Customer Reviews

The Wager

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

A Christian film starring Randy Travis (country western/gospel singer), Nancy Stafford (Matlock) and Candace Cameron Bure (Full House)

Michael Steel (Randy Travis) is a hot commodity in Hollywood. He's been nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award and is riding high. This nomination is a 'big deal' for Michael as he's experienced a great deal of prejudice for his faith as a Christian.

Michael's faith is tested in the days before the Academy Award presentation. His wife has filed for divorce because she feels neglected, the director of his current film demands he shoot a scene that is in opposition to his belief of right and wrong (and one that has been covered in his contract), the female star (Candace Cameron Bure) of the film makes untrue allegations involving her relationship with Michael, and a journalist with an axe to grind reports a story about Michael and a young child.

With his life falling apart, Michael seeks advice and refuge with his sister Annie (Nancy Stafford). Through her words and her actions she helps guide him through the valley of misery he's entered into.

While Michael faces the most important event of his life, he also must make a choice that will change his life forever. It's the fight of all fights with Satan.

The Wager is a 'message' film. It's a story about good vs. evil from the perspective of a follower of Christ. There are no easy answers to the questions asked, and while the story has a satisfactory ending, there is always the unasked question for the viewer: what would you do if?

The Wager isn't a film that is going to be popular in our secular society and that's too bad. It is, however, one that people who want something wholesome with a values message will find appealing.

It's wonderful to have films available for people who don't want what is usually served up in movie theaters.

Armchair Interviews says: Wager is one of those films.

As a compelling mixture of the biblical book of Job and the Sermon on the Mount, The Wager is a good story, with many surprising twists and relevant insights. The novel, written by Bill Myers, is a powerful tale of trials and triumphs. However, when the printed story moved to DVD, some of the intensity was lost in the media conversion. While still a riveting tale, it could have had more impact if the actors showed a greater emotional involvement in the volatile situations.

Michael Steel (Randy Travis) is about to make cinema history as the first Christian actor nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Yet, God has cast him in a different starring role. When Satan claims that no one can live the Sermon on the Mount in today's society, Michael gets the lead role in this supernatural drama. In the space of ten tension-filled days, his life gets bombarded from every possible angle. From his personal life to his marriage to his career, Michael has to hold on to his faith in the middle of a furious spiritual battle.

Fans of Randy Travis will enjoy seeing this singer in an acting role. Also of interest was the character, Cassandra, played by Candace Cameron Bure of "Full House" fame. Her role of seductress stayed within the boundaries of good taste and allowed viewers to understand the temptation without having it splashed across the screen. And that's where the movie shines. Tastefully produced and staying true to the theme of the novel, this film has the potential to present a life dedicated to the cause of the Christ regardless of the casualties the world may throw.

As a contemporary parable with a purpose, The Wager is a safe bet.



Joyce Handzo (courtesy In the Library Reviews)

His life gave us a window between good and evil. Just like Job in the Bible.
Excellent!! Worth while to see. Encourages us to continue to do God's will even do everything seem to be falling apart.

I enjoyed this movie very much, it has a wonderful message and you just need to over look the acting, it is the message that I truely enjoyed. It is worth seeing. I gave it a 4 for the acting and really it is worth a 5 for the message it gives.

I love Randy Travis and the entire cast was great. The soundtrack was awesome and the plot was very original. Loved it.

It's a good story, facing provocative topics head on -- adultery, divorce, the lure of fame & money, the question of true discipleship -- as the main character faces his darkest hour. There are some surprising faces, familiar from favorite TV shows of the past. Most of the acting is very good. The plot slows down just a little at times, but we forgive that because the story is so good. It felt to me a little like some of the characters were left unexplored -- like maybe the story needed to be longer in order to answer the questions posed in the first half of the movie. Overall, it's not a great movie, but it's definitely a good movie, and well worth watching, at least once. (Don't miss out on another movie from the same producers: Hidden Secrets.)

Hi :) I purchased this movie from Newbury Comics. I received it just a few days later after i had ordered it! The box and the dvd were in excellent shape! Very happy with the entire transaction. Will definitely use this company again to purchase from! Great job, Judi C. :)

The movie itself is a movie everyone should see too. I know i could really relate to it in alot of ways...Randy Travis does a great job playing his part and you really feel for him as you watch this movie...it's heartwrenching and yet has a great ending...:) It is definitely well worth the money spent on the movie and then some!

This movie stars Randy Travis as Micheal Steele, an actor who has been nominated for Best Actor by the Academy Awards. It begins with Michael hearing the Rev.John Hagee on the radio or TV. The Rev. Hagee proposes a "wager", can you maintain your faith, if you lose your career, your spose, and your reputation? Well Michael is really put to the test in this movie, because he loses all three.

First, he is currently working on the filming of a movie, and the director wants him to film a sex scene. Michael says that is not up for discussion. He said they had an agreement that he would not film any sex scenes. The director pressures him, but Michael continues to refuse, so the director fires him.

Next, his wife tells him she is leaving him, and has filed for a divorce. Michael is served the divorce papers.

The day Michael was fired from the movie business, he had taken an 8 year old boy along, who I think is the son of his sister. Anyway, he takes the boy on home with him. An actress who Michael has worked with drops by Michael's home. She tries to get him to do the movie scene. Michael gets mad, she leaves, Michael follows her out the door, and so does the little boy. The media is at his gate watching the event. They accuse Michael of not wanting the woman, and falsely accuses him of having an affair with the 8 year old boy. They falsely accuse him of being a pervert, and child molester. Thus, he loses his reputation.

Then Michael's mother dies.

However, Michael holds on to his faith. On the way to the Academy Awards, Micheal has the limo driver to stop. He says he knows he as to be at the location where the boy is, but he don't know why? His manager thinks he's crazy. Randy goes to the boy's home and finds a grown man beating the boy. Michael intervenes, and beats up the man, and makes sure the boy is okay.The cops are called, and Michael is vindicated from the child abuse accusations. He also won the Best Actor Award which his wife accepted for him. He gets his career back and his wife back and his reputation back. So, he won the "wager".

This is one of those movies that leaves you with a happy feeling. Randy is a great actor. This is a great movie about holding on to your faith under adverse conditions. Thanks and may God Bless.

If you enjoy Randy Travis, you love this movie. His acting is down to earth and believable. He does sing a time or two in this as well. The quality of the movie is also first rate. The story is of an actor who has given his life to the Lord, and now feels that some of his roles are conflicting with his new life. His wife is divorcing him, his co-star is trying to seduce him, his sister runs a Christian mission for children, and he himself is in constant turmoil. In the end, his faith in the Lord remains strong, and evidence of the Lord working in his life is now visible to all around him.

I have enjoyed this movie. It is good but slow moving. It has a good story to it. Not one that you would watch over and over. Maybe twice.