Customer Reviews

The Second Chance

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I watched this film with pretty low initial expectations... hoping that this so-calleld "Christian" movie would finally break the "Christian movie" stereotype I had come to... well... loathe and expect. With Steve Taylor at the helm... I thought, "Maybe. Just maybe..."

Truthfully -- it exceeded all my expectations. Smartly written, smartly directed, and even well-acted... for the most part.

(I shouldn't even label it as a good "Christian" movie. It's just a good movie. Period. I think a lot of people will enjoy this film.)

Michale W. Smith does a pretty good job playing the talented music minister, Ethan Jenkins -- the son and successor-to-be of the successful Pastor Jeremiah Jenkins, senior pastor of The Rock (Mega)Church and founding pastor of the inner city church, The Second Chance.

Smith plays an interesting character. While his own road to success may have been paved by that of his father, he wants to do the right thing and has a good heart. A bit naive, perhaps, in his view of life and ministry, he is greatly affected by what he sees and experiences at The Second Chance Church when he is sent there by a miffed church board as "punishment" for being a little to loose with the church's live television broadcasts.

Jeff Carr is very charming and convincing as the passionate - "in your face" - and somewhat jaded-by-reality Pastor Jake Sanders. He believes strongly in the ministry of the Second Chance Church in his community -- but he's allowed his anger and his temper to cloud some of his decisions and judgment. (Sanders' tongue is actually what gets Ethan Jenkins in trouble when Jenkins gives him some air-time on the The Rock's live televised program -- "Well, then... you can just keep your damn money!")

Jenkins and Sanders are then forced to work together. Sanders' inner-city method of "ministry" is sometimes more than wide-eyed, open-mouthed Jenkins can swallow... (When Sander slams a drug-pushing gang-member up against the fence and threatens to break his arm if the gangster doesn't let his little brother "out" of the family business... well, Jenkins hardly knows what to do with himself.)

Both Jenkins and Sanders go through some pretty significant yet believable changes as they learn from each other -- perhaps Jenkins moreso from Sanders. And even Ethan's father, Pastor Jeremiah Jenkins, has to face the reality that even though his ministry at The Rock has gone global, he has forgotten where it all started... leading the movie's climax to a heartfelt and satisfying "conclusion."

Pick it up. It's a good flick.

When youre a Christian boy, whos outlook is a little skewed friends can be pretty hard to come by. In those moments of loneliness, when the television cant fill your time. You sometimes turn to the voices that make so much sense. For me it was Michael W. Smith and Steve Taylor. Smith I discovered when I was 10. His album Go West Young Man wore out my cassette player. I knew every word and sang every song, Id even put on silly little concerts in my room. The simple lyrics touched me, encouraged me, and I also found that at Bible camp if you can learn all those Michael W. Smith songs the girls will pay attention to you. My early teens were shaped by these lyrics and forever changed my world view.

But alas we grow up, my Christian tapes were thrown into a drawer and Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana became the music I rocked out too. I really started doubting if any of this religion stuff was worth a hill of beans and then Christmas 1994 came and I opened a brightly colored package that had an unusual video in it. It was Steve Taylors concept video called "NOW THE TRUTH CAN BE TOLD" it introduced me to a man who was one part Lenny Bruce, One part the Clash, and three parts John the Baptist. Steve Taylor was the one man I wanted to be like, the one man whose music answered questions and convicted me. I tell you I never would have survived my teenage years without him and weve never even met.

Then I grew up I got into Christian Radio and I have had an opportunity to meet many of the stars in the genre. Ive eaten lunch with Greg Long, had Bart Millard sign a banana I sold on Ebay, and Im on hugging terms with Steven Curtis Chapman. But when I got to meet Michael W. Smith at Radio City Music Hall, all I could say over and over again was it was an honor to meet you as my knees shook. I had become a thirteen year boy again. Dont ask me about what happened when I sat five feet away from Steve Taylor at a lunch sponsored by the film Im about to review. I was stuck in some pointless icebreaker exercise and I thought it would be rude to jump up and cause a scene, also I was shaking so much I dont know what I would have said if I met him anyway. So alas I havent gotten to talk to him yet. But one day I may be able too and that would be awesome.

All this to say I have been eagerly awaiting THE SECOND CHANCE. A film that was written and directed by Taylor and starring Smith. Imagine my two childhood heroes making a film together. It was too much for me to bear. Unfortunately my job pulled me away from the New Jersey premiere so I borrowed the DVD screener from work and watched it with my wife as the New York Metropolitan area got hit with 2 feet of snow.

