Fireproof

Plot synopsis:
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.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. Convinced 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 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.

Tags: christian film

Review:
Selfless love and service as the keys to a joyful marriage are not exclusive to any religion.A great movie for married couples - very thought provoking..
Making a movie that tackles real life marriage problems head on is challenging, and not always easy to watch.
I'm an Evangelical Quaker (basically, a Christian who believes that you can reach anyone by being understanding, compassionate, and loving without thumping their head with a Bible) and my father, at one time, was a pastor of a church plant.
People, especially Christians, are so easily mislead to believe that just because the people who made the movie share their beliefs that it must be good even though the film's clearly bad.
But when a truly Christian movie comes along (like Walk the Line or The Road), they ignore it because people say it isn't "Christian" enough.
These are the types of Christian movies that people should look up to instead of this trash:Tender Mercies (1983) Deals with the theme that some people need to be polished with love in order to change.The Road (2009) Deals with the theme of persevering in the harshest circumstances presented to you.
The father-son relationship is a metaphor for passing the torch on to the next generation.I Am Legend (2007) Deals with the theme of losing everything in your life and then regaining it again and realizing God's love.The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) Asks the question of how people ignore God when they have seen the Devil.Walk the Line (2005) Again, deals with the theme that some people need to be polished with love in order to change.
As in their previous movies, the Kendricks brothers had me crying, laughing, cheering, and, during the action sequences, on the edge of my seat.Being a Christian, I was not turned off by the message(s) of faith in Christ that are an inherent part of Sherwood Pictures productions, and I didn't feel like that aspect of the movie was being shoved down my throat.
But if a message of being good, kind, and loving doesn't frighten you, I highly recommend this movie.At times I saw myself on the screen, as most of us can relate to some level of tension in marriage (or any relationship).
And I believe people of any marital status can learn valuable lessons from this movie and be entertained at the same time.An interesting side note - I heard in a couple different interviews that Kirk Cameron auditioned for this part like all of the other volunteer actors, AND was a willing volunteer himself - pretty much quieting the skeptics who claim he (and others) were making this movie to line their pockets..
"Fireproof" finally puts together solid production values, mostly topnotch acting, and a very nicely written script that includes some clever plot twists.Yes, it is explicitly Christian in its message.
Anybody who is married should see this movie because we've all had bumps in the road along the way.Fire department Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is valued and respected everywhere he goes, except at home.
His wife Catherine (Erin Bethea), overwhelmed by her career and her mother's inability to communicate, doesn't feel loved by him; and Caleb's withdrawal of love, along with her inability to respect him cause them to pursue divorce.Upon finding out about their troubled marriage, Caleb's dad asks him to hold off proceeding with the divorce to make one last effort to save his marriage, a forty-day experiment called, "The Love Dare." Caleb reluctantly agrees to it, and forgetting it took years to dig the hole that their relationship is in, he is upset when it doesn't work immediately.
All through the movie the husband is told by everyone he just needs God to save his marriage with none of these advisers knowing anything about his wife or his marriage.
Well in the real world that's not how it works, and that's why the divorce rate is higher among Evanglicals than the general population.The wife in the movie is never asked to change or adjust her behavior she's just asked to accept God and then everything is okay.
She's also mad at her husband for looking at porn and like most evangelical nuts the writers of this movie want to portray that porn is bad.
This movie kind of reminded me of "Freedom Writers" where overall it was so-so yet contained some very poignant, profound, and memorable scenes.I am a Christian and I admired the fact that the makers of "Fireproof" were not shy of bringing forth the Gospel message and how Jesus Christ should be the focal point of a healthy marriage.
But a word of warning: if you are passionate and/or empathetic, it may be too much to handle.A fireman (Kirk Cameron) with leadership responsibilities and strong commitment to the working relationship among the team finds that his own marriage relationship is suddenly tanking, and spends the rest of the movie finding a way to respond.
The characters brazenly act out in ways that, from our vantage point, make us cringe (déjà vu, perhaps?); there is no quick, easy resolution, and reaching the final disposition wrings more from the characters (and the audience!) than would be expected from, say, the Hollywood quick-fix relationship movies we are accustomed to.The story paces well, with characters that avoid the stick-figure caricatures we can expect with most H*wood fare, A wonderful balance of humor lightens the movie, and even some of the intense moments are funny as well.
(If you have experiences in life that you thought were totally serious at the time, but you look back in laughter, you know what I mean...) Another couple, my wife, and I watched the movie this afternoon, and after checking the score and reading the comments on IMDb, I must wonder: how can someone see this who has any experience with real life, and not be moved?
