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| The Second Chance | 
| Category: Movie
Buy New: $9.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  42 reviews
Sales Rank: 3195
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: Video Download
Running Time: 103 minutes
ASIN: B000I8G5FS
Theatrical Release Date: March 22, 2006
Release Date: November 12, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Edgy in some ways, maddeningly cliche in others October 11, 2006
3 out of 9 found this review helpful
Let me get this out of the way: I do not automatically give all Christian movies 5 stars merely to "give them support." As the leader of my church's drama ministry I believe we are responsible to pursue and promote excellence in the arts. Poor craftsmanship implies poor effort and lacks credibility. Trust me, the makers of this film feel the same way.
When I saw this was a film by Steve Taylor, I knew I had to see this movie.
When I heard Michael W. Smith was in the lead role, I wasn't so sure I wanted to see this movie.
Well, I was pleased with much of it, challenged as a Christian by parts of it, and disappointed with lots of it. As with his cutting edge music, Taylor pushed some buttons that definitely needed to be pushed (punched and smashed, too) about the marketing mentality within the church, the social laziness we ignore, the racial ignorance we tolerate (on both sides), and the flawless facade we try to project. As for the occasional swearing the pastor does, that's just real life. Preachers are fallible.
As for Smitty, all I can say is, "He obviously worked very hard on this and there were times when he was very effective." That's nicer than saying, "Don't quit your day job." And more honest, really. He truly didn't stink at it. But I doubt he'll ever be on Martin Scorsese's speed dial.
jeff obafemi carr (the lowercase thing is his idea) is pretty darn good, though. Hope to see him again.
The great, glaring weakness of 'Second Chance' is in the retreaded plots: Plot A: A small, faithful inner city church is financially strapped and the administrative board plans to shut it down if its fortunes don't turn around, so the congregation rallies to save it. Plot B: A rebellious, successful son is resistant about taking over the reins of a church from his kindly old father, the senior pastor who is beloved by everyone. Heard either of those plots before? Sure, in just about every story about a church that you've ever seen from 'The Preacher's Wife', 'Sister Act,' and 'The Gospel' to dozens of episodes of 'Highway to Heaven' and 'Touched by An Angel' to half of the Christian novels ever written. Is there no other story out there?
I really feel Taylor missed an opportunity by not trying for a more original story to tell, one that the average person could identify with. And hadn't seen before. But this is still a good first effort by Steve.
 Great Movie October 1, 2006
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is a great movie that shows real issues Christians (and non-Christians) face in a very real way. It will make you think.
Well done.. September 28, 2006
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
The movie is well done. It is a good story, acting is very realistic, character lessons strong, entertaining. I recommend the movie.
Simply Excellent September 26, 2006
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I love movies. I watch all types of movies. I am also a full-out warrior for Jesus Christ. I despise Hollywood and it's self-serving, propagandizing products. And yet, I still watch the movies. About 70% of the time, I end up feeling like I've just wasted another two hours of my life. Crash, the movie that took a lot of Oscars this year, was a good movie, not a great movie, but a good movie. This movie, The Second Chance, was about the same subject, but was actually worthy of an Academy Award. Will it get it? Of course not. People can't see past their prejudices against the Christian religion to see this excellent movie for what it is; a much better depiction of bigotry in our society today, in the secular world but more sorrowfully, in the churches. I have also watched a lot of Christian movies, and while I try to be patient and give them a fair chance, this one stood alone as a movie I would put up against the likes of Crash or any other movie Hollywood puts out. Do yourself a favor, open your mind and heart and give this movie a chance.
A FINE CHRISTIAN DRAMA! September 25, 2006
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
"The Second Chance" tells the story of two men who share the same faith, and live in the same city, but are from completely different worlds. One is a celebrity figure who works as music director at the biggest church in town; the other is a street-smart preacher who was once in prison, and now works to prevent the kids from his part of town from going down the same path he took. Through a twist of fate, both men are forced to work together. Together, they each come to respect one another, even as outside forces work against them.
This is a fine Christian drama that shows how people who come from different backgrounds can get along when they realize they share one thing in common: the same faith. Michael W. Smith, in his feature film debut, and Jeff Obafemi Carr gives a fine performances. The supporting cast does an equally-impressive job in their respective roles.
The film does tend to drag a bit at times, but the performances, as well as some very moving scenes and fantastic music numbers, manage to make up for the slower moments in the film. I would recommend this film to fans of both Smith and Carr, and also to fans of good, dramatic films. You're sure to enjoy it.
Movie/DVD Grade: B+
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