God's Not Dead 2

Life is complicated. We seek answers to why we exist and why we are here. Most people would probably say that the bible or the koran have the answers . I personally have a theory who knows everything about our existence. All you have to do is ask Gary Busey, the most intelligent man on our planet. I have had so many wonderful moments listening to Gary Busey, and i have to say that he have all the answers we need. His view of all the big questions of life, is simply outstanding. No matter what we believe in, or what faith we have, we all have our own views. I have visited many different churches, not only in Sweden, but also in other countries in Europe. I will say that a lot of church buildings are very impressive, when you think about architect structure. Every single detail, must have taken a very long time to construct. When it comes to religions all over the world, i have no problem with different beliefs. Besides, we can´t all believe in the same things, so you have to let people decide what they believe. My family is mostly christian, and even if i don´t visit church very often in my personal life, i don´t have a need to dig deeper into certain books. When it comes to films, made about christianity, we have some classics to mention. How about The Ten Commandments, released in 1956 ? With a cast of Charlton Heston, Vincent Price, John Carradine, Ann Baxter and many more, in a majestic production, this is one of those old classics that still works even today. In more recent years, the movie industry have bloomed with films, based on christianity. Some of you might have seen Mel Gibsons film The Passion Of The Christ. It is very disturbing, but a really good film, that showed a completely different image of Jesus, from other film adaptations, made from stories of the bible. It was also an enormous box office success, worldwide. Christian films can be good, if they have a solid message and great acting included. But we do have some bad ones out there. And i would like to take the time to mention at least 2 of them. Have you heard of Left Behind, where Nicolas Cage flies an airplane with passangers who simply vanishes ? Have you heard of Saving Christmas, with Kirk Cameron ? These 2 films shows how you should not do christian films, they are awful in every level. Very bad acting, very bad dialogue and the stories are not even well written. In fact, i mentioned in my review of Saving Christmas, that this is one of the worst films i have ever seen. Here in Sweden, we don´t get to see many christian films in cinemas, and i think one reason is because most films are targeted for american audiences. Take the film God´s Not Dead as an example. A box office hit in America, but not shown in many other countries. So here we are with a sequel, that is supposed to change peoples lives. Do we finally have a really good christian film in our hands, or is this on the same level of Left Behind ?

Grace Wesley ( Melissa Joan Hart ) is a history teacher, and a devoted Christian. She is teaching her students about the Declaration Of Independence. As she talks about the subject, she notice that one of her students named Brooke Thawley ( Hayley Orrantia ), is interested in the bible and begin to seek answers. Her brother died so she in mourning everyday. Grace really care about Brooke, so she begins to talk to her about the bible. Brooke´s parent´s finds out that Grace have talked about this in public school, and is furious. After a student text message his parents, the situation become very serious. Atheist Principal Kinney ( Robin Givens ) reprimand Grace, for her choice to teach this way. The school board decides to bring Grace´s case to the supreme court. Grace decides to stand up for her faith, even if she will loose everything.

Ok, i think it is time that i will speak open about this. I do not mind if a film is made from a christian perspective, a muslim perspective, or a jewish perspective. All i care about is that the film is good, that it is solid enough to make me enjoy it. And this is the problem with God´s Not Dead 2. I can´t really feel that there is a big truth to the justice theme in this film. You see, just because someone sends a text message, and tell someone that your faith is being told in class room, will not lead to a court case. I seriously doubt that, over one text message. In the whole film, you will be told that those who don´t believe in the bible, they will never be happy, or live a good life. I understand that christians want to convert more people to believe in Jesus Christ, but if they honestly think this is the way to do it, perhaps they need to do it in a different way. I have christian friends and i have muslim friends, so i am not against anyone who have faith. This is simply a review on my take of God´s Not Dead 2, without attacking anyone with faith. The biggest problem with this film for me, is that you are supposed to feel sorry for teacher who stands up for her faith, and i can´t feel sorry for her at all. You see, in public schools, teachers who are supposed to teach children, or teenagers, different important subjects, should not mix in their own beliefs in class. Why ? Because in public schools you follow the teachings of class, as they are supposed to be taught. This does not mean anyone who is a christian, should not have faith, or a muslim. They can stay in faith, and believe in anything they believe in. But don´t think you have the right to do so in public schools in classes. If you do this in a religious school, then this would be a completely different situation. The film makers try and make christians look like victims, over a text message, and make this much bigger than what it actually is. The court scenes feels like a daytime soap opera, and you really don´t care about what is going on in court. The acting is what you would expect it to be, and it is not good. Melissa Joan Hart, you might remember her from Sabrina - The Teenage Witch, tries to give us a performance that will touch our hearts. Her performance does not touch me anywhere, it just feels fabricated and without passion. Legendary actor Ray Wise may be the best actor in this film, he gives his character some kind of personality. I have seen some christian films over the years, and i keep noticing that some of the film makers are dealing with the same problem. They want to bring biblical messages into the films, but don´t do it in a good way. Instead, they might try and make you feel that you are a wrong, if you are not a christian. I don´t think this is the way to do it correctly. Tell a story from a christian perspective, but make the story more fascinating, and give the audience an experience so they can discuss afterwards. Left Behind is one example of how you should not do, let´s hope there is no sequel. Director Harold Cronk directed the first film, that included actor Kevin Sorbo, tried to set up a debate between a christian student and an atheist college professor. The message did not give anything surprising, because you are told that atheist people are always wrong. God´s Not Dead 2 may have a different story, but keep the message straight, christians are victims at any moment. I think director Harold Cronk should have tried a different path, just because someone is a christian, does not mean that you have to feel sorry for them. And i can´t say he does a good job with the court scenes. God´s Not Dead 2 will not change my view on christian films in general, i just don´t feel that this film gives anything interesting to the viewer. I would not be surprised if we get a third film, if we do, please someone call in christian Chuck Norris, so he can bring the message of God correctly.

Rating: D