Confessions of a Prodigal Son [Christian Movie Review]

I received a free DVD copy of Confessions of a Prodigal Son and was compensated for this post.  

     A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by the executive producer of a new Christian film, Confessions of a Prodigal Son, about an opportunity to view a private screening and post my review of the movie. Although movie reviews aren't generally the type of thing found on Keeping Pace, I jumped at the chance. Reason number one: I love movies. Reason number two: I love a Christian movie because I know that it's going to open my eyes in some way, regardless of the plot.


     This one did in more than just one way. The movie follows Sean, a college-aged kid who sets out on his own, leaving his faith-based household behind. After an argument with his parents, he convinces them to give him half of his college fund so that he can leave their home to live his own life. Sounds familiar, right? His father, a pastor, promises Sean the other half of his college fund if he can make it two years on his own. Seans spends the money on what typical college kids spend their money on: lots of alcohol. And lots of partying.

      I'll talk a little about the main characters you meet in the film, and I thought it was amazing how I could relate to each one in some way. Sean, of course, is an obvious given. No, I didn't distance myself from my parents once I moved to college, but I understand his desire to get away and "live his own life." I know what it's like to be a rebellious college kid with your parents' money and not a care in the world. Like Sean, I also know the repercussions. You'll have to see the movie to find out how it all works out for him.

 

Professor Truman holds a minor but important role as the
college professor who encourages Sean to figure out what his
life story will be about.

 

     Sean's best friend is Cameron, and we've all had a Cameron in our lives! He's the typical bad guy, the bad-behavior enabler and fan of all things dangerous. Without disclosing the details on the plot, I think the production company's next movie should be a sequel trailing Cameron's life without Sean as his partner in crime :)

     Then there's Ali, the waitress Sean meets in a diner after a night of partying. She is sweet, beautiful, wholesome, the very opposite of the women who usually catch Sean's attention. Of course she is my favorite character from the entire movie!

     And finally we have Sean's parents, starring Kevin Sorbo as Sean's pastor father. As a mother, I probably found them most relatable, despite my son being just six months old. I found their love for their rebellious son incredibly believable. I cried happy tears at the end. Sorry, can't say too much just yet!

     While I would give most of the actors in the film a solid B minus, that's not what is important about Confessions of a Prodigal Son. I think back on other modern Christian movies I have seen, and while I didn't care much for the actors, I always loved the message behind the plot. The message in Confessions of a Prodigal Son? Redemption. Forgiveness. And the peace you are brought when you realize that you can always come home. Not just to mom and dad, but to God.

     Watching the movie, I began to think of all the times I've been lead astray in my life. Not just away from home but away from my morals, from the values my parents instilled in me. And from God, my true Father. This movie reminded me of what I always had to figure out by talking to God: I can always come home. And just like my parents, my God is always there, always waiting with His arms wide open. He wants me, and He wants you. All you have to do is go to Him... I can't promise that you'll never find yourself wandering, but you will never regret coming to God.

I hope my review makes you as excited for the release of the film as I am! You can own it on DVD and Digital HD on Tuesday, March 24th! Although I've been given my own copy of the DVD, I have contacted the executive producer again to see if maybe I can get another one to give away. Fingers crossed, guys!

 

Visit the Facebook page for the film here.