BREAKTHROUGH

BREAKTHROUGH I love seeing these faith-based films which typically hit theaters around Easter. I think it’s because over the years, I’ve moved away from the church and into a more philosophical look at spirituality and faith; which intellectually makes me feel more empowered. Yet, when I watch these movies, (click for T&T Reviews) “Heaven Is For Real”, “Miracles from Heaven”, “The Shack” and now “Breakthrough” all based on true stories which so clearly don’t shy away from church, scripture, miracles and God, I feel a certain relief watching them.

Not only because I get a good cry, but I like that they don’t try to walk a balanced line to accommodate agnostics; instead they create an entertaining movie, with great casting and direction, but it’s ALL ABOUT GOD’s presence, and it feels good to let down my guard against traditional views on the Lord and our Savior and just believe, at least for 2 hours…

In 2015, a 14-year-old high school basketball star named John Smith (adopted from Guatemala as a baby) was playing with friends on the ice of a lake near St. Louis, when he fell through and disappeared underwater for 15 minutes. Although a paramedic was able to locate and pull his freezing body out of the water, the prognosis was more than grim. His mother, a very active member of her church, was told in ICU to say goodbye to her son. Instead she prayed, screamed and demanded the Holy Spirit breath life back into her son and save him. Miraculously, his pulse returned.

“Breakthrough” is a modern-day Resurrection Story. The film is based on the real Joyce Smith’s book, recounting John’s accident. It’s the kind of story where we know the plot points the moment we settle into our seats, yet it’s the execution that matters…

The gravitas and assumed expertise of the doctor played by Dennis Haysbert (All State Spokesman), who warns Joyce and her husband Brian (Josh Lucas) that if John (Marcel Ruiz) survives the night, he will likely be trapped in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.

It’s Chrissy Metz’s spot on performance of a suburban Mom in emotional crisis, so full of faith and yet won’t accept a new contemporary Pasteur at her church (Topher Grace) and becomes somewhat insufferable when her believe turns to hubris. Not to mention, as a “This is Us” fan, there’s nothing more natural than crying along with Metz.

It’s also beautifully directed by Roxane Dawson and produced by Devon Franklin (actress Meagan Good’s husband) and President & CEO of Franklin Entertainment, a multi-media company that produces inspirational content.

So, whether you do believe, don’t believe or secretly want to believe, check out BREAKTHROUGH during this Easter season.

T&T the Large Association of Movie Blogs (aka the LAMb) rating: 4 outta 5