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{{Infobox Film
{{Infobox Film
| name = Fireproof
| name = Firepoop
| image = Fireproof poster.jpg
| image = Fireproof poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| caption = Theatrical release poster

Revision as of 18:30, 17 September 2009

Firepoop
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAlex Kendrick
Written byAlex Kendrick
Produced byAlex Kendrick
Stephen Kendrick
StarringKirk Cameron
Erin Bethea
Ken Bevel
Stephen Dervan
Jason McLeod
Alex Kendrick
CinematographyBob Scott
Edited byBill Ebel
Music byMark Willard
Distributed bySamuel Goldwyn Films
Sherwood Pictures
Release date
September 26, 2008
Running time
122 min.
CountryTemplate:FilmUS
LanguageEnglish
Budget$500,000
Box office$33,456,317

Fireproof is a Template:Fy American Christian drama film by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Sherwood Pictures. Alex Kendrick directed the film, and also co-wrote and co-produced it with his brother, Stephen Kendrick. The supporting cast is made up of volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, where the Kendrick brothers are associate pastors. The lead role Caleb Holt was portrayed by Kirk Cameron, and also starring were Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Stephen Dervan and Jason McLeod.

On a budget of $500,000, Fireproof opened in theaters on September 26, 2008, and was the highest grossing independent film of 2008, with $33,456,317 domestically. Reviews for the film were mixed, with Christians groups giving positive reviews and film critics giving generally negative reviews. It was also released to DVD on January 27, 2009, with over $25,000,000 in DVD sales. The film received the Best Feature Film award at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

Plot

Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is a firefighter in Albany, Georgia and firmly keeps the cardinal rule of all firemen, "Never leave your partner behind". But Caleb's home life is an altogether different story; his seven-year marriage to his wife Catherine (Erin Bethea) is on the verge of implosion. Neither one understands the pressures the other faces, and after a heated argument in which Caleb screams in Catherine's face, she declares she wants out of the marriage, and takes off her wedding ring.

While Caleb claims to his friends and co-workers that Catherine is over-sensitive and disrespectful, Catherine simultaneously claims to her peers that Caleb is insensitive to her needs and doesn't listen to her. Further catalyzing Catherine's motivation for divorce is Caleb's addiction to Internet pornography and a large sum of money ($24,000, to be exact) he has saved up for a fishing boat he intends to buy, ignoring the fact that Catherine's disabled mother is in need of hospital equipment that she cannot afford, and which insurance refuses to cover. Caleb tells his father, John, about the impending divorce, and John challenges Caleb to commit to a 40-day test called, "The Love Dare." Caleb reluctantly agrees to do the test, but more for the sake of his father than his marriage. Catherine initially sees through Caleb's half-hearted attempts to win back her heart, which deepens Caleb's frustration. But with his father's encouragement, Caleb continues with The Love Dare, and eventually makes a life-changing commitment to God, unbeknownst to Catherine.

File:Erin Bethea and Kirk Cameron in Fireproof.jpg
Caleb Holt (Cameron) angry at his wife, Catherine Holt (Bethea) early in the film.

Meanwhile, Catherine begins flirting with Dr. Gavin Keller (Perry Revell) at the hospital where she works. She begins to open up to him about some of her problems, chiefly her mother's need for the hospital equipment which she can't afford, but as she's no longer wearing her wedding ring, Keller doesn't know Catherine is married, at least not until Caleb is brought to the hospital later. Catherine comes up to Caleb in the emergency room as Keller is treating him, and a nurse says that Caleb is Catherine's husband. Through the guidance of The Love Dare, and as a result of his commitment to Christ, Caleb begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. He begins pulling more of his own weight at home, doing household chores and running errands, and even leaving real roses for Catherine. Soon Caleb even finds the motivation to destroy his computer and everything on it, smashing it to pieces with a baseball bat. However, Catherine is still intent on filing for divorce, much to Caleb's anguish.

When Catherine goes to the home care store to talk with a clerk about the unpaid equipment her mother needs, the clerk tells her that all the equipment has been paid for in full and is being installed at her mother's house. Believing it was Dr. Keller that paid the $24,300 price, Catherine goes to Keller at the hospital to thank him and sets up a lunch date with him. Meanwhile, Caleb finds out about Dr. Keller through a card for Catherine that she left at home, so he goes to the hospital and warns Dr. Keller that, even with his mistakes, he will not step aside and let Keller have Catherine without a fight. The doctor gets the message and quickly cools the relationship with Catherine, and the viewer learns that Dr. Keller is married and hides his ring in a desk drawer.

When Caleb finds Catherine at home sick in bed, he decides to take care of her, with food and medicine. Bewildered at his new bedside manner, Catherine asks Caleb what's happening to him. Caleb starts to tell Catherine about The Love Dare, and she pulls Caleb's book out from underneath the blanket next to her. Caleb kneels before Catherine and tearfully apologizes for his selfish behavior and asks her forgiveness. While Catherine admits she sees some change in Caleb, she still cannot bring herself to trust him and believe he has changed. Caleb understands and gives her as much time as she needs to think things over.

