To Save a Life

I saw this movie last night with our youth group at church. I really feel the this world needs more movies like this one. So much is happening in this world these days. People need to know God is in control. We need to send this message out. So thanks to the movie makers for this one. The story line, they chose for this movie are real and happening all are the world. God wants us to play the part and be there for others. We need to be a role model and share a part of our selves with others. Be there for each other, lend a hand and not turn our backs on Gods people. I laughed and I cried. I really enjoyed this movie. Hope everyone who watches this movie will be touched. I have lived with knowing someone who has been in the same shoes. Thanks again.

I went to this movie without the knowledge of it being a Christian based movie.I think the fear of producing a movie like this and not having a good reception took part in the limited release. Unfortunate for those who can't see it, but fortunate for those who did. The movie produced a lot of feelings and range of emotions while the viewers watched it. You went through it with laughter, tears, anxiety and hope. My review won't be very helpful I guess; but I do recommend you take your 12 and up children and let them see this movie. I went with a mother of 4 and wants to take her oldest children who are going through what Jake did with the youth group. I know a boy who is a stoner like Danny who is just dying to fit in but didn't know how to lose that label and get what he wanted, he watched the movie and swore to change and give up pot. We all know a Danny, A Jake A Johnny and A Roger. We can all relate to his movie in one way or another and I'll tell you what... When I walked out of that theater, as I wiped my eyes I looked around the sold out crowd waiting for the next show and saw them all wiping their eyes. Even the guys. All discussing the movie, the message, the cast and nothing about how hot so and so looked, or talking about where they were headed for dinner. They discussed what they got from the movie, what they liked about it and the acting skills of the actors that touched their lives so much. If that isn't an amazing movie, I don't know what is.

First, I want to say that the movie I saw was almost nothing like its preview. I walked into the theater expecting a relatively dense, deep portrayal of guilt and doubt. This movie had very, very strong Christian overtones, to the point where my friends and I were laughing out loud - not because it was funny, or even because the scenes were cheesy, but that one thing after another kept adding up, and it was SO unbelievable and over-the-top. The casting director for this movie needs to find another job. The two main characters were easily in their late 20's. The girlfriend is supposed to be super popular and desirable, but she is hunched-over and wrinkled. No high schooler looks like that. The "troubled kids" actually looked like real teenagers, and the styling in that sense was pretty realistic, but it only served to contrast even more with how old the other cast members were. There was an extra at the kegger that was easily in his early 40's. It was ridiculous. But all of these things aside, my biggest complaint is that this movie had a real opportunity to explore some deep issues related to life, faith, and guilt. The main character had no soul. He was going through the motions of being hurt, angry, and confused, but I didn't believe it for a second. The only believable scenes were those that involved his parents. I don't completely blame the actor for this. I think it was largely the fault of the screenwriter. My hunch is that the screenwriter, who is a youth pastor, has had personal experience with parent trouble, how troubled teens act, etc. What he does NOT understand is how it actually feels to be a troubled teen (all of their diatribes were along the lines of, "Nobody understands me. I feel so alone." It never went much deeper than that.) Even more, I am almost certain that this writer doesn't know what it feels like to experience heavy grief as a teenager, or to feel guilty or like he caused someone to do something horrible. He (and the actors) make a valiant attempt to imagine what it would feel/be like, but it falls so painfully short. People who think this movie is an accurate representation of that kind of pain have most likely never lived it. I suspect the same could be said about the issue with the main character's girlfriend at the end of the movie, but I have never personally experienced that, so I can't say for sure. In summary: If you are an average Christian churchgoer, particularly one that belongs to a slightly more modern church (say, one that uses electric guitars in the church band), than almost without a doubt I think you will really enjoy this movie. It speaks to your reality and might broaden a few minds. If you are a victim of childhood/adolescent trauma, a serious crisis of faith, or severe depression - all of which I have personal experience with - then I suspect you will find this movie falls disappointingly short.

and as most will say that this is a great movie for teens. i beg to differ and couldn't believe this movie might be seen at churches. 1. bad language 2 and the rest (ie sexual references and etc). lifeway had it at their store and i can't believe they would have such stuff there but then again the times are changing! i'm sure its pretty close to whats been happening with teens for years but how could someone come to Christ with the language and etc...and i hope a church didn't make this film because if they did, they need to re-evaluate their standards. i do like the story for changing lives and saving them from destruction but the story would have been just as good without the partial nudity and language and some other points. definitely not a wholesome Christian family movie!

