I Still Believe (2020)
It’s a relief to see a faith-based film that doesn’t aggressively preach to the choir or contain downright sinister implications. I Still Believe seeks to recreate the success that was 2018's I Can Only Imagine by focusing on the music and love story. There are no cartoonish atheists anywhere to be found but considering how formulaic it gets, maybe it could’ve used a few.
Based on a true story, Jeremy Camp (KJ Apa) leaves home for Calvary Chapel College in Murrieta, California. There, he befriends guitarist Jean-Luc LaJoie (Nathan Parsons) and accumulates the confidence to write and perform his own songs. He also begins dating and eventually falls in love with Melissa (Britt Robertson) but her cancer diagnosis jeopardizes their happy ending.
By casting KJ Apa and telling what is a relatively straight-forward romantic drama, the Erwin Brothers hope to appeal to non-Christian audiences. They’ve got the right idea. At points, you might even forget this is a faith-based film. There are a couple of conversations about God and the couple’s beliefs but they come (mostly) naturally. They’re getting to know each other and are both attending a Christian College. The topic's going to come up, as is romance and the power of song. Here’s where we get some highs and disappointments. Shania Twain plays Jeremy’s mother (Gary Sinise plays his father) but she doesn’t contribute to the soundtrack at all. That’s a missed opportunity. On the upside, KJ Apa proves himself a talented singer and guitar player. You believe he would become a star. The fact that he’s handsome and charismatic help. On the kissy-kissy side, the stars play off each other well. They're convincing as a couple.
I Still Believe had a short theatrical run before the pandemic forced it onto VOD. This is an instance where the pandemic kind of did it a favor. Even devoted church-goers would be disappointed after paying anything more than the price of a rental to see this. It has scenes where people play music but it isn’t a musical. There are sparks between the leads but we’re not THAT invested in their romance. Even when the cancer diagnosis comes, our world doesn't feel like it’s collapsing. For the first half of the movie, the biggest dramatic point is whether Jean-Luc will learn the two are dating. I Still Believe is nearly two hours long and aside from a “miracle” (which in hindsight raises several questions), nothing elevates it above "bland".
Not that you should be getting together with people outside of your household right now but if you were and needed a movie that would appeal to both your 13-year-old niece and grandma, I Still Believe would be a good choice. It looks good for a low-budget production (well done, cinematographer Kristopher Kimlin). The chemistry between the stars is convincing. The musical choices are solid. You also won’t remember it down the line. Based on true events or not, this could’ve used something to spice it up. (November 4, 2020)