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| The Second Chance | 
| Category: Movie
Buy New: $9.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  45 reviews
Sales Rank: 13334
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: Video On Demand
Running Time: 103 minutes
ASIN: B000I8G5FS
Theatrical Release Date: March 22, 2006
Release Date: October 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 An excellent film about rare spiritual values August 24, 2006
Movies with a Christian worldview are, for the most part, fairly preachy. As a result, most people who aren't Christians avoid these movies, leaving the films solely "preaching to the choir." To the contrary, "The Second Chance" is a groundbreaking film in that it leaves the salvation message alone and instead tackles the role that Christians and the Church should take in our communities.
Rather than re-hash the plot and characters, which have been covered amply in many other Amazon reviews, I'd rather examine the strengths and weaknesses in "The Second Chance." Fortunately, there are far more strengths than weaknesses, despite a first-time director (Steve Taylor) and star (Michael W. Smith).
On the plus side, the flow of the action and the plot are well above average. Instead of covering the typical Christian ground of salvation or the Second Coming, this film delves into an American inner-city, complete with gangs and opportunist politicians. The characterizations are gritty, and the dialogue is real. "The Second Chance" is also about the right length, so viewers won't have much of a chance to get bored.
On the other hand, some of the acting is a little wooden, especially some of the members of Pastor Jake's congregation. Michael W. Smith also takes a little while during the film to settle into his role, though his performance is largely believable.
Using a balance scale, "The Second Chance" is more than satisfying. It provokes viewers to compare themselves with the people they see in the movie and ask themselves what they would do in those situations. Movie viewers may tend to avoid most Christian films, but that would be a mistake in this case. I highly recommend "The Second Chance" as worthy of at least one viewing, and possibly as an addition to your collection.
 The Second Chance Movie Worth Seeing! July 31, 2006
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
The Second Chance is a movie that takes on the complexities of cultural difference and social conscience. The film succeeds in tackling tough contemporary issues in a compelling and entertaining way.
The Second Chance stars Grammy award-winning musician Michael W. Smith in his first acting role as Ethan Jenkins, a rock star turned associate pastor of a suburban mega-church called The Rock. The film co-stars jeff obafemi carr, a multi-talented artist with experience in acting, singing, writing, and directing. jeff prefers lower case letters for his name as a gesture of humility. His character, Jake Sanders, is the pastor of a small urban inner city church called Second Chance Community Church that deals daily with all the associated problems plaguing the economically starved inner cities.
Michael W. Smith does amazingly well in his acting debut, considering his only acting experience was working with an acting coach in preparation for this movie. Equally amazing is the performance by jeff carr who nails his character with realism and genuine passion. jeff becomes Jake Sanders.
The background of the film involves Jeremiah Jenkins (played by J. Don Ferguson) who founded Second Chance Community Church in the 1960's and was part of the civil rights movement. Time has seen him move on to The Rock mega-church. The Rock has become part of the new electronic church era where it's about TV, image, timing, and donations.
Jerimiah's son, Ethan, is caught up in the image and the worldly business of the church. An affluent yuppie with attitude, Ethan finds himself at odds with the church's leadership after creating some waves. The church's board decides "he needs his wings clipped" and they decide to send him to Second Chance Community Church.
The plot revolves around both pastors, Ethan and Jake, as their cultures clash when Ethan is sent unwillingly to "observe and learn" at Second Chance and the surrounding community. Both pastors have their own set of flaws and culturally conditioned attitudes.
Ethan feels being sent to the inner city is beneath him and not worthy of his time. "I am an associate pastor, not a social worker," he protests when told of his assignment.
Jake, the Second Chance pastor, also has his cultural conditioning come into play. "We've seen enough of those ghetto tourists down here ... hanging around just long enough so they can go back and tell their congregations that they've 'been there' ".
The stage is set for conflict that extends beyond the surface of black/white issues. Both pastors are separated by economic barriers and their views of how to help people and handle problems. Ethan's rich suburban church mentality is to throw money at a problem and walk away. Pastor Jake's method of choice is to roll up your sleeves, get on the streets, and make a difference one person at a time. Some of his tactics are tough-love.
As Ethan navigates his way through the real life of the inner city, his belief system is thrown into turmoil. There are several memorable scenes in this movie, one of the most compelling is the sub-plot involving the African refugee child's paper plate drawing. Without revealing too much, I will say the associated scenes with this paper plate demonstrate that sometimes the seemingly small things in life can have a huge impact.
Ethan's acceptance into this different culture is slow. It's a painful learning curve but to his credit, Ethan continues forward. There are failures and there are victories. In one scene we see how music can serve as a wonderful bridge between personal and cultural differences. Acceptance involves doing and taking action, not just words or money.
