Yesterday my hubby, my pastor and his wife, and I all went to see the movie Courageous, by the makers of Fireproof. We were actually thrilled to see, even after arriving 10 minutes early, that the movie was almost completely sold out. We sat in the very front row, like little kids who don’t know yet that those are NOT the best seats, because these were the last seats available. It was worth the slight neck strain and subtle nausea. GREAT MOVIE!
The movie is certainly a challenge. Not only does it challenge your emotions the whole way through, it leaves fathers with an enormous, heartfelt challenge to better themselves for the sake of their families.
There’s no debate that research shows that strong male role models are a key ingredient in the success of any young person’s life. We see this demonstrated by the drastically high percentage of prison inmates who report having no father figure in their life. Moms (speaking as one) are pivotal. But Dads matter too! Not as emotionally absent pay check providers, but as engaged, purpose driven, loving leaders. This movie is powerful in it’s ability to relay this message.
Don’t expect to be bored either. You’re going to find yourself on a real roller coaster of emotions, for sure. You’ll be crying (or tearing up… we’re not all cry babies, I suppose), then laughing, then ducking, and laughing again. It was fun to experience this in the theater and enjoy the sound of the audience laughing and then sniffing. It was moving and inspiring, without making me feel preached at.
To sum it up, check out this movie! It’s will definitely enhance your day and MIGHT just enhance your life! 
Hi! Thanks for visiting my site! I'm Casey Kiel, mommy of four, wife of one, graphic artist by day and freelance artist by night. I'm looking forward to sharing my laughs and crafts with you, through my comic strip 4Keeps and my various artsy adventures! Can't wait! :)
I agree whole-heartedly with all of Casey’s points… save one. Fathers are not the _only_ ones left with a challenge. Everyone who watches this movie should take to heart the desperate need for good role models in general, above and beyond the essential need for good fathers. We can all be mentors, shepherds, caregivers, and friends. And that is what this movie calls us to do. More importantly, that is what God calls us all to do through His son, Jesus Christ.
Thanks Casey!
Great review, Casey! And I agree with Matt – that fathers weren’t the only ones left in the challenge. Without giving the movie away, I’d have to remark on the way one of the men stepped up to help be a male role model in another child’s life, that wasn’t even his son! This movie can speak to people, even ones without children – that we can all be looking around us (rather than selfishly inward) on ways we can give of ourselves, because of Christ, to others who just need someone to care.
Wow, Case! Great review! You are definitely a lady of many hats!! …mom, wife, baker, artist, crafter, jewelry designer and movie reviewer!! Awesome job…keep it up!!
The writers of the movie, one being the main character, see things from a man’s perspective, and thus write movies from that perspective, it seems to me. Perhaps there is a woman from their Church who is gifted with writing that could come up with a screenplay they will make into a movie of some day. I love that people are seeing the way in which “Courageous” can apply to their lives if they aren’t a father, husband or son. As a father, I was convicted in ways I would never have thought about because, unfortunately, I would say I was proud of myself and thought I had it all together. That’s what makes life so wonderful though, is that we can still find things to challenge us and make tomorrow a better day. I didn’t take my kids to this movie, but my wife and I saw it together at the dollar theater. I plan to show my kids and rent it with our Blockbuster Movie Pass as soon as we are next in the queue. I found out from my employer, Dish Network, that they are adding 3,000 more children’s titles to the Blockbuster Movie Pass, which will be great because we can stream movies like Ella Enchanted. My daughter loves Strawberry Shortcake and frankly I hate buying all of the DVD’s in the series but she’ll be able to stream them anytime she wants. We like the wholesome selections of movies with our Blockbuster and since it includes streaming and by mail we can cover all the bases. Thanks @Matt for your helping us realize this movie doesn’t have to be so myopic in interpretation!