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=== Film critics ===
=== Film critics ===
This movie has also been given mixed reviews from [[film critic]]s. Scott Tobias of the satirical magazine ''[[The Onion]]'s [[The A.V. Club|A.V. Club]]'' gave the film an "[[Grade (education)#United States|F]]," saying that "Fireproof gets hung up in a lot of Promise Keepers hoo-hah about reaffirming marriage as a covenant with God rather than a contract filed at [[City and town halls|City Hall]], but that's just a cover for two fundamental points about the movie: Cameron acts like a childish jerk, even in the reconciliation phase, and the underlying reason is that he—and the movie—hates women."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/content/cinema/fireproof |title='Fireproof' (Review) |accessdate=2008-09-29 |work=[[The AV Club]] |publisher= |date= }}</ref> Chris Willman of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the film a "[[Grade (education)#United States|C]]," and said that, "the conversion subplot feels shoehorned into the more crucial marital doings, as if coming to Jesus might be just one of a long checklist of steps to restore sizzle to your marriage, right between buying roses and preparing a candlelit dinner."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20229911,00.html |title=''Fireproof'': The EW review |accessdate=2008-10-22 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher= |date= }}</ref>
This movie has also been given mixed reviews from [[film critic]]s. Scott Tobias of the satirical magazine ''[[The Onion]]'s [[The A.V. Club|A.V. Club]]'' gave the film an "[[Grade (education)#United States|F]]," saying that "Fireproof gets hung up in a lot of Promise Keepers hoo-hah about reaffirming marriage as a covenant with God rather than a contract filed at [[City and town halls|City Hall]], but that's just a cover for two fundamental points about the movie: [Cameron's character] acts like a childish jerk, even in the reconciliation phase [of the marriage], and the underlying reason is that he—and the movie—hates women."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/content/cinema/fireproof |title='Fireproof' (Review) |accessdate=2008-09-29 |work=[[The AV Club]] |publisher= |date= }}</ref> Chris Willman of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the film a "[[Grade (education)#United States|C]]," and said that, "the conversion subplot feels shoehorned into the more crucial marital doings, as if coming to Jesus might be just one of a long checklist of steps to restore sizzle to your marriage, right between buying roses and preparing a candlelit dinner."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20229911,00.html |title=''Fireproof'': The EW review |accessdate=2008-10-22 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher= |date= }}</ref>


Frank Scheck of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' said, "While hardly [[wikt:sophistication|sophisticated]] in its approach and certainly not polished in its technical elements, the film does get its heartfelt message across with undeniable sincerity. Its success at the boxoffice, which will no doubt continue on [[home video]], demonstrates that there's no shortage of filmgoers dissatisfied with cynical [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] product."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=11737 |title=Inspirational drama scores a surprise hit |accessdate=2008-10-22 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher= |date= }}</ref> Joe Leydon of ''[[Variety]]'' gave the film a positive review saying "Cameron is genuinely compelling as Caleb, a work-obsessed firefighter on the verge of divorce from his neglected wife."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938520.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |title= The EW review |accessdate=2008-10-23|work=[[Variety]] |publisher = |date=2008-9-26 }}</ref>
Frank Scheck of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' said, "While hardly [[wikt:sophistication|sophisticated]] in its approach and certainly not polished in its technical elements, the film does get its heartfelt message across with undeniable sincerity. Its success at the boxoffice, which will no doubt continue on [[home video]], demonstrates that there's no shortage of filmgoers dissatisfied with cynical [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] product."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=11737 |title=Inspirational drama scores a surprise hit |accessdate=2008-10-22 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher= |date= }}</ref> Joe Leydon of ''[[Variety]]'' gave the film a positive review saying "Cameron is genuinely compelling as Caleb, a work-obsessed firefighter on the verge of divorce from his neglected wife."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938520.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |title= The EW review |accessdate=2008-10-23|work=[[Variety]] |publisher = |date=2008-9-26 }}</ref>

Revision as of 14:33, 8 November 2008

Fireproof
Fireproof
Directed byAlex Kendrick
Written byAlex Kendrick
Stephen Kendrick[1]
StarringKirk Cameron
Erin Bethea
Ken Bevel
Stephen Dervan
Jason McLeod
Alex Kendrick
Distributed bySherwood Pictures
Release date
September 26 2008
Running time
122 minutes
LanguageEnglish
Budget$500,000[2]

Fireproof is a 2008 American drama film from Sherwood Pictures. Stephen Kendrick co-wrote the film with his brother, while serving as a producer. The supporting cast is made up of volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, where the Kendrick brothers serve as associate pastors. The film features Kirk Cameron as Caleb Holt in his first theater-released movie since 2001's Left Behind: The Movie.

