To Save a Life

One of the biggest problems in most Christian genre movies is their lack of edge, a reluctance on the part of the filmmakers to show ugly reality.

Miles ahead in terms of production values and an avoidance of overt proselytizing. It'll likely be an enormous hit with the evangelical communities at which it's targeted. That doesn't save it from being an utter failure outside that narrow context.

To Save a Life would be bland and boring even as a half-hour after-school special.

But forget the lame performances and arch, preachy sentiment; the movie's sham hip-hop and spurious alternative music alone should keep teenagers away. Thank goodness.

This is a deftly acted, generally absorbing cautionary tale with wider allure than its faith-based label may imply.

Hints at becoming a thoughtful portrait of a teen's spiritual crisis, then abandons all narrative integrity to hit its church-mandated marks.

Takes two solid hours to make its trite points on faith and personal salvation, growing more unbearable as it goes.

One of its strengths is its willingness to engage candidly and open-heartedly with the real issues that confront teenagers, giving it some heft and credibility.

I can see this being a positive influence for many who watch it and for some it could possibly even make a huge difference, and you don't get that from many movies these days.

Will the vague messages get across? Will viewers take anything out other than a missive to be kind and inclusive? Some certainly will. Some won't.

What's worthy about "To Save A Life" comes purely from its nutritional value, and if a teenager becomes a more empathetic person as a result of seeing it, then it's worth it for him. A lot of his friends, though, might be too bored to get to the redemptio

This faith-based movie wasn't meant to vie for an Academy Award. It's a think piece for adolescents, church groups and counselors.