As the movie progresses, power, money, and politics threaten Second Chance's existence. Out of the uncertainty, Ethan experiences another defining moment of life that will further serve to "call him home." Another defining moment for several characters comes during a foot-washing scene.
One of the most powerful scenes involves Jake's speech near the end of the film. jeff carr absolutely nails it with passion, emotion, and sheer believability. Michael W. Smith's musical score for this scene using his instrumental song "The Last Hallelujah" is perfection.
Another highlight and thought-provoking moment was Ethan's short rendition singing the song "Sinking Sand" echoing how staying in one's comfort zone is standing in "sinking sand". The defining moments he has had during his journey have made him realize his own sinking sand.
The movie could have ended several different ways. According to the commentary information, there was considerable discussion on how the film should end. The ending that was finally chosen worked for me. Its message was clear and thought provoking. It was the right choice.
Michael W. Smith did the musical scoring for many of the scenes as well as performing and co-writing the track "All in the Serve". Michael's son Ryan Smith has since produced a music video of "All in the Serve." Michael also performed all of his own piano and singing scenes and seemed right at home doing so. This was probably due to his 20+ years of music and concert experience as well as 18 albums.
The film was directed by Steve Taylor, his first feature length directing job. Prior to The Second Chance, he made several short films and music videos. Considering this and the fact that The Second Chance was a small budget film, he did an incredible job.
The commentary track in the DVD's special features section provided some interesting insights to the behind the scenes trials and tribulations that went into creating this movie. Steve Taylor, Michael W. Smith, and jeff carr recounted the obstacles that had to be overcome and how some of the casting assignments came to be. A significant amount of local talent was used. The film was shot entirely on location around Nashville, Tennessee.
Speaking of casting, many of the smaller roles were perfectly done. Henry Haggard, who played Sonny, the challenged Second Chance Community Church custodian, could not have been cast better. Shirley Cody, playing Miss Burdoe, the choir leader, was simply outstanding. The chemistry between her and Michael was obvious. Jamal, the drug dealer played by Robert Fitzgerald, brought his street character to believable and authentic life. J. Don Ferguson, who played Jerimiah Jenkins, did a memorable job that included his character's humble personal transformation.
This was a limited release film to theaters in February (2006) and was just released on video in July (2006). The Second Chance movie is from an original screenplay by Steve Taylor, Chip Arnold, and Ben Pearson. The Second Chance is rated PG-13 due to some drug references.
If you want to experience a great film that was created on a small budget by people who regarded it as a true labor of love, see this movie! The movie's message is one of hope, reconciliation, humility, tolerance, forgiveness, and understanding ... something the world needs now more than ever. [...]
a wake-up call for church leaders July 31, 2006
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Having grown up in the church and being a PK , and being prodigal for years, I could relate to many of the aspects of this film about "church business" and how it many times leaves Christ behind and the mission/vision of the church gets lost and ends up having very little to do with God.
Pragmatism has crept into churches across our land, and church decisons end up many times being based more on traditional non-profit organization business models and guidelines than about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I think the best audience for this would be people who serve in church leadership. One of the more subtle lines of thought that should hit home in the movie is how fellacious our overseas missions attempts are when we seem to care less about home missions work , with people we can see, feel and touch their lives; instead of being able to promote what we are doing around the world as a badge of honor.
 Stereotype July 31, 2006
2 out of 11 found this review helpful
I am a big Michael W Smith fan, but was very disappointed with this movie. The wealthy mega-church is filled with only white people while the church in the 'projects' is made up of mostly black people who are former druggies and prostitutes. I thought this film was attempting to oppose racial bias? So there are no minorities in the mega-churches? Only blacks struggle with addictions and illicit lifestyles?
Sorry, but I did not get the point of this movie. Supposedly this movie was to portray the church as Steve Taylor envisions it. I sure hope there aren't many Pastors like the ones portrayed in either 'The Rock' or the Second Chance church.
Plowing New Ground Here July 30, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
First of all, this film is head and shoulders ahead of most Christian films. It's a film you could show your non-Christian friends without them getting up and walking out. It has great camerawork, and the dialogue isn't canned. The characters seem more realistic than the usual for this genre.
Being a member of a large church, it really hits me that God expects you to get your hands dirty (not just your checkbook) helping the less fortunate. The film is a real wakeup call.
Acting is better than average. Jeff Obafemi Carr does a fine job. Michael W. Smith does a credible job as well. The supporting cast is all first rate.
You may be surprised to hear a few curse words in a Christian film. I always wonder how far you cross the line into the secular world to get a message across. Time will tell, I guess.
Completely out of the character he plays in this movie, Michael W. Smith has done volunteer work without a spotlight, cameras, or his name being mentioned in the press. I personally know of one life he has made an everlasting impact on in just such a situation.
Get the movie and decide for yourself. The curse words shouldn't be nearly as offensive as seeing your Savior nailed to a cross.
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