Days later, Catherine returns to the home care store to purchase linens for her mother's new hospital bed, mentioning to the clerk that linens were the only thing Dr. Keller didn't pay for. But when the clerk reveals to Catherine that it was Caleb two weeks prior who paid $24,000 (Keller contributed only $300), Catherine bursts into tears and leaves the store. Now fully convinced of Caleb's genuine change of heart, Catherine runs home crying to put her wedding ring back on her finger. After freshening up, she goes straight to the fire house to tell Caleb that she now forgives him, and the two lovingly embrace. (Also, in a deleted scene, Catherine discovers Gavin flirting with a nurse shortly after learning of Caleb's payment for the hospital bed.)

Caleb's parents come to visit. While talking to his son, Caleb's father reveals that, contrary to what Caleb had believed, he did not do The Love Dare on his wife, she did it on him. This causes Caleb to recognize the impact his mother has had in his life, and rushes home to reconcile with her. Caleb and Catherine renew their vows in an outdoor ceremony, this time as a covenant with God.

Cast

Fireproof's cast included more than 1,200 volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church.[1] The main cast was:

Noble, Cameron's real-life wife, appears in a scene near the end when Cameron's character kisses his wife. Filmed in shadow with Noble disguised to look like Bethea, this was done because of Cameron's specific belief that a man should not kiss any woman other than his wife.[2]

Production and marketing

Fireproof was filmed during various days of October–December 2007. The production was based on a budget of $500,000. It was shot in 16 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 [Baptist] Church."[3] The Albany Fire Department donated its fire station locations, trucks and even some of its crew for use during the filming.[4] The producers were also given use of a train and a hospital wing. The film's cast was made up of 1,200 volunteers, and several technical crewmen who worked below rate. Instead of marketing with television spots and billboards, Fireproof's marketers invited Christian publications to the set and screened the film early for pastors and church groups. Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films said, "The marketing is more grass roots."[1]

During an appearance at Southeast Christian Church, Erin Bethea commented that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and good community standing were the most important factors considered during casting for the movie.

Marriage relations

The Love Dare, a book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick relating to marriage, is a centerpiece of the film's plot. Alex Kendrick said in an interview that Fireproof would be "a drama/romance about marriage. Our goal is to reinforce God's intention for marriage."[5] Fireproof has been endorsed by many Christian marriage-oriented organizations, and it is partnered with Fireproof My Marriage.

Fireproof My Marriage

Fireproof My Marriage is a ministry of Sherwood Pictures and Fireproof, which was created to build and strengthen marriages through tools it offers[6] and has different sections of its ministries, for couples, churches, communities, businesses and firefighters. It is partnered with Focus on the Family and FamilyLife, as well as other ministries. On March 27–28, 2009, a Fireproof My Marriage seminar was held at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick, Ted Cunningham, and Michael Catt, among others, were guest speakers.[7]

Soundtrack

Untitled

The film soundtrack for Fireproof is set to be released on July 14, 2009.[8] It features songs by Christian groups and artists, such as Casting Crowns and Third Day.

  1. "Fireproof" – Main Title (2:11)
  2. "Brighter Days" – Leeland (3:44)
  3. "This is Who I Am" – Third Day (2:32)
  4. "On the Tracks" (6:08)
  5. "The Love Dare" (1:02)
  6. "Slow Fade" – Casting Crowns (4:40)
  7. "Not Good Enough" (1:00)
  8. "What You Don't Have" (2:37)
  9. "House Fire" (6:01)
  10. "While I'm Waiting" – John Waller (4:52)
  11. "Temptation" (2:52)
  12. "The Apology" (2:43)
  13. "Personal Sacrifice" (3:48)
  14. "You Belong to Me" – Grey Holiday (1:50)
  15. "She Did It To Me" (1:50)
  16. "Love Is Not a Fight (Movie Version)" – Warren Barfield (4:28)
  17. "Bonus Track: While I'm Waiting (Fireproof Remix)" – John Waller (4;49)

Release

Fireproof was released on September 26, 2008, and received an MPAA rating of PG for "thematic material and some peril."[9]

Reception

Fireproof has received generally negative reviews from film critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it rating of 37%, based on 19 reviews.[10] Metacritic gave it a metascore of 28%, based on 6 reviews.[11] Ed Gonzalez of LA Weekly said, "Fireproof stops becoming relatable to us all and only to the already, or easily, indoctrinated."[12] 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."[13] 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."[14]

The movie has received extremely positive reviews from Christian groups. Greg Wright of ChristianCinema.com said, "...the best surprise of Fireproof is Cameron’s performance as Caleb. It’s far and away the best I’ve seen from a male lead this year..."[15] A review by The Dove Foundation stated, "It is a wonderful movie with dashes of humor and plenty of drama including exciting rescue scenes."[16] Michael Foust of the Baptist Press said: "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."[17]