(My throat is pretty sore right now from stifling it.) Even without top-line actors, the scenes are a testimony to a tragedy in our midst, happening right now in your city and mine, yet unseen.There are heroes in this movie, and this film will satisfyingly define the difference between their heroism and running with over-weighted spur-of-the-moment feelings from one fire to the next..
I will not tell you how this movie rocked based off of Bible verses...I will tell you that it was an important story about reaping what you sow and staying true, not just to God (if you don't believe), but to your morals and being a good, kind person.Kirk Cameron delivered an AMAZING performance as Caleb Holt, frustrated by his marriage and more so questioning himself for why everything he seemed to do was wrong.
The supporting cast was great, and I don't know why people thought Kirk was so unbelievable as a firefighter (ok, i admit I don't know A LOT about the ins and outs of their daily work).There was a "Jesus element" of course...but I went into the movie expecting Bible verses at every turn.
I would say if you are prepared for a movie with a "lesson" see this...if you want love-making scenes and need lots of blood, swearing, alcohol and hitting people...skip this film.
I don't know about the literal fire-and-brimstone place for unrepentant sinners, but "Fireproof" is a truly awful movie made for what writer/director Alex Kendrick and producer/star Kirk Cameron must have thought were all the right reasons."Fireproof" documents the declining marriage of a fire captain (Cameron) and his hospital administrator wife (Catherine Holt).
And the rest of the actors seem to be reading off cue cards without regard to the emotional honesty of the scene.But what I really found offensive was the basic message: Only Evangelical Christians get married for the "right" reasons, and the source of all marital discord is a lack of faith in God's word.
Having witnessed my own parents' divorce, I can tell you the root of their problems was not that they didn't go to church often enough.Many of my Evangelical friends say that movies like this have to be made and can't be screened for critics, because Hollywood and the mainstream media are hostile to Christianity.
Plus, it's a million times better than "Fireproof".Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick brothers--I am fairly sure--felt this movie needed to be made.
Watching this movie I just kept thinking, "Get a divorce, already!" So he talks to his dad who gives him a book to work on his marriage for 40 days, which he tries to no avail.
I have heard from many people (Christians) about how great this movie is because it shows how a man should make his marriage work, but there really wasn't much of that.
I suspect this movie is an attempt to find someone at a low point in their life (like in a bad marriage) and recruit them to Christianity.If you're a Christian, you'll probably absolutely love this movie, since most of them do.
See Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson if you want to see a film which gets both message and medium right.It is to be expected that churches will not have the budgets to finance professional actors.
Kirk Cameron does a wonderful job in this movie as well as the lovely young actress who portrays his wife.
I think like Facing the Giants, it will stand the test of time.Let's fill up the theaters for this one and send a message to Hollywood that this is the kind of movie we want to see!.
I laughed throughout the film, I loved all the action scenes, all the acting was fantastic, and don't tell anyone, but I even got a little misty a few times.
This movie was simply incredible!!!One movie reviewer gave this summary: "A heroic fireman locked in a failing marriage accepts his father's challenge to take part in a 40-day experiment designed to teach both husband and wife the true meaning of commitment in this faith-based marriage drama starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea.
I admit that the message that the movie is *TRYING* to put across is heart warming and sincere, but the film is extremely awful, simple as that.
The short version: It was an honest, deep, touching film about marriage, the people in them who want to succeed but come up short, and our need for God to fill in what's missing in our lives.
But Cameron's father intervenes and the promise he extracts from his son to try what will prove to be a grueling 40 day challenge provides the framework and the drama for the rest of the film.Cameron's character has a dedicated Christian side-kick at work who gives him guidance - whether he wants it or not - and several subordinates who generate most of the tension-alleviating humor the movie desperately needs.
They deliver with several full-on side- splitters that, just as in real life, show that Christians aren't all Puritanical prigs.The plot is solid throughout as Cameron battles a common addiction/crutch that many men, Christians and non-believers alike, deal with every day and his wife Kat experiences unexpected temptations because of the change in her commitment to her marriage.
Bad acting, bad writing it was painful to watch, the main characters were horrible, boring and you can see the plot coming from miles away but I thought maybe I can get through it until the train scene I was like " come on seriously the god thing again( cause I've seen that sh#$t many times in many American movies) the black dude was away from the train people use your brains" most of the reviews didn't even touch on the acting/writing part in their reviews all I can read is "oh it was touching, spiritual and magical".
Basically, if you want to see a really good love story, with lots of values and morals in it, and you don't necessarily care how bad the acting is, this is the movie for you!.
