This May, Genius Products released the film, "The Wager," on DVD. The movie stars country music star Randy Travis as Michael Steele, a Hollywood leading man who finally gets the Oscar nomination he's been waiting for his whole career.
But as the countdown to the awards show starts, his life spirals out of control (much like Job), as his wife files for divorce, his costar accuses him of unspeakable acts against a child, and a member of the paparazzi stalks him to get a story.
First, the good news. Christian filmmaking has taken huge leaps in the quality of product. The acting was good and the directing was interesting and creative. Travis is believable as a Clint Eastwood-ish action actor, as is his manager, played by "24'"s Jude Ciccolella. Candace Cameron Bure stars as Steele's fiesty costar, and Nancy Stafford is his kind-hearted sister, Annie.
And the filmmakers get an "A" for effort as they at least tried to tackle subject matter normally taboo in Christian movies.
The bad news is that they threw every possible scenario into the film and the effort results in a storyline lacking in cohesiveness and depth. At only 80 minutes, the film barely has time to develop the characters before it's over, let alone develop the child in question, the marriage problems, and Steele's sister's work at The Dream Center, and explain the strange man who keeps showing up to challenge Steele about the Sermon on the Mount. A less complicated plot and more time to set up the story would have gone a long way towards making this a really great film.
I have to admit that the best part of the film, for me, came when I recognized the song "Lifelight," by my friends Two Empty Chairs, playing as the film ended and the credits rolled. I'd totally forgotten it was going to be included in this movie. Quick intro to 2EC: The guys in the band lost a friend to suicide a few years ago, and it changed their entire outlook on life. They renamed the band to reflect their willingness to sit down with fans and talk at any time - one chair for them, one chair for you - and dedicated their ministry to reaching their peers with an open ear and a message of hope. They don't care if they're playing to hundreds or dozens. The band is currently touring with actor Jason McLeod from "Facing The Giants," doing retreats and discipleship weekends.
The movie also includes other great music, including "Grace" from Phil Wickham, as well as music from Evan Wickham, Kendall Payne, Judson Pearce, Jason Harrod, Ashton Allen, and The Daylights.
"The Wager" is available now on DVD.
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