Recently I had the chance to pre-screen the movie ‘I Still Believe’. Since I got to watch the film from my comfy couch, I decided not to invite my husband or kids so I could enjoy and focus on the film. Good choice. There was no there to see me bawling!
Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that as a bad thing at all. The movie really resonated with me and touched me so much it brought me to tears.. well the bawling can’t breath ones at one point… NOT PRETTY! Partly I was moved because I have been dealing with helping my son find direction and focus on what kind of a person he wants to be. A lot of those discussions have been based around faith as his cornerstone of what to believe in and direct him when he is unsure. Funny… a few years ago I would have related to the main leads, now I’m relating to the parents.
Enough about my stuff, let’s talk ‘I Still Believe’. Don’t Worry no spoilers. Even if there were, it’s the type of movie you would be drawn to check out this weekend as it opens!
Movie credit details: the film was directed by the Erwin Brothers who also made ‘I Can Only Imagine’. The screenplay is by Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn and Madeline Carroll, based on Jeremy Camp’s Autobiography. It was brought to Canada by FaithFilms.ca.
The Cast
To be honest, when I heard K.J Apa from CW Riverdale was starring in the film, I wondered if the film would be ‘teen-washed’ (targeting his younger audience). This was not a concern. The movie wasn’t a K.J. Apa fan film, although he did play his role well. Not only was he excellent in the lead role as Christian musician Jeremy Camp, I was impressed to find out he sang all the songs in the film. I didn’t even know he could sing. It’s funny because throughout the movie and songs I kept looking for a New Zealand accent (which I love), but he’s such a talented artist you never catch it… until you hear him in interviews and do a double take.
Not only was Riverdale’s ‘Archie Andrews’ in the film (minus the red hair), but it was an amazing cast. Britt Robertson played the sweet Melissa Lynn Henning-Camp, Jeremy’s love interest (and by her name you can tell becomes his wife). Jeremy’s parents were played by Gary Sinise and Shania Twain. It was nice to see Gary Sinise playing a softer character… but hard for me not to bring out my best Forrest Gump ‘Lieutenant Dan’ impersonation. And am I the only one who wishes Gary Sinise and Shania Twain was their parents?
One surprise for me was a Quebec connection. Nathan Parsons (Another Aussie) played Jean-Luc LaJoie, a mutual friend of Jeremy and Melissa. In the film Jean-Luc’s role is a mentor to Jeremy & romantic interest in Melissa, which turns out to be a great source for drama. In real life Jean-Luc is vocals/guitar for the world-touring Christian rock band ‘The Kry’ from Quebec City.
That’s the great thing about reality-based films. Although it must be harder for the actors to play someone who really exists, for the viewer you can find out details about real people.
About the Film
Here’s what you wanna know… how was the movie?
‘I Still Believe’ chronicles the real-life story of Christian musician Jeremy Camp as he is finding his way in the world, college and exploring who he wants to be. At some point in your life everyone has gone through something similar and can relate to his journey of love, loss and questioning faith. The greatest thing is the message that there is always hope.
The film starts with Jeremy saying goodbye to his childhood home and forging off by himself into the adult world of college. He meets his first wife, Melissa who soon becomes gravely sick. Jeremy is faced with the decision of how to handle this world-changing news and what to do next. I don’t want to give away too much, but be sure there is drama, a love triangle, conflict and tragedy.
Watching Jeremy and Melissa’s relationship unfold on screen made me think what a great example for my kids of what to expect from a relationship. With so many negative examples in the world, it’s nice to see one that I actually want my kids to aspire to. Can you say ‘#relationship goals’! This is a faith-based movie so you don’t have to worry about inappropriate clothing or scenes. They don’t even kiss until well into a fully founded relationship and have said ‘I love you’.
Many may say it’s hard for kids to be that wholesome in modern society, but I like that there is a movie out there to help young adults (and older adults) deal with complex issues of love, death, faith, humility and courage. We focus so much on kids school, making friends, and being kind, this movies gives us an opportunity to turn the focus on their faith too. It’s also nice to not have to ‘pre-watch’ a movie to make sure it’s appropriate for my kids.
A great Girls Date!
The movie has been voted by Seventeen Magazine the “most romantic movie of 2020”, with good reason. This powerful true story is a great girlfriend movie too. Just make sure you bring your tissues … and probably purell!
If you haven’t heard of, I Still Believe, check out the trailer:
Don’t take my word for it. At the time of this post going live Rotten Tomates had given the film a 86% rating!
Whether it’s your kid, friend or by yourself, want to go see this movie for free? How about a ‘I Still Believe’ hoodie? Enter the giveaway.
Follow the Rafflecopter instructions. The more you enter, the better chances you have. Winner must provide a valid mailing address. Good luck to everyone!!
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I want to thank Graf-Martin Communications, Faithfilms.ca and Mongrel Media for allowing me to preview and review the movie and the prizes for the contest – GO ENTER THE CONTEST!
If you watch the movie let us know below what you though and don’t forget to use the tag #IStillBelieve
