In theaters April 26, 2013.
Kings Faith tells a dynamic story of a young man who hits rock bottom only to be pulled out of the pit by a relentlessly loving God. The story is told of Brendan who is hooked on drugs, involved in a gang and experiences the death of a close friend. He sees himself in prison when a chaplain hands him a Bible. That was the start of a new journey. The movie shows the ups and downs, the bumps in the road and the roadblocks he faces in order to become the man he was created to be. This is a great illustration of how God makes no mistakes; His words do not return void, and His gift of mercy is available to anyone who will receive it. This is a movie I would gladly show to my students and will recommend to all my fellow youth pastors. It also would not be a bad one for adults to see. I think it can challenge the hearts of many who believe a young man or woman is beyond saving. We serve a God who does not see the sin of man, but sees us through the cross!
—Chris Pope has served in youth ministry for 16 years and resides with his wife and son in Spokane, Washington.
It seems most Christian films of a generation ago were cheesy and low-quality. I think Fireproof and the slew of movies from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., have done much to counteract this perception. I would put King’s Faith in the same league with those offerings. The production quality is excellent, the soundtrack is great, the main actors vary from adequate to very good in their skills. I thought the storyline was believable; and the issues presented were real, relevant and relatable to the majority of teens. I really appreciated the emphasis on the power of belief, how what others believe of us (for good or ill) can greatly affect and motivate actions. The Christian message was included in a real, believable, non-preachy way. Several characters wrestle with the implications of the Christian faith in a manner to which many teens will relate.
The main issue I have with the movie is the backstory of the main character. He’s presented as an “18-foster home, 11-misdemeanor, four-felony” criminal who has done jail time. Yet he is this strikingly good-looking, well-adjusted, respectful, caring, helpful, sensitive young man. I had a hard time buying him as a hardened criminal. It’s strongly implied that he was radically changed by the gospel while in prison, but I don’t think it’s fleshed out enough to be fully believable. I’m sure he was chosen for his likeability with a certain demographic in the ratings, but it made his story somewhat flat. If your teens are mainly interested in crude humor or things blowing up, they’re likely to find King’s Faith slow-moving. If they’re open to a realistic portrayal of young people wrestling with real faith and life issues, I think they will be touched and encouraged by this movie.
—Jeff Crosby, 20-year youth guy, Rochester, New York
After poor choices that lead to his incarceration at age 15, former gangbanger, Brendan King (Crawford Wilson) now 18, has given his heart to Christ and been released to Mike (James McDaniel) and Vanessa (Lyn Whitfield) Stubbs. Committed Christians, Mike and Vanessa open their home to Brendan, desiring to help him navagate his new lifestyle. Brendan enrolls in high school and begins to adjust to his new suburban surroundings, while Vanessa is still in deep grief for the senseless murder of the Stubb’s son.
Through Brendan’s journey, he is involved in a heroic act that brings him notoriety but unfortunately places him in plain view with the very gang that misguided him. While developing friendships with those of the same faith and witnessing to a fellow student, those of his past find him, certain Brendan is withholding information from them from which they could profit; so they embark on a quest to manipulate him back to where they feel he belongs. Soon their requests turn to threats, willing to harm the very people Brendan has grown to love.
Brendon must choose what’s best, how to trust God and trust those who love him. King’s Faith is a film that will reach the heart of youth, young adults and mature believers, as well. Most important, the film will cause viewers to reassess what is really important. Rated PG-13, it may not be suitable for certain pre-teens.
—Rev. Regina Foster, is a professional freelance writer, ordained minister and has ministered to urban preteen, teen and college entry-level females for more than 20 years. She is founder of The Queen Esther Movement, a website geared toward reaching urban teens of all ethnicities, facilitates the “Girl, whatcha’ gonna be—a concubine or a queen? seminar and is a committed advocate for dating violence awareness.
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