I recently saw this film with a group of acquaintances, and after finding out that it was a Christian film, I dropped all my expectations. I was ready to watch a sermon, not a story. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it wasn't complete garbage. DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying Christian films can't be good. Films like The Ten Commandments (1956) and The Prince of Egypt (1998) are critically praised.
When John Harrison learns that coaching a basketball team won't be an option due to many basketball players moving away, he becomes a cross-country coach. His life changes when he meets his only runner, Hannah Scott, and a man he recently met in a hospital. The story is predictable, with nothing new brought to the genre's table, but there's something special about this film. Films like God's Not Dead (2014) are more about the message it's trying to preach, with the story left in the dust. However, I could feel the story in this film which was refreshing for a Faith/Religion based film.
The score and soundtrack near the end of the film made me cringe a tad bit, but that aside, the score and soundtrack are forgettable. There are some nice shots during the climax, but the directing and cinematography are mostly bland.
I've seen absolutely trash acting in a lot of faith-based films, but the acting in this film is Oscar-worthy compared to others in its genre. Outside of the genre, the acting is average. Cameron Arnett gave the best performance of the ensemble.
In the end, the film isn't anything special and will probably be forgotten with time, but it's refreshing compared to the many faith-based films. I give Overcomer a 4/10.
When John Harrison learns that coaching a basketball team won't be an option due to many basketball players moving away, he becomes a cross-country coach. His life changes when he meets his only runner, Hannah Scott, and a man he recently met in a hospital. The story is predictable, with nothing new brought to the genre's table, but there's something special about this film. Films like God's Not Dead (2014) are more about the message it's trying to preach, with the story left in the dust. However, I could feel the story in this film which was refreshing for a Faith/Religion based film.
The score and soundtrack near the end of the film made me cringe a tad bit, but that aside, the score and soundtrack are forgettable. There are some nice shots during the climax, but the directing and cinematography are mostly bland.
I've seen absolutely trash acting in a lot of faith-based films, but the acting in this film is Oscar-worthy compared to others in its genre. Outside of the genre, the acting is average. Cameron Arnett gave the best performance of the ensemble.
In the end, the film isn't anything special and will probably be forgotten with time, but it's refreshing compared to the many faith-based films. I give Overcomer a 4/10.