On May 21 2008, Sherwood Pictures announced that the film would open in theaters on September 26 2008.[3] It was given an MPAA rating of PG for "thematic material and some peril".[4] The Making of Fireproof special aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network prior to the movie's release, following a special airing of Sherwood Pictures' second theatrical release, Facing the Giants. [5]

Plot

Fireproof is the story of a firefighter, Captain Caleb Holt, who lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. But, after seven years of marriage to his wife Catherine, their own relationship is failing. Neither one understands the pressures the other faces.[6] Caleb claims that Catherine is too sensitive and "doesn't show me respect." Whereas she tells her hospital co-workers that he is "so insensitive" and that "he doesn't listen to me" and "doesn't understand my needs." Caleb's addiction to Internet pornography is what sets the marriage over the edge, however.[7] As they prepare to file for divorce, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day test called "The Love Dare." Caleb starts it, but more for his father's sake than for his marriage.

When Caleb discovers the book’s daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.

Even though he wants to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and time again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?" When his father tells him that this is the love God shows to people, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And, with God's help, he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. But, he is unsure if it's too late to "fireproof" his marriage.[6]

Notes

In a scene towards the end when Kirk Cameron's character kisses his wife, it was shot in shadow, and the actress, Erin Bethea, was replaced by Cameron's real-life wife, Chelsea Noble, disguised to look like Bethea.[8] This was done because Cameron does not believe that as a Christian he should kiss any woman other than his wife.[8]

Cast

Production

Fireproof was filmed for 30 nonconsecutive days between late October 2007 and December 14, 2007.[9] The production was based on a budget of $500,000, which was an increase from the $100,000 toward Sherwood Pictures' previous film Facing the Giants.[2] Fireproof was shot in sixteen locations, all of which were donated. Craig von Buseck of the Christian Broadcasting Network said that the movie was "beautifully shot in and around Albany, Georgia, home to Sherwood Church."[10] The Albany Fire Department donated their fire station locations, trucks and even some of their crew for use during the filming.[2] Stephen Kendrick said, "We’ve never claimed that our movies are Academy Award winning [...] But we are trying to pursue excellence."[2]

Marriage views

See also: Fireproof My Marriage and The Love Dare

Fireproof is partnered with Fireproof My Marriage, an organization created to strengthen and heal marriages.[11] The Love Dare, a book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, is a major topic in the film, being one of the main points of the plot. Alex Kendrick said in an interview that this film would be "a drama/romance about marriage. Our goal is to reinforce God's intention for marriage."[12]

With 50% of all marriages in the United States ending in divorce,[13] Fireproof has been endorsed by many marriage-oriented organizations, including FamilyLife,[14] The Marriage CoMission, The Association of Marriage and Family Ministries,[15] Marriage Alive Communications[16] and MarriageToday.[17] The film has been uniting many other marriage advocates from across the United States.[18]

There are a number of Fireproof marriage resources sold at the film's website, from Fireproof Hats and T-Shirts to a Fireproof imix soundtrack. There are also a number of books for sale, including The Love Dare.[19]

Reception

Christian groups

Fireproof has received some very positive reviews from Christian groups since its most early viewings, but has also received some more critical reviews, as well, and even some criticism. Hannah Goodwyn of the Christian Broadcasting Network said "the acting in Fireproof is less than stellar in a few cases, which is somewhat expected since the entire cast is basically volunteers from the church." But she also stated that it did have better acting than Sherwood Pictures' previous film, Facing the Giants.[20] Julie Clawson at Sojourners Magazine said, "The women in this movie play the silent victims as the heroic firefighter rushes in to save the day –- or in this case, the marriage," and that, "Fireproof is very much about saving marriages –- as long as they are hierarchical institutions..."[21]

On the more positive side, Mitch Temple of Focus on the Family said that, "This brilliantly produced film radiates messages of authentic determination, faith and hope, even for those of us who have felt like giving up on our marriages."[22] Michael Foust of the Baptist Press said that, "I walked into the theater without any expectations, but walked out after the closing credits believing I had just seen perhaps the most convicting and inspiring film I had ever viewed. Fireproof isn't just a great Christian movie. It's a great movie. Period."[23]

Film critics

This movie has also been given mixed reviews from film critics. Scott Tobias of the satirical magazine The Onion's A.V. Club gave the film an "F," saying that "Fireproof gets hung up in a lot of Promise Keepers hoo-hah about reaffirming marriage as a covenant with God rather than a contract filed at City Hall, but that's just a cover for two fundamental points about the movie: [Cameron's character] acts like a childish jerk, even in the reconciliation phase [of the marriage], and the underlying reason is that he—and the movie—hates women."[24] Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a "C," and said that, "the conversion subplot feels shoehorned into the more crucial marital doings, as if coming to Jesus might be just one of a long checklist of steps to restore sizzle to your marriage, right between buying roses and preparing a candlelit dinner."[25]