I took my son to see this movie. He is 16 and has had a tough time of feeling like an outsider at school. It helped him to see that everyone has problems and everyone else's life isn't perfect. This movie dealt with real things teenagers deal with on a daily basis and how they chose to deal with life. It might just save a life. For those kids who think it's cool to make fun of others and treat others like they are not worthy of consideration, that somehow they are better than others, they should watch this. It will help to see the effect that you have on others. My son didn't even care to see this movie but, when it was over he said it was good. I highly recommend this movie to teenagers and parents alike. It was worth seeing.

Saw this with my 14 year old daughter this weekend. This is an excellent movie for teens between the ages of 13-17. If you're deciding whether to watch it, don't be swayed by the overall rating as those who gave the lowest ratings do not belong to the intended audience group (males over 45 have given it the lowest rating - not sure why they felt the need to review it as it wasn't a movie for them?) I teach leadership to 14 and 15 year-old students at my school, and they were so excited when I showed them just the trailer! If you work with students then you know that what is portrayed in this movie is not exaggerated, but issues that they are actually dealing with on a daily basis. Even at my private, Christian school bullying is an issue. This movie has an excellent message and will help teens have the courage to stand up and be themselves, instead of just following the crowd.

We seldom go to the movies because most aren't worth watching (in our opinion) but my husband & I went to see "To Save A Life" yesterday (opening day) knowing it was a faith based movie. We're 40-50 something in age & have been in prison ministry for around 14-15 yrs. This film is a true-to-life movie that shows the reality of what the kids & youth of America go through every day. The suicide rate for teens is unbelievable. Too many of those who don't kill themselves, kill someone else or get into crime & end up in prison...all because they believe nobody cares & life is hopeless. We were impressed with the movie in many ways & found it to be made as very true. I left bawling (that's Texan for crying hard) even though it was humorous in places, too, because we've seen the results of those who have managed to stay alive on the street, but get sentenced (most for the majority of their lives) to prison, just to fight & struggle to survive. Prison life isn't living, only existing. It really is true that we each can save lives...you never know what someone is going through & sometimes just a smile or friendly gesture can make the difference in life & death. We don't think this is just a young people's movie - everyone should see it! We are Christians & have been quite some time, but after viewing this movie, I left changed. Go see it...you won't regret it.

source: To Save a Life

If you are looking for a great movie to see and you are in ministry. Grab your youth group or friends. This movie will touch on everything todays teens face and struggle through. If you don't feel a sense of changing who you are or feeling like you were called to be so much than you are, than I would be shocked! I recommend this movie, see it why you can! As Jake searches through the suicide of a distant childhood friends, he faces so many situations and leads him to a church. Seeing that sometime church folks aren't who they should be and questions God. Getting saved and baptized leads to a leading away of the old man to a new person, looking to make a difference in his world.

As someone who absolutely loves a good movie, I really enjoyed this film. It has a great message (people need people; people need God), good acting, a good storyline, and it really keeps your interest. My group of 40-something women friends all thought it was well worth seeing. Judging by the size of the crowd (mostly teens), it won't be in theaters long,however, so see it immediately or be sure to get it on DVD as soon as it comes out. The first 10 minutes I was skeptical....it was feeling like an amateurish attempt at film making. But that feeling was gone quickly. In fact, I would give the actual filming a 10. Some unique techniques were used that really made it a cut above. Also it was laugh-out-loud funny at times. The story drags a little bit about 3/4 of the way through. And some of the drama could have been eliminated (such as Jake's parents' relationship). The dialog didn't flow at times, usually between Jake and Amy. And a few other flaws I can't mention w/o giving away the too much. But overall this movie will make you want to treat those around you with care and concern, and will motivate you to watch for those among us who get lost. Every youth group leader should take their church kids to see this. It could literally change the world if even just a few kids began to reach out like Jake does in this movie. Great message w/o preaching.