I saw the new movie The Case for Christ on Sunday with my husband and teenage son. It was excellent and I recommend it. The writing was solid and realistic—kudos to Brian Bird. The acting was impressive, especially from the leads. And the production values and especially the cinematography exceeded my expectations. My son acknowledged that it was better than the other Christian movies we’ve dragged him to. That’s high praise coming from him. 🙂
Based on a true story, and the multi-million copy bestseller, The Case For Christ tells the story of Lee Strobel, a jaded journalist who tries to disprove the newfound Christian faith of his
Actor Mike Vogal portrays Lee Strobel in THE CASE FOR CHRIST, in theaters April 7, 2017. Photo courtesy of Pure Flix Entertainment
wife, and ends up becoming a believer. It provides compelling proof of the resurrection—timely especially now, in the days leading up to Easter. But moreover, it’s a love story about a husband and wife, and what happens when one partner becomes a Christian while the other is an antagonistic atheist. Strobel raises every skeptic’s objection and searches for “just the facts,” while his wife loves him and prays for him unceasingly.
The proofs the movie (and book) present are faith-affirming. But I was reminded that for most people, it’s not about the evidence alone. It’s about relationships. Can you argue someone into believing? Not in my limited experience. It’s love–God’s and often the love of believers–that softens hearts of stone and draws people to Christ. Was this true in your own life? It was in mine.
Take someone you love and see the movie. You won’t be sorry.
I have to add that while I was impressed with the acting and film quality, I was unexpectedly delighted by the 1970’s sets. You may have seen the actors’ wide ties and collars and long hair if you’ve seen the trailer. But frame by frame, my husband and I were treated to blasts from the past in terms of the props. From the Chicago Tribune newsroom set (old computers, pagers, microfiche readers, old phones with adhesive shoulder rests) to the cars (big-boat Lincolns to a sporty Z28) and especially the Strobel home (macrame wall hanging, orange-ye
llow-and-brown
crocheted afghan, owl-shaped knick knacks, and Freakies cereal). My husband sang me the Freakies cereal jingle on the way home. And today I watched the commercial on YouTube. It’s a little disturbing. 😉
So, while I was impressed overall, in my mind, the Oscar goes to the property master, “the person responsible for purchasing, acquiring, properly placing, and/or overseeing any props needed for a production.” Mark Dillon, property master, and Vanessa Grayson “prop assistant” did an award-worthy job.
Go see The Case For Christ for the faith-affirming message. But don’t miss the trip down memory lane while you’re there, especially if you were raised in the 1970’s as I was. Enjoy!
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We saw the movie Friday night, Julie, and I couldn’t agree more with your review (especially re the decor and fashions…except I don’t remember Freakies!?) We were so thrilled that our theater was full and the audience applauded when the final credits rolled.
I’ve been hearing it’s better than your average Christian film, but I hadn’t heard about the 70s setting, which it makes it all the more appealing to me. I can’t recall the Freakies cereal though. Maybe the commercial will jog my memory.
I hadn’t realized that A Case for Christ had released as a movie! Thanks for the heads-up.
In the past year, I’ve watched a few TV series set in the fairly recent past. Good Girls Revolt (set in the late 60’s and early 70’s) and Stranger Things (set in the 80’s). I LOVED the retro clothing and sets and props in both series. I was surprised by how much I thoroughly enjoyed watching a show set in those time periods. The props add a great deal of nostalgia and charm!
Yes, Stranger Things is great for 80s nostalgia. Lots of 70s and 80s nostalgia in This Is Us, too.
Thanks for the recommendation, Julie. I love seeing retro movie sets, too. But boy do they make me feel old!!
Oh, wonderful! I’ve been wanting to see this with my kids. Maybe we can fit it in over the weekend. My boys read part of the book at church, so I think they would really enjoy the film. Thanks for the recommendation, Julie!
This review makes me want to see this movie in a theater. I haven’t been to a theater in many years. We wait til it goes on Netflix or the library. I have read Stroble and saw him in a apologetic video. He seems very good.
Christopher Parr