My local theater was having an early access screening for “I Can Only Imagine 2” . I saw the words “early access”and purchased a ticket before I saw that it was a sequel, and before I bothered to find out that it’s a Christian drama film. I should not have been surprised, given the fact that there’s a sizable church a block away from this local theater.
I noticed, though, that it had brief moments of Dennis Quaid, so I thought I’m at least give the film a chance.
Although this film does fall into the category that includes the “God’s Not Dead” film series, the Kool-Aid is not the central showcase.
However, since this was an early access screening, the Kool-Aid had a special feature just prior, and just after the film. The ending special feature is a hymnal music video, to which the audience was invited to sing along.
I did not burst into flames.
Nor did I see the first installment of this film series. Oddly enough, doing so wasn’t necessary.
I was decently following along the story, forgiving the Kool-Aid as the movie went along, up until the grand finale. That’s when things got cheesy.
But fine. this is a Christian drama film. What’s some Kool-Aid without some cheese?
Fair warning: The main character’s kid has type 1 diabetes. Fair spoiler: nobody dies, who isn’t already dead at the beginning of the film.
This film was better than “God’s Not Dead”, and it’s sequels, simply because it wasn’t preachy. How do you make a movie called “God’s Not Dead” without being preachy? I don’t know, but if you have that film with Jessica Alba in it, you sure should have damn well tried. Just saying.
So. If you find yourself wanting some guidance on father/son relationships, or on what comes after “ever after”, and you don’t mind a little Kool-Aid, this might be for you. The cheese at the end might have you looking for the Hallmark logo.
Synchronicity Footnote:
On my way from concessions to screen, I pass by a little kid named “Miles”. I introduce myself, because I remember how cool it was meeting people of my own name when I was that age.
… And part way through the film, there’s a little kid running around on screen, also named “Miles”.
Cue the X-Files whistle, but you’re not going to be finding some “I Want To o Believe” poster branded with Jesus.
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