Box office

Fireproof's advance sales accounted for 40% of all Fandango sales the week before before the film opened.[18] It was released on September 26, 2008 in 839 theaters.[19] In its first weekend, Fireproof grossed $6,836,036, putting it in fourth place at the box office.[20] In each of its first four weeks in theatrical release, it gained theaters; with 839 in its first weekend, 852 in its second, 875 in its third, 905 in its fourth, and began to slowly drop from then on.[21] During its run, Fireproof had a domestic gross of $33,456,317,[22] more than tripling the lifetime earnings of its predecessor, Facing the Giants, and moving it into the top 5 Christian films by earnings.[23] It was also the highest grossing independent film of 2008.[24]

DVD release

Fireproof was released to DVD on January 27, 2009. Included as special features are deleted scenes, bloopers, behind-the-scenes making-of featurettes,[25] and a commentary by the Kendrick Brothers.[26] The DVD contained trailers for Facing the Giants, Faith Like Potatoes and The Note.[27] Since its DVD release, it has played in hundreds of churches and events across the United States. On its first weekend of DVD release, it ranked third in retail sales[28] and fifth in rentals with a rental index of 51.02.[29] After the upcoming weeks, it sold $28,507,308 in DVD sales.[30]

Awards

2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival

  • Best Feature Film[31]
  • Runner up for Best of Festival.[32]

17th Annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala

  • $100,000 Epiphany Prize[33]

The Dove Foundation's Crystal Seal Awards

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Keegan, Rebecca Winters (October 3, 2008). "Fireproof: When Filmmakers Believe in Miracles". Time. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
  2. ^ Dransfeldt, Jeffrey (September 26, 2008). "Devotion keeps actor Kirk Cameron centered". VenturaCountyStar. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
  3. ^ Buseck, Craig von (July 18, 2008). "Kirk Cameron is Fireproof in New Movie". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
  4. ^ Kendrick, Stephen (September 2, 2008). "Stephen Kendrick Interview" (Interview). Interviewed by C.J. Darlington. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  5. ^ "Featured Filmmaker: Alex Kendrick". ChristianCinema.com. November 20, 2006. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  6. ^ Buss, Dale (January 27, 2009). "What's Next for Makers of Fireproof?". CitizenLink. Retrieved January 28, 2009.
  7. ^ "'Fireproof My Marriage' seminar March 27–28". Florida Baptist Witness. February 26, 2009. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  8. ^ "Fireproof: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack To Release July 14". CMSpin. June 1, 2009. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  9. ^ "MPAA ratings". The Hollywood Reporter. June 25, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2008.
  10. ^ "Fireproof (2008)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  11. ^ "Fireproof: Samuel Goldwyn Films". Metacritic. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  12. ^ Gonzalez, Ed (September 30, 2008). "Movie Reviews". LA Weekly. Retrieved March 14, 2009.
  13. ^ "Inspirational drama scores a surprise hit". The Hollywood Reporter. September 30, 2008. Retrieved October 22, 2008.
  14. ^ Leydon, Joe (September 26, 2008). "Recently Reviewed: Fireproof". Variety. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  15. ^ Wright, Greg. "Fireproof: Real Problems, Real Change". ChristianCinema.com. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
  16. ^ "Fireproof: Dove Family-Approved". The Dove Foundation. ChristianCinema.com. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
  17. ^ Foust, Michael (July 28, 2008). "'Fireproof' a Big League film". Baptist Press. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  18. ^ Bowles, Scott (September 27, 2008). "'Fireproof' Marries God, Filmmaking". ABC News. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  19. ^ "Movie Fireproof". The Numbers. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  20. ^ "Weekend Box Office Results for September 26-28, 2008". Box Office Mojo. September 26–28, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  21. ^ "Fireproof Weekend Box Office". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  22. ^ "Weekend Box Office". Box Office Mojo. December 19–21, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ "Christian Movies". Box Office Mojo. November 5, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  24. ^ Buss, Dale (January 21, 2009). "What Christians Watch". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 24, 2009.
  25. ^ "New on DVD". WNDU-TV. January 27, 2009. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
  26. ^ "Fireproof Actor Talks about DVD Release". Christian Broadcasting Network. January 27, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  27. ^ Carter, R.J. (January 26, 2009). "DVD Review: Fireproof". The Trades. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
  28. ^ Arnold, Thomas K. (February 4, 2009). "Lakeview Terrace tops DVD charts". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
  29. ^ "DVD/Home Video Rentals". Home Media Retailing. Box Office Mojo. January 26–February 1, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ "US DVD Sales Chart for Fireproof". The Numbers. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  31. ^ Alanis, James (January 12, 2009). "Report from San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  32. ^ "San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival Announces 2009 Jubilee Award Winners". San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. January 12, 2009. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  33. ^ Snyder, Tom (February 12, 2009). "FIREPROOF Wins $100,000 Epiphany Prize". Movieguide. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
  34. ^ "Dove Foundation Announces Crystal Seal Award Winners". ChristianCinema.com. April 2, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2009.

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