THE SECOND CHANCE follows Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) a suburban pastor whose life is just getting comfortable. He had a successful recording career that ended in rehab, and has since taken the associate pastor gig at The Rock, his fathers mega-church deep in the heart of suburbia. When Ethans methods get in the way of the church boards plans he is sent to The Second Chance Community Church. Its a small inner city church Ethans father started when Ethan was a child and hes there to learn and observe. Second Chance is in the middle of the inner city and is presided over by Pastor Jake (Jeff Carr), a former pro basketball player who is trying to save his community from the plight of gangs and drugs. Its an uphill battle and he sees Ethan as just another suburban do-gooder that will leave when the going gets tough. Can these men work together? Will Ethan stick with Pastor Jake? Or will other insidious plans cause a rift in the hood?

THE SECOND CHANCE is a film with very lofty goals. Its a film that reveals one of the biggest problems that is plaguing the Christian Church in America: racial and class seperation. There is a problem with terms like "Black Church" and "White Church." and "Rich Church" and "Poor Church." Theyre false. There is only one church and we all should be invited. Ethan and Jake are two souls caught in the middle. Ethan is out of his comfort zone at Second Chance and Jake is tired of the Suburban church throwing money at his neighborhood problems and not helping out. Does the Second Chance film succeed in opening our eyes to the problems in our own backyard? It does.

Director Taylor fills his film with rich colorful characters. But at times his actors cant get into them. For instance I particularly loved the sassy women playing the choir leader. She has such a small role and yet she fills it with color and realism. Other performers just arent as skilled and the dialogues they have sound like dialogue and not real life conversations.

As for the two leads, Smith and Carr give competent performances. Both are first time film actors and against the odds grow into their characters. There are a few moments early on that felt a little wooden but as the film progresses I bought their relationship, and them as the characters.

The major flaw with the film is the long winded first act. The script dumps a lot of plot conflict on the story and the long walk around the hood confused me a little. But then there is this scene with Smith, a small child, and a paper plate. WOW! Taylor and Smith nail it. This was a small moment in a lot of disjointed clutter that was perfect. I hoped for more honest moments like that and they definitely came. If you are a Christian and are not moved by the foot washing scene that comes later in the film Id doubt your faith (oh Im just kidding).

I also liked that the film had a good natured sense of humor. There were moments when I saw Taylors wit and good natured ribbing poking out. Trust me you wont look at prayer and a lottery ticket the same way again.

But how will this admittedly "Christian Film" play to the unchurched masses? I dont really know. It feels more like an exhortation to the Christian Community and I wonder how someone on the outside would be able to follow it. That is not a negative. If this film gets the Christian community to enter into a discussion about how to fix a great divide between the rich and poor, between the Black Church and the White Church, then I applaud it. But it is also a good look into what goes on inside the Christian community and may cause those who dont quite understand to ask questions and there is nothing wrong with dialogue.

THE SECOND CHANCE is not a perfect film, but it tries and it has guts. Moreover its watchable and more importantly honest. I liked it an applaud all involved. Now everyone go to Amazon.com and clean them out of Chagall Guevara CDs, this was Taylors early 90's rock band. Trust me its the greatest album ever

This is a very enjoyable film. I am a Michael W. Smith fan who was able to see the film in the theatre, and I found it to be very enjoyable. It conveyed a very important message while remaining lighthearted at moments. It is the kind of film that leaves you thinking for days and that you would not be ashamed to see with your family! Frankly, it seemed more like a PG than a PG-13 rating to me, and I was very relieved! I am so tired of movies filled with filthy content. This one was a breath of fresh air! I am very excited about the release of the DVD. The performances were strong.

With numerous examples of poorly made Christian films--and, even worse, preachy ones--I feared getting my hopes up for "The Second Chance." Though billed as something other than the churchy norm, the obvious setting of churches and pastors and pews made this an easy film for non-churchgoers to avoid.

Which is too bad, really. This is a movie worth being watched and discussed by those inside and out of "the fold."

Steve Taylor's story addresses issues of racism, class, hypocricy, and spiritual arrogance--and shows that all of these things exist on both sides of the economic/religious tracks. The story revolves around two pastors, both from similar church backgrounds, but having gone vastly different ways in their purposes and styles of ministry. When the rising suburban "pop star" pastor begins to truly involve himself in the community of his urban counterpart, his motives are tested. The relationship between the two ministers gets off to a rocky start, and, thanks to Taylor's directing, never seems too easily resolved. Eventually, they are challenged to find reconciliation by unexpected sources.