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter said, "While hardly sophisticated in its approach and certainly not polished in its technical elements, the film does get its heartfelt message across with undeniable sincerity. Its success at the boxoffice, which will no doubt continue on home video, demonstrates that there's no shortage of filmgoers dissatisfied with cynical Hollywood product."[26] Joe Leydon of Variety gave the film a positive review saying "Cameron is genuinely compelling as Caleb, a work-obsessed firefighter on the verge of divorce from his neglected wife."[27]

Box office

Fireproof's advance sales accounted for 40% of all Fandango sales from Friday morning. In the week prior to opening, Fireproof had pre-sold more than $1 million in tickets, far above predicted blockbusters, such as Eagle Eye.[28] Fireproof was released on September 26, 2008 in 839 theaters.[29] In its first weekend, Fireproof grossed over $6.8 million, putting it in fourth place at the box office.[30] As of October 15, 2008, Fireproof has remained in the top 10 films nationwide. As of October 26, 2008, Fireproof has an estimated domestic gross of $26,429,043 ,[31] more than doubling the lifetime earnings of its predecessor, Facing the Giants, and moving it into the top 5 Christian films by earnings.[32]

In each of Fireproof's first four weeks in the box office, it gained in theater counts.[33] It had 839 theaters in its first weekend,[34] 852 in its second,[35] 875 in its third,[36] and 905 in its fourth,[37] but it did lose 7 theaters in its fifth and sixth weekends, but not to a large degree.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Writing credits for Fireproof". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  2. ^ a b c d Kendrick, Stephen. "Stephen Kendrick Interview" (Interview). Interviewed by C.J. Darlington. Retrieved 2008-09-02. {{cite interview}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |program=, |callsign=, and |city= (help)
  3. ^ "Fireproof Opening Date: September 26". ChristianCinema.com. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  4. ^ "MPAA ratings: June 25, 2008". The Hollywood Reporter. 2008-06-25. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  5. ^ "Making of Fireproof". TBN.org. Retrieved 2008-09-20.
  6. ^ a b "Fireproof Your Marriage" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  7. ^ The Daily Beast "The Red Hot Christian Blockbuster." Radosh, Daniel. Oct. 21,2008.
  8. ^ a b "Devotion keeps actor Kirk Cameron centered". VenturaCountyStar.com. September 26, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "That's a WRAP (Part 2)". Fireproof Production Blog. 2007-12-14. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  10. ^ "Kirk Cameron is Fireproof in New Movie". blogs.cbn.com. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  11. ^ "Fireproof, Support the Movie". Fireproofmymarriage.com. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  12. ^ "Featured Filmmaker: Alex Kendrick". ChristianCinema.com. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  13. ^ "The current U.S. divorce rate". Religioustolerance.org. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  14. ^ "Fireproof You Marriage". FamilyLife.com. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  15. ^ "The Association of Marriage and Family Ministries". AMFMonline.com. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  16. ^ "10 Great Dates". MarriageAlive.com. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  17. ^ "News Release from Fireproof the Movie". Christiannewswire.com. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  18. ^ "Christian Newswire - Fireproof". Goodnewsdaily.net. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  19. ^ "Fireproof Resources". Fireproofthemovie.com. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
  20. ^ "Fireproof Review by Hannah Goodwyn". Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  21. ^ "Fireproof Marriages?". Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  22. ^ "Fireproof". Family.org. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  23. ^ "'Fireproof' a Big League film". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  24. ^ "'Fireproof' (Review)". The AV Club. Retrieved 2008-09-29.
  25. ^ "Fireproof: The EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  26. ^ "Inspirational drama scores a surprise hit". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  27. ^ "The EW review". Variety. 2008-9-26. Retrieved 2008-10-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ "Samuel Goldywn Films' Fireproof Ablaze". biz.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  29. ^ "Fireproof Arrives!". Fireproofthemovie.com. Retrieved 2008-09-26.
  30. ^ "Weekend Box Office Results for September 26-28, 2008". BoxOfficeMojo.com. 2008-09-28. Retrieved 2008-09-29.
  31. ^ "Weekend Box Office". BoxOfficeMojo.com. 2008-10-26. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  32. ^ "Christian movies". BoxOfficeMojo.com. 2008-10-05. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  33. ^ "A Movement Forming". Fireproofthemovie.com. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  34. ^ "Theater Counts". 2008-09-26. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  35. ^ "Theater Counts". 2008-10-03. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  36. ^ "Theater Counts". 2008-10-10. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  37. ^ "Theater Counts". 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-22.

External links

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