A couple months ago, my wife and I were invited to preview a new film called “Courageous”. Before going to the theater, I expected the typical good-hearted Christian movie, one with a solid message but mediocre production value. After all, the same group that produced “Courageous” was behind “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof”, films with good intentions but amateur quality.
Well after seeing “Courageous”, I can say that it is on a completely different level than those other two. Yes, it’s a bit syrupy, and yes, it still has the obligatory conversion when a main character “asks Jesus to be his personal Lord and Savior.” But visually, structurally, and artistically, it’s one of the best family-friendly films I’ve seen.
When my wife and I left the theater, I was still moved and stunned. More than anything else I left with a deeper resolve to be a strong and protective man for my family.
Our country is in the midst of a fatherhood crisis. Most children grow up without a solid male role model and it’s destroying our culture’s foundation. At a time when positive examples of masculinity are rare, we need films like this where men exhibit selfless love.
“Courageous” hits theaters this weekend and if you’re a man, you need to go see it. If you’re a woman, drag your husband, boyfriend, or male friends to go see the film. Even if they assume it’s cheesy or boring, take them anyways.
As a man, I can say with assurance: we desperately need this message.