bkoganbing Courageous is the story of four deputy sheriffs from Albany, Georgia and a Hispanic day laborer who all agree to become better fathers after one of them loses a daughter to a drunk driver. One of them doesn't quite make it all the way, the four deputies are Ken Bevel, Alex Kendrick, Ben Davies, and Kevin Downes, the laborer is Robert Amaya.The notion here is that fathers ought to become more actively engaged with their kids and the nuclear family is at all times paramount and preferred. Now as we well know families can be derived from a variety of sources and arrangements. This film certainly leaves out same sex couples. But as this is a Christian film we know what the stand on that is.Some decent performances and nice location shooting are Courageous's strongest assets. But I fear this one is for church audiences only.

winopaul I am not religious but I thought this was a dandy film. Sony had a trailer for it in another DVD I took out from the library. Even from the trailer it was obvious that this was a Christian film. I was surprised it has major studio support. As Dan Webster says on YouTube, "Who knew?" All you need to know is that this film cost 2 million and grossed 34 million. Yeah, 17 times return on investment. Lets see Avatar top that. I am duty the production company thinks its god's work.Now sure its preachy and a little corny. Don't be like the Hispanic mom reviewer who hates it because the Hispanic mom character is a stay-at-home mom and not identical to her. If you are that much of a narcissist, just stare in a mirror for two hours. Wear a T-shirt that says "My mother says I'm special." Yes you are.Lets recap-- 2 million in, 34 million out.One wonderful aspect of the film was how they conveyed it does not matter what race you are if you worship Jesus. Umar had a similar policy only it was in 642 not 2011, and it was the Persian empire not the American empire, and it was if you were Muslim, not Christian. One reason we kicked butt in WWII was Hitler and Tojo were all into that racial purity BS and we were all about "Hey everybody, lets go kill some Nazis!" Lets recap-- 2 million in, 34 million out.Now I did find offensive the theme that people must be obedient. I have to think of the great Reverend Ike, who would shout "Throw your money to the wall, that what sticks is for god, that what falls is for the church." I don't think anybody should obey that little instruction.Lets recap-- 2 million in, 34 million out.Also a admittedly bothersome was the "Man runs the family" stuff. I guess this all part of that Promise-keepers ethos. In fact, research shows that successful families form when the man does all our struttin' high-tone BS, until we find the best women that will have us, and after marrying her or moving in, the man just does every single thing she tells us to. I bet that is the kind of obedience that Hispanic reviewer wants. I can just picture her waging her finger in my face saying "Oh no you didn't." Lets recap-- 2 million in, 34 million out.One thing surprised me was how good no-name actors can be. Now maybe these are all famous Christian actors, but they were no-name to me. It was pretty funny that in addition to a set decorator, and prop-master and continuity girl on set, they have a "Prayer Team." Oh Puuuleeeze.Lets recap-- 2 million in, 34 million out.Even the most jaded reviewer here had to pause when the black cop asks the black gang-banger what he was doing in trouble, and the kid says, "I got nobody." Anyone has to admit the good that all organized religion does, as well as the bad. Watch Eugen Weber's The Western Tradition over at Annenberg/CPB if you want to see the impact of Christianity. Until I watched the 26 hours of Eugen Weber, I did not realize that "Western" is a historian's euphemism for "Christian" but not any old Christian, it is Roman Catholic and Protestant and maybe even the Anglicans. Orthodox Christianity is Eastern, and can't get any credit for anything other than the war in Croatia.If you like schmaltzy Lifetime TV movies you will love this.Lets recap-- 2 million in, 34 million out.

Davis P I was expecting this to be better than it was, a lot better!! The acting was very poor, at some parts laughable. Then, the whole plot was sorta weak, I thought they could've and should've done more with the movie, if seemed short on the plot. It was very melodramatic, which i hate, some scenes seemed very cheesy and been there, done that. I if feel like the filmmakers tryed, but they missed badly in my opinion. This movie did not move me, or make me feel good at all. The action scenes were actually pretty good, I'll give it that. And there was 1 plot twist In particular that I liked, no spoilers, I'll just let you find out yourself. But don't spend your money on this movie, cus I think there are much better films of higher quality to watch out there. 3/10.

Kev Hildebrandt G'day All, Firstly, we are sometimes quick to judge or condemn others for bad acting, or bad movies, Try being in their shoes and do better. They are NOT professional actors. They are church members trying to convey a message to the viewing public of God's message to others. I liked the movie and hit home for me as being a former soldier on the front line, plus being an X bike club member so I know what they are going through. Give them a fair go or don't condemn or say they are bad acting. TRY to do better yourself. I've bought the other 3 DVD movies that this church has put together so that "we" may understand what they are trying to say to our hearts in all the underlying message from these movies. Good on you Sherwood Pictures, and keep up the great work. Kev.