Courageous

Plot synopsis:
Nathan Hayes (Ken Bevel) is at a gas station in Albany, Georgia, trying to clean his windshield when his truck is stolen. Hayes runs after the truck, clinging to the side and fighting the thief through the open window. Hayes is then thrown from the truck and it crashes. The perpetrator escapes, and Hayes is shown in pain and struggling to get to his truck. Bystanders tell him not to worry about the vehicle but he opens the back door to reveal his infant son, crying in his car seat, apparently unharmed.After bystanders call an ambulance, the police also arrive. Adam Mitchell (Alex Kendrick) and Shane Fuller (Kevin Downes) meet Hayes, discovering he is a new deputy there, having recently moved.As the deputies meet, the sheriff encourages them to spend time with their families, citing research that shows fatherless children are several times more likely to get into trouble in life, including crime. Among his deputies is rookie David Thomson (Ben Davies). Mitchell adores his nine-year-old daughter, Emily, but is distant from his fifteen-year-old son, Dylan, because Mitchell doesn't share Dylan's interest in 5k runs. Hayes never knew his biological father, instead treating a neighbor as his father (even giving him Father's Day cards annually), but would risk his life to save his three children; however, his teenage daughter Jade (Taylor Hutcherson), resents him because he has a strict policy about dating. Fuller is divorced, as were his parents, and has joint custody of his son. Thomson is young and single.Javier Martinez (Robert Amaya), an immigrant struggling to provide for his family, is walking down an alley asking God what He wants him to do after being laid off when a construction company went over budget and Mitchell calls him over to help with his shed, thinking he is a different Javier that Mitchell's friends said would be there. After paying him for the job, Mitchell recommends him to a new full-time job, where he is hired. While this is happening, Derrick Freeman (David Howze), a teenager who Hayes had earlier disapproved of dating his daughter, joins a gang that deals with drugs.One tragic day, Emily is killed by a drunk driver, devastating Mitchell and his family. Following his daughter's death, Mitchell reads a lot about fatherhood in the Bible. He decides he must be a better father and crafts a detailed "Resolution" to honor God in every aspect of his family. Mitchell, Hayes, Fuller, Thomson, and Martinez join him in his resolution at a formal ceremony conducted by Hayes's neighborhood mentor, the man he thinks of as a father. Mitchell rebuilds a relationship with his son and receives some relief of his guilt at his daughter's death. Hayes mends his relationship with his daughter and presents her with a purity ring that he asks her to wear until she is married. He also visits the grave of his biological father who he had never met and forgives him. Fuller improves his relationship with his son. Thomson reveals that he fathered a child in college and deserted the mother after she refused to have an abortion. He writes the mother a letter seeking a relationship with his daughter and encloses some support money. Martinez's factory employer offers him a promotion on the condition that he falsify inventory documents. Martinez refuses, and his boss reveals that the request was a test of Martinez's integrity, with Martinez being the only one to pass. The boss promotes Martinez and gives him a raise.Mitchell discovers that his friend and police partner, Deputy Fuller, has been stealing drugs from police evidence to resell on the streets for the money. Mitchell decides he must honor his Resolution and report the corruption. He sets up a sting leading to Fuller's arrest and imprisonment. Mitchell visits Fuller in jail where Fuller takes responsibility for his actions and asks Mitchell to look after his son, which Mitchell agrees to do.During a minor traffic stop, Hayes and Thomson unknowingly confront the armed leader of a gang they have been repeatedly encountering. One of the gang members is Derrick, who stops the gang leader from shooting Hayes with a shotgun. The incident turns into a roadside gun battle, and the gang leader attempts to take a young girl hostage. Mitchell and other officers arrive as backup. The girl's father assists Hayes in subduing a suspect, and Mitchell assists in arresting a second suspect. When Deputy Hayes asks, Derrick attributes his reason for being involved with the gang to not having anyone who cares about him.At a Father's Day church service, the men present the Resolution and Mitchell urges the fathers in the congregation to be a Godly influence on their families. Mitchell runs in a 5K race with his son and Fuller's son. Hayes reads the Bible in prison with Derrick. Thomson meets his daughter for the first time. The film ends with a quote from Joshua 24:15: "Choose today whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Tags: inspiring, christian film

Review:
I give Courageous a 10 out of 10 My top 10 faith-based movies of all time are: 1) Ben-Hur; 2) Suing the Devil; 3) Soul Surfer; 4) Facing the Giants; 5) Chariots of Fire; 6) End of the Spear; 7) The Climb; 8) Gospel of John; 9) Time Changer; 10) Courageous You're missing out if you haven't seen these films!God is working through these films..
