Grace Unplugged
| Grace Unplugged | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Brad J. Silverman |
| Screenplay by | Brad J. Silverman Brandon Rice |
| Produced by | Russ Rice Larry Frenzel |
| Starring | AJ Michalka James Denton Kevin Pollak |
| Cinematography | Stash Slionski |
| Edited by | Robert Hoffman |
| Music by | Jeff Lippencott |
Production companies | Roadside Attractions Coram Deo Studios |
| Distributed by | Lions Gate Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 118 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2 Million |
Grace Unplugged is a 2013 Christian musical drama film. The film is based on a story by Brandon Rice, written and directed by Brad J. Silverman, and stars AJ Michalka, James Denton, and Kevin Pollak. It is the story of a prodigal girl ... with a guitar. The film will be released to theaters October 4, 2013 by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions.
Plot
Grace Trey has just turned 18 and aspires to do more than sing in her church’s worship band, which is led by her father, Johnny Trey, a one-time pop star who gave up his life in secular music when he became a Christian. Grace longs to escape his shadow and make a name for herself singing songs about something other than God, but Johnny warns her that fame is not as glamorous as it looks and reminds her that serving and worshipping God with the talent she’s been given is a far more worthwhile goal.
When Johnny’s former manager, Frank “Mossy” Mostin, shows up 20 years after the two parted ways to offer him another shot at the big time, Johnny declines the opportunity. But Grace takes it – without telling her parents. She records a cover version of her father’s old Top 10 hit, runs away to Los Angeles and, under Mossy’s guidance, begins to taste the kind of success she’s always dreamed of. But with each rung of the ladder she climbs, Grace feels pressure to compromise her Christian values and learns not everyone who says they’re on her side really is. The one exception is Quentin, an intern at her record company and a fellow Christian who urges Grace to reassess her choices and put God first again in her life. Will everything she experiences lead her to reject her faith … or rediscover it?
Reflections
In an interview before the film's release, Michalka described the title character's journey as learning that family and God are more important than stardom.
"The main theme of the film is to surround yourself with people who truly have your best interest at heart," she said. "I think you can get caught up in whatever you do, it doesn’t have to be the entertainment industry, it can be the workforce or whatever. You can surround yourself with people who are not necessarily looking out for you from a godly perspective, but want you to make money, or are using you for a certain thing, or have a certain motive that isn’t pure. It's really about surrounding yourself with fellow Christians and putting God first–I think that is the biggest part of this story."[1]
She also told Billboard magazine, "I love the film. I love how it turned out. It's really heartwarming and sweet."[2]
Cast
- AJ Michalka as Gracie Trey
- James Denton as Johnny Trey
- Kevin Pollak as Frank "Mossy" Mostin
- Shawnee Smith as Michelle Trey
- Michael Welch as Quentin
- Jamie Grace as Rachel
- Emma Catherwood as Kendra Burroughs
- Chris Ellis as Pastor Tim Bryant
- Rob Steinberg as Larry Reynolds
- Kelly Thiebaud as Renae Taylor
- Patricia French as Sally Benson
- Anthony Reynolds as Quentin's dad, Rick
- Aimee Dunn as Quentin's mom, Donna
- Pia Toscano as Alyssa
- Zane Holtz as Jay Grayson
- Madison Wolfe as Young Grace
- Mary Shaw as Sharon Bryant
- Chris Tomlin as Himself
Production
The film was mainly shot in Birmingham, Alabama.[3] Scenes were shot at the Alabama Theatre. Filming also took place in Los Angeles, California and wrapped on September 15, 2012.[4] The production budget was of less than $2 million.[3]
The movie is based in part on the real-life experience of producer Russ Rice, whose daughter ran away from home after rejecting the Christian faith in which she was raised."[5]
Music
Michalka's single from the film, "All I've Ever Needed," was released June 25, 2013, and rose to No. 1 on the iTunes Christian music chart.[6] Michalka described the song as one that "explores the moments we have in life when we realize the things we've been chasing mean nothing if you walk away from your faith. I hope people connect with the song the way I have," Michalka added, "and realize that despite what we think we need and want - what we really need is God's love. And we've had that all along."[7]
Capitol Christian Music released the soundtrack to the film Aug. 27.[8] It features songs by Michalka (a platinum-selling artist with her sister Aly Michalka as part of Aly & AJ and 78Violet) as well as Christian artists TobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Luminate, as well as former American Idol contestant Colton Dixon.