(Take it from me, you should be able to predict how the movie turns out 15 minutes into it) This is all I can give without 'spoiling' it for anyone: There are three take aways from this film:1) Mutual respect is the means to a long loving relationship.2) Only through Jesus can someone truly understand the sacrifice of love.
Unless you believe wholeheartedly that God is in control of your life and you are in a marriage that is about to result in divorce and you are looking to save it, Do Not Watch This Movie!This movie does nothing but preach, and the anyone with any clue what good acting is will be disgusted..
It has a great plot, some edge of your seat moments and some core values that anyone can embrace,even if some people aren't Christian that watch it there is still a good story to see this movie for.
The underlying emotions and the powerful messages really compliment what the pastors share throughout the churches each week.Anyway, here's my Top 10 list of best Christian films:1) Ben Hur; 2) The Gospel of John; 3) A Vow to Cherish; 4) Left Behind-Pt. II; 5) The Jesus Film; 6) The Passion of the Christ; 7) Facing the Giants; 8) Fireproof; 9) The Genius Club; 10) Time Changer.
My husband and I saw Fireproof together, and we were struck by the movie's celebration of covenant marriage and unconditional love.
"Fireproof" is not a very good Christian movie.
"Fireproof" is the first movie I've seen in too long a time that takes the issue of marital problems and deals with them in an honest way without giving in to fake plot devices like several over-emotive shouting matches; the boys'/girls' night out where the spouse meets a super sexy someone; or one spouse almost dies, making the partner realize what almost was lost.
"Fireproof" definitely has a Christian message, but given Caleb's circumstance, what he does to try and better his marriage makes sense.
They did a great job hitting on problems that happen in every family.Kirk Cameron did a wonderful job as did all the actors and actresses in the movie.This movie totally spoke to my heart and also my husbands.This family had huge problems in their marriage but who out there hasn't had a problem or a fight.
All i can do is pray Hollywood sees that this movie rocks.Some people are saying that there was to much scripture or Christian talk in this movie but isn't that what it is about.Please tell all your friends to go see this movie....Lets all Fireproof our Marriage!!!.
Kirk Cameron is dedicated to his real-life wife so much so that they used her at the end of the movie for the final kiss.
As you've probably heard if you know anything about this movie, the story revolves around a firefighter (Kirk Cameron) who is successful and heroic on the job but is allowing his marriage to fall apart.
More romantic than the average romance-comedy out today, this is a good love story and a message that will somehow impact anyone who sees it, Christian or not.***1/2 out of **** (though it doesn't deserve this by all film-making standards, its inspirational value and lasting impact alone are worth this)..
Such pitfalls are lacking any conception as to how people who do not live a faith-based life think and act, emotional manipulation, incredibly mawkish and hamfisted themes, and a disturbingly basic storyline for an issues as complex as a crumbling marriage and divorce.The film centers around the unhappily married couple Caleb and Catherine Holt (played by outspoken Christian and evangelist filmmaker Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea).
After the liberals have vent their spleen on it, I look for the rating to increase, word of mouth to work, and maybe a few people may even have their marriages saved or find Jesus because of this movie..
Fireproof is the third movie by a production company that was never given a chance, and this 3rd attempt is even better that the first two.As for those that think that God shouldn't be in the theaters than I guess you haven't read your Bible.
Faith based movies may not have the technical and theatrical sophistication of mainstream Hollywood, but as long as we keep supporting them they will get better.Fireproof is a great movie and the theme, Christian or not is refreshing; especially for a nation that has a 50%+ divorce rate and clearly needs help..
The "Love Dare" has some really good ideas on how to "fireproof your marriage." (One of those corny figures of speech.) And the film inspires you to make the effort.Despite some stilted acting, corny dialogue, and preachy speeches, I was genuinely moved by "Fireproof." I could relate to the characters' struggle.
I always love a good romantic story line, and I really loved this movie, I'm a Christian, and I was wondering how they were going to portray the thematic elements.
Here is a great story which was passed on to me of a couple who watched this movie :A man takes a woman whom he is having an affair with to the movie thinking that it is an action film.
The fact that this movie has reached so many people, is an act of God. Not liking it is your choice, but it's about time we get some REAL movies in the media and REAL MEN love Jesus!
I saw how it blew up at selected theaters and actually beat out some movies in the weekly top 5 here on IMDb. And I have to say,....not bad.I know Kirk Cameron is a Christian and loves all things, 'GOD', and this movie reflects that, mostly with the father character who always wants to pray.
However, about 30 minutes into the film, you see Kirk Cameron do some really good acting.
Good movie, great message.
But it's a good movie, with a great message - that to really love another person, you have to open your heart to God. And that to survive in a marriage, it takes work, sacrifice, and reaching beyond yourself.