War Room - A Film on the Power of Prayer

My wife Diana and I were privileged to be able to attend a pre-screening of War Room, the latest movie from Provident Films and the Kendrick Brothers (Sherwood Pictures/Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia). Other movies form this line include Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous.  This film, like some of the previous films is being promoted intentionally towards a Christian audience, and is being released with a wide
assortment of materials and resources.  The obvious reasoning behind the producers hosting pre-screenings for those in ministry positions is to promote the film, as movie producers sink or swim based on movie attendance.

The host for this event opened with a now familiar concept: if we want good, Christ-honoring films in our entertainment options, then we must support them when they come.  And when a movie has the billing and potential to be not only Christ-honoring, but a powerful ministry tool, we should give it serious consideration.

In the case of War Room, the premise of the story revolves around prayer and its vital role in families, especially the picture of Matthew 6:6:

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

War Room is the story of Tony and Elizabeth Jordan (played by T.C. Stallings and Pricilla Shirer), a seemingly successful young couple with a young daughter Danielle (played by Alena Pitts), yet a family on the brink of collapse.  Tony is the top salesman at a pharmaceutical company, consumed with his career (and a little bit more), and Elizabeth the realtor who feels helpless in the face of a collapsing relationship with Tony.  Then along comes Miss Clara (Karen Abercrombie), a widow lady who has her old home for sale. This launches us into a roller coaster of emotion as Miss Clara connects with Elizabeth, eventually introducing the latter to her "War Room", a closet in her old house where she spends time with the Lord in War, not with this world, but with the REAL enemy.

The Kendrick brothers have an almost predictable way with splashes of humor, while giving due reverence to the extremely important subjects handled in this film. One of the most enjoyable parts of this movie, outside of the heart-lifting character of Miss Clara, is that the producers did not shy away from the name of Jesus! This movie is unabashedly "Christ-centered", indeed so much so that the enemies of God will indeed be offended by it, and the marginal, lukewarm believer will likely leave the film deeply convicted.

Entertainment Value: 9 out of 10

Family Friendly 10 our of 10

God-honoring 10 out of 10

Spiritual Value for investment 10 out of 10

Values Promoted: Prayer, Grace, Faith 

I will go out on a fairly secure limb and add this to my list of "must see" films.  While there is little in the way of "big screen" action that make this a "movie theater experience", I would still take the time and make the investment to see this in the theater, with a big focus on the opening weekend.  Many are not aware that films are made or broken by their opening weekend performance. With a good box office, the movie will expand to far more theaters, getting much more exposure and reaching a much wider audience, while helping to encourage further investment in family-friendly, values-based films.  

Go see this movie! And watch out - you might even find yourself wanting to SHOUT (praise Jesus!). I can confidently say, your faith will be strengthened, and your heart may very well be convicted, all while seeing an enjoyable, entertaining, and family-friendly film.

Know a couple who's marriage is hurting? Know people going through hard times in desperation?  This film can help!

War Room opens in theaters August 28 (with a special early opening on August 27).

"How do you like your coffee?" (See the film to get the reference)

For more information, see the official web site of War Room