Overcomer movie review – running the race to win
The Kendrick Brothers — Alex and Stephen — know how to make a good movie. They find that sweet spot of having relatable characters going through realistic situations and staying focused on their faith-based message. Their latest, Overcomer, might be one of the strongest of their six films and finds them returning to a sports theme like their breakout sophomore effort, Facing the Giants.
Tough economic times have hit the city of Franklin hard with the closing of a manufacturing plant. That eventually dramatically affects the private Christian school as families can’t afford the tuition. It also hits basketball coach John Harrison (director/co-screenwriter Alex Kendrick) as his team gradually starts losing his best players.
To prevent another program from going defunct, Principal Brooks (Priscilla C. Shirer, War Room) has John take over as coach of the cross country team. Only catch is it’s not much of a team as it consists of a transfer student, Hannah (Aryn Wright-Thompson), who also has asthma. John predictably doesn’t take this very well and his wife, Amy (Shari Rigby), is at a loss on how to help him deal with his spiraling depression and frustration.
It’s not until John has a chance encounter at the hospital with a blind patient named Thomas (Cameron Arnett) that John starts to rethink his attitude and his approach to those around him. Not least of all his sons (Jack Sterner and Caleb Kendrick), who in a welcome twist, aren’t irritating sarcastic know-it-alls glued to their phones and are supportive encouraging figures to their parents.
With John’s issues worked out, the focus shifts to Hannah, whose subplot proves very engaging despite a few telegraphed twists. Newcomer Wright-Thompson gives Hannah a quiet confidence as she becomes more assured of herself and where to place her faith.
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It’s always lame how Christian films get criticized for “preaching to the choir” as if making a movie for the target audience is suddenly. As if comic book films are catered toward stuffy Oscar voters or Oscar bait films are targeting geek culture.
It’s a laughable and silly argument that makes no sense. The Kendrick Brothers certainly aren’t shying away from Christian viewers, but don’t make their films in a way that presents Christians as perfect, flawless people trying to bring everyone into the fold. Their script is funny, challenging and overflowing with some heartfelt and emotional moments.
If anything, films like Overcomer are important to show a more realistic look at the Christian life. One that’s actually based on the principals of love for one another and not the hate perpetrated by some who haven’t quite grasped the concept of the Christian walk.
Alex Kendrick continues to show more confidence as a director. His films have always managed to avoid the schmaltzy tone of a Hallmark movie with easily overcome obstacles and problems. There’s a greater sense of depth in Overcomer and characters react and behave in reasonable and understandable fashion. In one scene, two characters make a tough decision that eventually comes back to bite them when another character calls them out on it. That confrontation was necessary as it showed a willingness to explore all sides to the situation, not simply the easiest one.
The performances are all pretty solid with Arnett and Rigby really standing out. Shirer is getting more comfortable on screen playing different characters and Kendrick has always been a very strong and likable performer.
Overcomer finds the Kendrick Brothers in their sports faith wheelhouse with another charming and emotional winner that will likely be a crowd-pleaser for its target audience and possibly some viewers willing to give a Christian theme film a chance.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Photo Credit: Sony