding between the two men from different worlds I found myself enjoying this movie. I don’t think this movie would have been released in theatres if it didn’t have the extremely strong Christian overtones, but I also don’t think it should never have been made either.
I’m an atheist and still found things to enjoy in this. Lots of commentary about our culture trying to solve any and all problems by throwing money at it instead of going down physically and offering a helping hand. I also hate the giant ministries that Second Chance relies on so that was something else I could follow along with and enjoy in the film.
There’s really no reason to buy this movie or watch it more than once. There aren’t any layers below the surface everything you’ll get is right up there in your face.
Score: 4.5/10
The Video:
No real issues with the video, it’s 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen.
The Audio:
We have audio tracks in English and French and presented in Dolby Digital 5.1
The Extras:
Deleted Scenes: Like most movies these scenes are best left deleted and unseen. Really this just seemed thrown on because all DVDs have deleted scenes in them these days.
Behind The Scenes: Usual fare, with more than a few people talking about how impressive Michael W Smith was in it. I’m curious if they were watching the same movie.
Beyond the Making: A behind the scenes that the director asked a friend to make that “was not like a normal behind the scenes” and what you get is a ridiculous over the top and oh so full of itself piece of shit behind the scenes. Man it was heavy handed.
The Second Chance: FAQ FILE YET ANOTHER behind the scenes featurette. I have no idea why they didn’t just make one longer one instead of three. This ones gimmick is that each segment is titled with a question like “Can he act?” or “Why Nashville?”
J Don Ferguson’s Story: He talks about how he came to the project, it’s short and pretty pointless and once again could have been part of the Behind The Scenes.
There’s also audio commentary, the trailer, a Michael W Smith music video and a bit of presenting at the Gospel Music Awards.
Score: 4