I'll suggest you get some Dads together to watch Courageous and sit down for a meal afterward to talk about what it showed you were doing well, or right - and what you could be working on to better build into your family and their future.
This is quite simply a superb movie about faith, love, family and what is really important in life.
The movie weaves real life adventure and problems into a compelling police-based story and delivers solutions to those problems that can be used in our lives.
The film tells the story of five men and their families, and their decision to step up and face their responsibilities...no matter how hard they may be.
If you want to watch a good story, with some great filming and don't mind a religious message then this could also be for you..
It is marketed deceptively as an action-relationship film but even I felt like I had paid my money to be lectured at by holier-than-thou script inserted for religious rather than theatrical reasons.The film has a sound message (men should step up to the plate and be good fathers) but overrides this with the usual Jesus is the answer message.
Christianity is better advanced by a film which asks the hard questions, not just the apple pie and fatherhood easy questions.You will see a lot of rave reviews here from people who like sermonizing and want to induce others to see a film of this sort.
Ignore the critics who whine that it's a Christian film, or that it's low budget, or that the acting isn't on par with Citizen Kane...see for yourself how much power, drama and emotion is packed into this great film..
If the aim of this movie was to show non Christian people the advantages of believing in god, then for this viewer it has been a failure..
People who are going into church each Sunday, live prude bigoted lives, ban homosexual relationships and pretend to live the one and only proper way, because God told them so, will love this movie.
Courageous had all the elements of a good movie - humour, action and excitement, several moving story lines, an uplifting and motivating quality and great interpersonal relationships.
Awkward, unrealistic dialog interjecting god into every other sentence, terrible acting, a banal & predictable script, and don't get me started on the stereotyping (white people are good and thoughtful, black people are all gang bangers and thugs, and Latinos are unskilled laborers can't hold down jobs).I know nothing about the writers/producers, but it's as if a bunch of self-righteous, southern, racist, bible thumpers decided to make a movie to sucker in as many baptist church goers as they could to get their $10.
It's self-congratulatory preachiness is beyond obnoxious.For people saying it has a good message (which I'd only partially agree with); if you need a film to tell you to be a responsible involved parent and to work hard, well, then you've got problems.
There is nothing new or enlightening in this film, just because they say god constantly doesn't make it a good movie.And the delivery of this message is so simplistic & desperately lacking subtlety, it has the quality of a Hallmark made for TV movie or an after school special.
Let's be honest, great message about fathers stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for their families and being the religious leaders of their home......great message, but that doesn't make the movie good.
The story flowed very smoothlyOnly a few parts seemed unnaturalThe action scenes had me grippedThe emotional scenes were all well emotionalThe camera work did not seem over done or poorly handledThe mastering of the video's color and quality was top notchThe scene transitions were all very timely and right on the mark (Little to no odd pauses or mistimed cuts in the footage)The audio was impeccableThe acting was probably a 8 - 9 rating (with only one or two scenes with lower ratings through the movie) Minimal corny scenesMay be a bit overly preachy at times but the scenes were handled well and were not too, in your face, bible thumping, or abrasive.
I understand you are trying to make faith based films, but I would hope that the people producing this would know the difference between absolutely awful and moderately passable.
Having read the short synopsis beforehand, I was hopeful of seeing at least a half-decent action film even if I expected to see a cop story told a thousand times already.
Poor and unconvincing acting coupled with a ridiculous plot, laughably unrealistic as regards real-life situations, make watching this film a complete waste of time.
Can be appropriate for the whole family (the PG-13 rating is NOT for language, sex, graphic violence - THERE IS NONE), but does deal with some tough situations, decisions and emotions we go through in our lives which you should discuss with your kids afterwords.Solid acting, some very funny scenes, drama and action - and it will make you think and hopefully take action in your life.
My money and time is more valuable than that.The bad reviews are from people who hate Christians- from Bigots- who do not like the message.
There's no special effects just real people acting.FINAL VERDICT: If you are looking for a film with a good message, then this is the one for you..
My response to that question is that people will end up not seeing Courageous because it is a Christian film.
Courageous is about a group of 30-something cops and their struggle to deal with both their professional and personal life, and their ways of dealing with it..through God. Now, I will have to say Courageous is an excellent film.
