Fireproof - A movie review
Y’know, sometimes I hate that I’m a blogger. Whenever I do ANYTHING now, I’m thinking “how am I going to blog about this one!” I can’t just go somewhere and have fun!!! 
Seriously though, as I was heading out Friday night to go see the movie Fireproof, that’s what was on my mind. I knew I’d want to blog about it so I felt like an official movie reviewer with a mission. Thankfully once I sat down (very comfy seats by the way - wait I could do a review on the theater too!) I relaxed a bit and after I got done SEETHING over the previews (another post in itself!) and the movie started I was able to put myself into consumer mode and just enjoy.
And enjoy I did. This movie was VERY well done. Throughout the movie you’re laughing, crying, on the edge of your seat and just moved. I thought Kirk Cameron was well cast for the lead, Caleb, and did a great job in the role. (Although I still have a hard time not seeing him as the cute kid on Growing Pains.)
I appreciated their focus on the marriage covenant - something that’s taken too lightly today even by people who call themselves Christian. There’s a scene where Caleb’s friend glues together a salt and pepper shaker to drive home the point and when Caleb starts to pull them apart his friend says, “Don’t try to pull them apart - if you do, you’ll break one or both of them” - so true.
The movie is unashamedly Christian - so for those of you reading this who think we’re crazy, be forewarned, but go see it anyway. The turning point for the husband is when he finally gives in to God and realizes that if Christ loved him unconditionally he too can love his wife unconditionally.
There are a lot of funny scenes with some comic relief side characters - something these movie producers do pretty well. The nurses that work with Catherine (the wife) are so fun and the macho firefighter who is all into himself is hilarious.
The only thing that disappointed me about this movie was that the producers never showed Caleb opening a bible once he “got it”. The emphasis is so strong on the “Love Dare” book and you’ll see why when you watch the movie. I understand why - just disappointing.
And on a side note, both the movie producers and Kirk Cameron feel very strongly about not compromising marriages even when making movies. In all their movies you will see that male and female actors who are not married to each other never play in scenes where they have to kiss or even touch each other beyond a simple hug, etc. This created a dilemma for this movie as the main characters DO have quite a passionate kissing scene. Their solution? Kirk’s wife is the “stunt double” in that scene so they could kiss away. Love it!
Anyway, if you’re a Christian, please spend a little money and support these guys and see this movie. You’ll enjoy it and you’ll encourage them to continue on making more. If you’re not a Christian but believe in marriage, go see this movie. You’ll enjoy it and be encouraged to make your marriage even stronger. If you’re not a Christian and in a troubled marriage, go see this movie. You’ll enjoy it and you might get some ideas and motivation to turn things around in your own marriage.
Below is some information on the Love Dare book that’s the focus of the movie. I’ve added a link to my favorite Bible as well.
 |
KJV Cornerstone Compact Bible, Large Print, Bonded leather, Black w/snap flap |
 |
The Love Dare By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick / B & H Publishing Group Today, many marriages end when one partner says “I don’t love you anymore.” In Love Dare, the book featured in the movie Fireproof (starring Kirk Cameron), you can learn the true nature of love. It’s a 40-day guided devotional experience that will lead your heart back to truly loving your spouse. Each day’s entry discusses a unique aspect of love, presents a specific “dare” to do for your spouse, and gives you a journaling area to chart the progress that you will be making. I dare you to take the dare! |
If you see the movie or get the book would you let me know. I’d love to hear what others think!
2. October 2008 at 8:27 am :
Quiet-Mom,
My wife and I went to see “Fireproof” this Sunday; the parallel of a fireman’s code “never leave your partner behind” and the vows of holy matrimony were fantastic. I found the movie to be well balanced with action, plot, humor and surprise woven together to show the real complexities of today’s marital relationships. The plot had many unexpected twists and the presumptive nature of man was used against us to a surprising end. The stars battle with internet pornography was classic and a battle which is on the rise as we’ve seen in recent weeks with celebrity marriages gone awry and their addictions to porn brought to light. At one point my wife nudged me and whispered, “He needs My Internet Doorman.” I felt proud knowing that God was using me to help men and women all over the country to fight this battle and to prevent youth from becoming victims of this addictive and destructive vice. I strongly recommend this movie to engaged couples, newlyweds, anyone struggling to hang on to their marriage, anyone on the fence of divorce, and anyone who has ever been there. Bravo!
