Like all movies directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, Christian film "I Still Believe" knows its audience. In fact, the writing caters to the audience, but the movie executes its message well to showcase another example of how one's faith and love can carry them through life's uncertainties.
"I Still Believe," based on a true story about Christian singer Jeremy Camp's love story with Melissa Henning, tears your heart in half despite having a familiar plot and sometimes clunky writing.
The movie doesn't waste time in getting to know Camp's family. In 1999, Jeremy (K.J. Apa) is going to Indiana for a small Bible college in California, leaving his loving parents (Shania Twain and Gary Sinise) and brothers behind and gaining a shiny new red guitar as a parting gift. After moving in, Jeremy notices a band called The Kry, led by Jean-Luc (Nathan Parsons), will be performing at the school. Jeremy lies his way backstage and asks Jean-Luc for some pointers to make it into the music industry, and something must've caught Jean-Luc's attention because Jeremy ends up helping the band switch guitars throughout the concert. And in the crowd, Jeremy's eyes fall on Melissa (Britt Robertson) with her hands reaching toward Heaven and he falls in love with her. Their romance has all the typical ups and downs with modesty until one day it takes a hard hit. Melissa is diagnosed with stage-three ovarian cancer. As a couple, their love and faith carry them through their hardships and victories.
Apa and Robertson have wonderful chemistry, perfect for such an attractive duo. Their acting is fantastic, so it's easy to feel sympathetic or cheer for them. Apa is also talented musically with his voice and beautiful guitar skills.
And technically, the film has beautiful cinematography, especially when their adventures take them to the beach, to a museum or out to sea on a boat.
The biggest drawback to this movie is the writing. Yes, young love has its awkward moments and bumps, but sometimes the dead silence is too much or lines didn't deliver as powerfully as they could be. It would've also been nice to see more of Melissa's characterization. Audiences get a good idea of what Jeremy is like – since he's the main character. But what about Melissa? Did she have friends? What's her family like? Her family is introduced, but people only truly get to know the sister for a fraction of the time. They seemed involved in the college, what clubs were they part of?
And because this is a Christian movie, it's natural to assume the characters have strong beliefs. That's OK, and for the most part, it delivers, but sometimes it feels like the dialogue is aiming toward a heavily marketed audience. But at least the movie knows what it is and is proud of it.
Whether audience members believe in faith-based messaging, they'll find themselves believing in the classic love story.
Score: 6/10.
"I Still Believe" is in theaters Friday, March 13.
Follow Samantha on Twitter at @_SamI520.