Shallow storyline in the most cookiecutter way as possible, bad acting, the most bland and basic camerawork and editing possible, and the cherry on top the very one dimensional and propaganda-like message.I was waiting the whole movie to have at least one twist or interesting moment, at least something that doesn't have me bored to tears, but no,after the required plot-device happens it's just prasing the almightu God afterwards.
The Christian lives portrayed in this movie are much like anyone's in real life.
Not sure where they find the so called "critics" or if most of them are just lost souls that wouldn't know a good movie or message if it bit them on the ear like Mike Tyson....Very interesting plot weave using the police officers different backgrounds etc.
Powerful message for all fathers to remind them they have a serious job to do their best and should never forget that....also a good reminder to all in the family not to take that both parents do for granted as it's often a thankless job generating more grief and belly aching than appreciation.
The movie has a Powerful ability to deal with the issue of death of a loved and and the dance scene will leave even the strongest man with a heart sobbing like a baby.
If you want to have your boy--your future man--to become something different than what the world is generally manufacturing, get him to see this movie.Guys who have never been initiated into "Manhood" by a father or a mentor, this is a movie that will impact your hearts and minds and push you to be more than you already are.Men who are already doing it right ...
I fear that some people might not give this movie a chance because of the Christian message.
But even if you do not believe in Jesus, this movie shows life's struggles that everyday people deal with, in a very real way.
I am a Christian, but I do know a lot about movies and this is a great film.
And because I am a Christian, this movie made me cry like 5 times, it was just so real and touched home for me when dealing with families and the simple fact that it takes a lot of effort to make a family work.
I was expecting that some people (including my husband) might walk out of the movie when they realize that there is a message to this story but no one walked out.
'Courageous' makes my list of the Top 10 faith-based movies of all time....and I've seen almost everything out there.Whenever the Gospel is adhered to fully and without compromise like 'Courageous', I see the Lord blessing the films.
I wasn't alone in loving the movie, as many other movie goers showed their approval with spontaneous applause throughout the movie and at the end.Agnostics, atheists, humanists and the like might want to sit this one out as there's nothing for them in this well-done Christian movie.Though the movie largely discusses the significant roles a father plays in life (no matter one's faith or lack there of), it also speaks resoundingly of the role the spirit of God plays in other believers' lives--a wife, a child, a laborer, a policeman, an employer, a minister etc.
Bevel, who first appeared in a Sherwood Pictures film in Fireproof, is an amazingly dedicated performer who gives an honest and sincere feeling to both films.Kendrick loves subplots in his movies that tie together by the end and Courageous is filled with them with five men finding the meaning of life and fatherhood and honor.
As usual in Sherwood Pictures, the film gives little humorous events throughout – notwithstanding the amusing role of Robert Amaya in the back of a sheriff's car.Nevertheless, Courageous gave a very good representation of gang bonding and lack of a father influence that, according to Love Life-Make Your Move, more than 9 million young people are doing without.
T.C. Stallings gave a very impressive representation as a scary and dangerous villain.As viewers and enthusiasts of Sherwood Pictures will confirm, the development of this church's ministry in creating honest-to-God life-related movies is getting better and better with each succeeding film.
Unfortunately, with all of Hollywood's manipulation of technique, story line and trailers, it is more than obvious, before Courageous was viewed, the movie-makers in Hollywood completely missed the mark.Sherwood Pictures does not produce feel-good films.
I rented this movie because I wanted a decent movie with a good message for Friday movie night in my house.I will tell you that my whole family was immediately glued to the screen.This film is about fathers, not cops, so let's get that straight right away.
I was utterly impressed with what my children came away with.If you want a solidly entertaining movie with a wide variety of real-life good messages for your family, your son and your daughter, this movie is for you.
"Courageous" is a movie that presents a very wholesome, family friendly message, but just doesn't quite make the grade overall.I thought the film was a little too long, given the material and message.
I look back on several scenes and just felt like they really didn't serve a purpose and added no real value to the film at all.I knew going in that the acting would be mediocre at best, and it was.
You can tell that most, if not all of them, truly believe in the message of "Courageous"---they put their heart and soul into the movie!!!
I don't care if you are a Christian, or not; this is a must see movie for the entire family that has a VERY positive message!!!
People who think Christians can't make good movies, music..., are very sorely mistaken!