Mr. M
2. October 2008 at 9:20 pm :
I’m impressed such a movie was made let alone made it to mainstream theaters!
6. October 2008 at 6:05 am :
I so want to see this movie!
17. October 2008 at 1:13 am :
I loved this movie! It had my husband & I both crying and laughing throughout the movie. I have such an admiration for Kirk Cameron & each of those actors playing. This movie was put out not to make a quick buck, but to literally change lives which I think it is well on it’s way to doing! I understand sales of the Love Dare book are skyrocketing! I think that is SO awesome in a world where people are giving up on marriages way too quickly. If anyone has not seen it, I HIGHLY recommend it and not just to those who are married but to the singles as well.
27. October 2008 at 2:01 pm :
I just got back from watching Fireproof… it was great to see such a different-flavored movie on the regular, big screen
19. November 2008 at 9:52 pm :
No major offense to Kirk Cameron for doing his thing, but this film is nothing more than a glorified after school special. Luke warm story line and weak acting.
I HYPED Fireproof on EverHYPE and scored it 58%, which I think is very accurate.
http://www.everhype.com/hyper/mikeborgia?X=M724
If you get on there, rate me a 5 on it and request friendship.
20. November 2008 at 7:01 am :
Thanks for your comment musichyper. Interesting that you mention the acting. Like the other movies that this group puts out, none of the actors (except Kirk) were professionals. They’re all folks from the church where the producers/directors attend. Given the fact that these folks have had no or little training, I thought they did a more than fabulous job and if you’ve seen either of the other two films you’ll notice the same folks and how much they’ve improved over the course of the three movies.
I agree it’s not on par with most of Hollywood films but I’m GLAD - I’ll take an “after school special” that I’m don’t have to screen before I bring my teen girls over anything Hollywood puts out now any day.
Thanks for commenting!
26. December 2008 at 1:42 pm :
Hi, great site. Found you by chance and glad I did. Been married to my wonderful husband Fred for almost 15 years. It has been like any other marriage full of love, laughter, and tears, and many trials and tribulations. But we always make it through the woods and come out camping with smiles.
Several months ago I “suddenly” felt something very very wrong between us. It was just as if I was holding something dear in the palm of my hand and even though I didn’t see it happen, I felt the absence of what I was holding for so long.
I had never felt this between us and certainly didn’t know how to handle it. I guess I unknowingly diverted my attention and threw myself into volunteering for the election. A friend of mine wanted so badly to see a movie with me and get my mind off the tention (of the election) but deep inside all I wanted to be nurished with was anything political or religious (ironically the election is where I found my Catholic). So I was a bit reluctant but went to see Fireproof with her anyway. When I realized Gods humor and generousity of giving me the nurishment I was seeking I smiled with happiness.
Fantastic movie, a must see with a foolproof message.
Who knew it would play such a major role to come in my life and marriage.
I didn’t at the time.
At the time I was still denying my failing marriage and throwing myself still into the election. Little did I know the damage I was doing by not facing the real problems in my fragile life.
After the election was over I suddenly found things very wrong and myself in such despair, even now I can’t even believe I got through it.
With swollen cried out eyes after weeks of crying straight day and night, the movie “Fireproof” came back to me.
And maybe not the answers but certainly hope and faith how to change things around with me and my husband was evident (for the first time ever things had gotten to the point where my husband mentioned divorcing me).
I began to silently behave more patient. Touch more. Remember to do the small little things you do for eachother as simple as pouring the other coffee. Not walking by in the house like you do a piece of furniture. Kiss, alot, even when the ending hug has me in secret tears behind his shoulder.
No it hasn’t been easy. It is still a long and rough ride for us. But the little things the dare book suggested do matter and do change the moments that turn into much better weeks.
I don’t even have the book. Actually that is how I found your site, looking for it.
It is now the day after Christmas, and although I know now that our love and marriage is a constant and most important priority to never forget that it needs attention every moment of every day..I also now know that saving my marriage and the man I will alway love is not a chore but a labor of “true” love.
I’m getting the book soon
Everyone, I mean everyone should see this movie. Even if you are not married yet. You will be ahead of the game.
Great site, keep it up.
take care,
a wife with faith.