Fireproof - National Premier Sept 26 - 9/3/08

[Smartmarriages]

- FIREPROOF NATIONAL PREMIER: SEPT  26

Here's an article urging you to see Fireproof which premieres Sept 26. You
may also want to organize a community event around the movie - MANY in the
coalition are doing so. Fireproof was one of the movies featured in the
first Smart Marriages movie festival in San Francisco - it was shown several
times to standing room only crowds. Click here to find out how to bring the
movie to your community: http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/communities.php
- diane 


Make plans to see 'Fireproof'
Baptist Press 
By Kelly Boggs
Aug 29, 2008

This story is part of a series of Baptist Press stories about Fireproof,
which hits theaters Sept. 26.

ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP)--The current condition of marriage in America is, at
best, shaky. Divorce and dysfunction seem to have replaced commitment and
harmony as the new norm. And while many churches seek to shore up the
struggling state of matrimony with education and information, one particular
church is trying a more creative approach.

Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Ga., is hoping a movie will, at the very
least, provide hope that many struggling marriages can be strengthened.

"Fireproof," is the third movie from Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of
Sherwood Baptist Church. "Facing the Giants," is the most well-known of the
previous Sherwood releases. A fun, family flick that did not shy away from
matters of faith, Giants was well-received by movie goers.

Set to open in theaters Sept. 26, "Fireproof" tells the story of a
struggling marriage and addresses the issue of modern-day relationships
head-on. The messages conveyed are clear: Marriage is anything but easy,
relationships require patience, and there is hope for struggling marriages.

One unique aspect of Sherwood Pictures production standards, which sets it
apart from the rest of the film-making world, is it only uses Christian
actors and actresses in its movies. In fact, most of the cast are members of
Sherwood Baptist Church.

One "Fireproof" cast member who is not a member of Sherwood is Kirk Cameron.
Best known for his role as Mike Seaver in the 1980s television hit "Growing
Pains," Cameron is a committed and outspoken follower of Christ.

Cameron not only delivers a strong performance as the male lead in
"Fireproof," but his presence on the set seemed to have raised the bar for
everyone else. I have to be honest: While I found the storyline in "Facing
the Giants" entertaining, some of the acting was not up to Hollywood
standards. This is not the case in "Fireproof." With one small exception,
all the acting in "Fireproof" is more than adequate.

While "Facing the Giants" was a movie for the whole family, "Fireproof" is
not. It is an intense film that deals with mature themes. It is probably
appropriate for older teens, but I would not recommend it for younger
children.

One of the issues that "Fireproof" touches on is pornography, a subject not
easily addressed. However, the film deals with the destructive nature of
porn in a manner that is both tactful and appropriate. In fact, I can't
recall when I have seen the issue dealt with so adequately. (The viewer sees
no pornographic images and hears the word "porn" only once.)

Another aspect of "Fireproof" I appreciate is that it is rooted in reality.
The story line is possible, the relationships resonate with reality and the
plot twists are plausible.

"Fireproof" is a perfect illustration that marriages do not get into trouble
overnight. Little by little, relationships erode until they are at the point
of breaking apart. Only a lot of hard work, patience, prayer and
unconditional love can save a marriage on the brink of falling apart.

But at least one question remains to be answered: Can a movie really make a
difference on the sagging state of marriage? While I don't know the answer
to that question, I do know that it certainly can't hurt.

"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the
realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal
adulthood," said Walt Disney. If the family entertainment legend's
observation is accurate, "Fireproof" has the opportunity to portray a
realistic and hopeful view of marriage to cinema goers -- both young and
old.

If nothing else, "Fireproof" might provide a spark of hope for someone in a
struggling marriage that with the Lord all things are indeed possible.
Whatever the condition of your marriage, you need to see "Fireproof." And
you need to encourage others to see it, too.

For more information: http://www.FireproofTheMovie.com. For resources, visit
http://www.FireproofMyMarriage.com.

© Copyright 2008 Baptist Press

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13th Annual Smart Marriages® Conference, Shingle Creek Resort,
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