Directed by Steve Taylor, 2006

January 15, 2007

Reviewed by Josh Lewis

 

Can a movie change a person?  This is a question asked in the behind-the-scenes commentary for The Second Chance.  After viewing this DVD, my answer is, “I hope so!”

 

A Tale of Two Men

The story revolves around two men--Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith), musician-turned-assistant pastor of The Rock, a megachurch in the suburbs, and Jake Sanders (Jeff Obafemi Carr), ex-pro athlete, ex-convict, and current pastor of an inner city church called Second Chance (financially supported by The Rock).  Second Chance was originally founded by Ethan’s father, Jeremiah Jenkins, before he left to serve as pastor of The Rock.  The church board lacks confidence in Ethan as the future senior pastor, so he is sent to Second Chance by his dad to “observe and learn.”

 

Jake and his wife are immersed in ministering to the community--they feed the homeless, prepare ex-cons for job interviews, and help prostitutes and gang members leave their old lives behind.  When Ethan shows up in his BMW, it only reinforces Jake’s belief that Christians at The Rock (predominantly white) are content to give a few dollars and come by once a year to ease their conscience and consider their commitment to Christ fulfilled. 

 

After his initial displeasure at being sent there, Ethan begins to bond with the people he encounters at Second Chance.  He is convicted by their sacrifices, their commitment to Christ, and their devotion to help others.  Meanwhile, Jake struggles with his mouth, as well as his own feelings toward the Jenkins and The Rock--feelings that are not always Christ-like.  In the end, both men are changed for the better.

 

Background Facts

Ethan Jenkins will be familiar to most fans of Christian music, as he is portrayed by Michael W. Smith, renowned Christian musician and songwriter.  He is believable as a Southern white boy in the inner city ‘hood.  The other actors are unknowns, at least to me, but the acting was excellent. 

 

The movie’s theme is a challenge to the comfortable, middle-class American Christian who is content to exist in suburbia; the Christian whose only contribution to the cause of Christ is a few bills in the offering plate.

 

It is rated PG-13 for language and some drug references.  This is an accurate rating, or it would be a story in a perfect world.  Compared to the normal Hollywood fare, it should probably only be PG.  All of the curse words used are those found in the King James Version of the Bible, and, although they are used as expletives, it isn’t simply gratuitous.  The same can be said for the drug references--they show a realistic view of what goes on in too many lives today.  This is obviously up to the parent, but I believe this movie is acceptable (dare I say, recommended?) for teens and above. 

 

Movie With a Message

I won’t spoil the film, but there are some scenes that will move you to tears and cause you to reevaluate your priorities in life--at least that’s what this movie did to me. 

 

Apostolics are no longer just the little church on the wrong side of the tracks.  We have large, beautiful sanctuaries filled with educated and prosperous people.  We go on mission trips all around the world.  All of that is fine and good, but many of us have forgotten the words of Jesus when he said, “Then they will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, `I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life” (Matthew 25:44-46, NLT). 

 

I give faithfully to foreign missionaries, but I rarely leave my safe, middle-class subdivision.  This movie has challenged me to be a doer of the Word (James 1:22-23).  I pray it does the same to you.

ninetyandnine.com

 

© 2007, Josh Lewis

 

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Josh Lewis lives in a nice, safe subdivision on the edge of the big city.  He is determined to get outside his comfort zone and help others.