- Track listing
- "All I've Ever Needed" - AJ Michalka
- "Desert Song" - AJ Michalka
- "You Never Let Go" featuring Jamie Denton - AJ Michalka
- "Misunderstood" - AJ Michalka
- "Holding On" - Jamie Grace
- "Our God" - Chris Tomlin
- "Steal My Show" - TobyMac
- "In and Out of Time" - Colton Dixon
- "The Void" - Nine Lashes
- "The Space Between Us" - Shawn McDonald
- "Welcome to Daylight" - Luminate
- "Amazing Grace" - Josh Wilson
Reception
Lionsgate and Roadside showed the film to Christian groups over seven months as part of a wide outreach effort leading up to the release.[9]
Beliefnet said the of the movie: "Everyone can relate with identity struggles and the journey that it takes to declare who you want to be. Grace Unplugged defines the reality behind soul searching and provides the audience with inspiration."[10]
The Christian Post called the film "a powerful movie that speaks to the heart about the importance of the choices we make in life, and how God is with us every step of the way to help us rediscover His grace, mercy, and purpose for our lives."[11]
The Dove Foundation gave "Grace Unplugged" its highest family-friendly rating, 5 Doves, calling it "a well-made inspirational story (that) features good writing, acting, music; the whole works. ... It is unashamedly about honoring God and remembering to treat others the way one desires to be treated. The acting is superb and the story is realistic and riveting as it focuses on relationships and how they can sometimes go wrong."[12]
Books
A pair of books were released in advance of the film: Grace Unplugged, a novelization of the script by Melody Carlson; and Own It, a spiritual growth title about truly "owning" your faith by Michael DiMarco and Hayley DiMarco.[13]
References
- ^ Given, Christi (July 15, 2013). "Blogger Christi Interviews the Star of the Upcoming Film "Grace Unplugged"". Project Inspired. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
- ^ DelliCarpini, Gregory; Letkemann, Jessica (July 24, 2013). "78Violet Live: Watch Aly & AJ's Tastemakers Performance". Billboard. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
- ^ a b Garrison, Greg (August 31, 2012). "Christian movie films in Birmingham, producers lured by state's tax incentive". AL.com. Advance Digital. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- ^ Garrison, Greg (September 4, 2012). "Extras line up as movie crew films concert scenes at Alabama Theatre". AL.com. Advance Digital. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- ^ Ryan, Jonathan (September 18, 2013). "Grace Unplugged: Creating Art out of Personal Pain". Patheos.com. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
- ^ "New Single From AJ Michalka, "All I've Ever Needed," Available Now on iTunes". RevivedMusic.com. June 29, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- ^ Andre, Joshua (May 22, 2013). "AJ Michalka – The Story Behind "All I've Ever Needed" from Grace Unplugged (Video)". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
- ^ Dinger, Anna (June 21, 2013). "Grace Unplugged, Movie Soundtrack To Release August 27 Featuring Music By TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Colton Dixon And More". Mstars.com. Retrieved August.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Kay, Jeremy (April 2, 2013). "Roadside readies Grace Unplugged". Screen Daily. Retrieved July.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Angela Guzman, Beliefnet, "Grace Unplugged", August 3, 2013"
- ^ Lloyd, Matt (July 25, 2012). "New Movie, 'Grace Unplugged', Highlights the Struggle for Keeping Faith While Pursuing Your Dreams (VIDEO)". The Christian Post. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- ^ "Grace Unplugged". ChristianCinema.com. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
- ^ Tiansay, Eric (August 9, 2013). "'Grace Unplugged' products to support 'conversation-starter' movie". Christian Retailing. Retrieved August 15, 2013.