The photography in the film is nicely done. The acting drew me into each of the characters' lives (Carr is great, and yes, Michael W. Smith pulls off his parts with surprising ease and credibility). The music is understated, yet fitting. Although I would've liked to see a bit more grittiness in the gang-related scenes, I think the story captured the basics of urban life. And those who have complaints about any brief swear words are apparently far removed from the much harsher language that goes on in such settings.

Sure, the movie has a few glitches, but it has many things to be commended. It doesn't paint issues in black and white; instead it paints them in the very real colors of the human experience, with glimmers of Godly hope shining through it all.

**the DVD has nice extras, for those wanting a deeper look**

I am not the first reviewer who saw this movie because of the fact that it was directed by Steve Taylor. This is the first movie my wife and I went to see at a theater together in over a decade, and it was worth it.

One reviewer complained about the profanity. I agree with another reviewer that it fit the character and what might really happen. There is a realism in this movie that a lot of Christian movies miss.

One thing that this movie does well: It silently argues for racial reconciliation. The protagonists are of different races, and so are the antagonists. The focus is putting your faith into action.

This is not a family movie, but very suitable for a group of teenagers, especially shown with a time given for discussion afterwards. Actually, I would recommend it being shown to a group of adults with said discussion following.

One final treat is the closing song, co-written by Steve Taylor and Michael W. Smith. I have been a fan of both separately, and this collaboration brings out the best of both artists.

Before I buy or even review a movie from amazon.com I always read the 1 star reviews first so that I may have a fuller understanding of both sides. The "bad"reviews said this was not an uplifting movie, that the Christianity is questionable and that no examples of Christ were present.
Well to be honest, no, this was not an uplifting movie, but it wasn't intended to be. It was an in your face realization that we don't do enough in the way of homeless, drug abuse, and at risk youth in our communities. The main point of this movie is to become doers of the Word and not just listeners. Get involved with local charities or homeless shelters. Rolling down the window and giving spare change or a dollar is good, but it doesn't have a lasting impact on you. This movie shows what happens when you get involved.
I believe this movie held up it's Christian values. The church was open to anyone that wanted to change. From hookers to gang members, the church did not turn their back.
In a example of Christ, a boy that wanted out of a gang had to have a ritual beating. But it as a friend that step in and took that beating for him. He was put in the hospital the beating was so bad, but he did it out of love.

I believe we hear about Jesus at church, but to find him, you have to leave your comfort zone. In closing, yes Michael W. Smith can act.

I ordered this movie with no clue about it. But after watching it I would have to say it is one of my favorite movies of all time. Very moving and full of emotion. I would absolutely recommend it to everyone.

The story in this movie needs to be told. Unfortunately they attempted to be just like mainstream productions and interjected several UNNECESSARY curses. I am involved with several grass roots programs that are trying to make a point to the mainstream media that worthwhile movies CAN be made without all the profanity, and a movie geared toward Christians (and hopefully a lost and hungry world) cannot seem to break free of that nasty habit. I am very disappointed to see that. How will we ever get word to Hollywood or any other movie producing entity that profanity is not necessary to make a good movie if Christian movies use the same language? I wouldn't recommend anyone see this movie because of that very reason. What a twisted and mixed message that leaves. Michael W. Smith, I am very disappointed sir.

I received the movie in a very timely manner. The quality of the movie was great! It was interesting but the black pastor had too much of an attitude, too much anger and he cursed. It is not a movie you could watch with a group of young people in your home even though it has a Christian flair to it. When I purchase a Christian movie, while I know there may be pastors that curse, I don't. I try to bring movies into my home that children of all ages can watch and enjoy, and as a Pastor I don't like to hear that type of language coming from another pastor whether he is acting or not.

THE SECOND CHANCE is a movie that many can benefit from. It's not overly preachy, yet is faith based. I believe it's a great story for non-Christians, as well as Christians.

I believe THE SECOND CHANCE is a wonderful story that needs to be seen by those working in a church and Christians that have gone the way of power and money, forgetting what it's really all about.

We should all be serving God, and that means serving His people. Getting are hands "dirty" so to speak.

Live your life as Jesus did.