The Imposter

The usual run of Christian evangelical films is that the protagonist is really down on his luck through a series of bad choices. That's certainly true here with Kevin Max playing a Christian Rock singer who has lost it all and is practically a derelict. Most of all he's lost his wife Arianne Martin and he'd like to put what they had back together again. That's not about to happen any time soon.

The main thing with The Imposter is that unlike so many other of these evangelical films there's no magic Jesus fix. The title comes from the idea that Max is indeed an imposter, mouthing the words, but not really getting the meaning.

If Max wants to get it back together it's a process which makes The Imposter a lot different than most of the films of this genre. I give the creators of this film an A for effort and for conveying that message to the audience.

I'm glad to see that the movie is finally coming out on DVD. I hope it does well. I saw an article in a local paper a couple of years ago about the filming in the Ft.Worth, Texas area and, since I have always been a dctalk and KANSAS fan. It was shown at some local theaters about a year or so ago and we took our youth group. I thought it was well made and the acting was pretty good and believable. Our youth group kids liked it for #1-the Christian rock music and #2-that it's like real life where everything doesn't come out perfect and that God is with us even when we mess up. This is a great youth movie. Not knowing for sure but I am wondering if the producers of "To Save a Life" saw it before doing their movie because both movies deal with real life stuff. I hope Christian movies keep going that route. Kids need that. You need to buy or rent The Imposter to see what I mean.

Haven't seen too many Christian films that I wouldn't call: 1) heavy-handed, or 2) downright cheesy, but this is one of them.

"The Imposter" isn't really an evangelistic film for the non-believer, but instead asks an important question for today...is "Christian" media, especially music, shining the light of Christ to the world, or is it simply reflecting what the world is already doing and just slapping the label "Christian" on it so it will appeal to a certain demographic? Are we really walking as Christ believers or are we just going through the motions, pretending to be something we're not? Production values are first rate. Filmmaker Daniel Millican shows a definite flair for directing music videos. In fact, I would have loved to see more videos interspersed through the whole production, especially the second act, which is the only part of the movie that seemed to bog down a bit for me.

Although the caliber of acting is usually a real shortcoming in most independent Christian films I've seen, "The Imposter" pleasantly surprised me again. Kevin Max is able to carry the film as Johnny C, the prodigal lead singer for the Christian band 'Grand Design.' Of course, being a big-time Kansas fan in high school, the real thrill for me was getting to see former band member Kerry Livgren in the film. I would have bought the film just for the new rendition of "Carry On My Wayward Son" at the end credits. Talk about a tingly feeling going up and down my leg!

Normally I'm not a critical thinker when it comes to movies. I just like them or I don't. However, The Imposter caused be to think critically about film making and I found the film to be an amazing finished product.

Also, I really appreciated the challenge and message the film communicated. "Be real with yourself and those around you and that Jesus is the only way you will be able to be "real" at all." And yet this "realness" challenge comes across as so real, sometimes painful and leaves you with the unknown future. Real indeed.

I hope as many church members as possible watch the movie with their church, with leadership expecting to have hearts broken by God's Spirit and lives set on His path, through the movie's message. This is what I personally experienced.

It seems to me there are two main points to this movie...

First, this isn't really a movie to lead the unbeliever to Christ, it's more about pointing out to Christians perhaps the maim problem we often run into in trying reach out to the world, ourselves. We are all called to be Christ-like, but we all fall short and wind up being "Imposters" at some point.

Secondly, as the film points out, heavy handedly and repeatedly, the point at which the sinner comes to Christ is NOT the end of the journey, it's just the beginning. Many painful trials await.

I am to old school to be familiar with Kevin Max. He does a good job with the new version of "Carry on Wayward Son", and his acting is okay.

Kerry Livgren is way more my speed. He does a solid job as the "Proff", though the character isn't to much of a stretch from the man himself as I perceive him.

All in all I'd call it a decent DVD sermon with some random music videos thrown in, the one at the credits being the best. (Guess what? I'm old school biased!)