It is great for the whole family very good acting strong message Wife and kids loved it very touching parts very funny parts wholesome Words can't explain how good.I had the privilege of seeing this movie at an advanced screening.
Not often to you have a movie which has a value beyond entertainment - and this film balances a positive message with some fun and excitement.
I believe every man should watch this movie even if you are not a father there is value in this for all men.
although it is focused on Christians living according to God's word, I would hope that anyone could enjoy the movie and message it sends.
But of course it's not always about the action, and this film is rather steeped in its drama, spending significant time fleshing out the households of each of the four major cop characters, plus a friend they get to know along the way.
So if you're up for a feel-good film that has its fair share of conflict and tragedy, and a story about how the characters dug deep and overcame the various adversity along the way, then this would be for you, if you can get past how they each have to turn to God, or count their blessings each time for a fortunate turn of events swing in their favour.Ken Bevel opens the film as new cop transferee Nathan Hayes, who saves his infant child from a carjacking incident, that sets the stage that the community he is about to live in, has its own problems with teenage crime, gangs and drugs.
We're then introduced to corporals Adam Mitchell (Alex Kendrick) and his partner Shane Fuller (Kevin Downes), as well as Nathan's own rookie partner David (Ben Davies), all of whom are fathers in their own right, and all facing different challenges in their family lives.For instance, Adam has to grapple with not spending enough time to connect with his daughter Emily (Lauren Etchells) and son Dylan (Rusty Marin) who wants him to run the 5 mile together, save for Adam knowing his own fitness level and refusing to train nor participate.
As the film wore on, especially once past its crucial turning point of a tragedy that woke everyone up into being committed to signing a commitment, or a covenant of sorts to vow on the proper upbringing of children and looking after the household, such scenes became more pronounced, as with the thanking of the Lord for good fortune smiling their way.These Resolutions became the centerpiece in which the narrative will revolve around, since the pastor duly warned that each would be tested against what they have signed on paper, leaving the rest of the hour mark to deal with just that.
Some moments did come off as slightly creepy though, especially with Nathan's presentation of a purity ring to his daughter which I thought was a little bit overdone and could have been read in a very different light if taken out of context.If you're part of the intended audience, then Courageous will be that enjoyable mainstream film that has religious sensitivities, with nary a swear word or vice on display, with the bad guys all getting reached by the long arm of the law.
The acting ensemble, while not likely to win any Oscars, is overall probably the best so far in a Sherwood picture.It is a story about five men, four of which open the film as Christians.
But a savvy movie-goer, Christian or not, can appreciate that the characters' world view is simply the perspective from which a good story is told.In the end, this is a powerful message about stepping up and being an honorable father.
I grew up in the Albany area and applaud the film makers for their realistic portrayal of the diverse population and life in that community.The acting was excellent, the characters so real that I felt like they were my neighbors and I wanted to be there with - and for - them.
Sure the acting at times isn't award-worthy, but that's not the point of "Courageous"...the point of this movie is to change lives and get the message across to the viewer and it does a beautiful and wonderful job.
What I saw or received from my father is the right way but this movie provide me a great answers to my life long questions.
The movie has everything you need: action, love,suspense, care, spiritual, fun, genuine and great life stories in it.
Being a Christian person, who likes good movies, we were surprised with impactive message, emotion and Christian foundations for families in this wonderful film.
It is a great movie for all Dad's to see but also good for the whole family.
If you read any reviews that are rather anti-Christian and aren't afraid to flaunt that fact, ignore them, they can't see the importance of the "get-your-act-together-and-be-a-real-father" message for the all the Christianity in the film.
I know that the cast and producers of "Courageous" also made "Fireproof." I personally feel that the latter is the better movie or I'd have rated this higher than a 6.
However, I don't rate movies that way.I admit I cried numerous times while watching this film; it's part of my nature to do so, especially when family issues are involved.
This is a wonderful movie showing good values and drama, at the same time has funny moments and is very well done.The most important thing is that the topics covered in the movie are educational for our own lives and society.It shows God's design for families, specially the role of the father/husband that's being lost..
But don't spend your money on this movie, cus I think there are much better films of higher quality to watch out there.
And for you dads who need a "jump-start" or just want to see a good film about something you think you know, go check it out.
The movie Courageous couldn't have come at a better time.
I believe that most if not all men that watch this movie can take something away that could have a positive effect in their lives, especially if they can relate to growing up with no dad.