Fireproof (film)

Fireproof
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Alex Kendrick
Produced by	Alex Kendrick Stephen Kendrick David Nixon
Written by	Alex Kendrick Stephen Kendrick
Starring	Kirk Cameron Erin Bethea Ken Bevel
Music by	Mark Willard
Cinematography	Bob Scott
Editing by	Alex Kendrick Bill Ebel
Studio	Sherwood Pictures
Distributed by	Samuel Goldwyn Films Affirm Films
Release dates	September 26, 2008 (2008-09-26)
Running time	122 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$33,473,297[1]

Fireproof is a 2008 American Christian drama film released by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Affirm Films,^[2] directed by Alex Kendrick, who co-wrote and co-produced it with Stephen Kendrick. The film stars Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea and Ken Bevel.

Reviews for the film were "generally unfavorable" from film critics.^[3][4] The film was successful at the box office, becoming a surprise hit,^[5] debuting at No. 4 and becoming the highest-grossing independent film of 2008, grossing over $33,000,000.^[6] It received awards from evangelical Christian organizations, including the Best Feature Film award at the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

Plot

As a young girl, Catherine asks if she can marry her father. Her mother says no, because he is already her husband and their marriage will never be done; Catherine could have her happily ever after when she found someone who really loved her.

Twenty five years later, Catherine is married to firefighter captain Caleb. He drills his men with the dictum that you never leave your partner, especially in a fire. However, at home, he and his wife argue and bicker over everything. Catherine accuses him of being selfish with his time and salary, while he says she prioritizes preferences instead of needs and is ungrateful. They both feel the other is inconsiderate and disrespectful. Their disputing finally comes to a head, and Catherine says she wants out, to which Caleb concurs.

They both complain to their respective friends, showing the depth of their miscommunication. Caleb’s father, John, implores his son to hold off on divorce proceedings to try the Love Dare, a 40-day challenge for improving marriage by changing the way a spouse is treated. Caleb reluctantly agrees, but decides not to tell Catherine. At the hospital where she works, Catherine has been mutually flirting with Dr. Gavin Keller, to whom she is attracted because he is thoughtful of her. Meanwhile, Caleb’s friend and colleague Michael also tries to dissuade him from divorce. He explains using salt and pepper shakers that they can be different but together. He also points out that Caleb will risk his life to save complete strangers, but isn’t willing to save his own marriage.

The Love Dare begins, and it gives accumulating concepts for every day. Caleb completes each task, albeit half-heartedly, viewing it more as a checklist than real investment. Each meager effort goes unappreciated. The nurses at her work advise Catherine that he is merely trying to “butter her up” for a better divorce settlement. Additionally, she dismisses his attempts because he chooses internet pornography over intimacy with her, making her feel humiliated and inadequate. With encouragement from John and Michael, Caleb forges ahead anyway. Catherine grows closer to Dr. Keller while Caleb struggles through each day. After he goes all out on Day 19, she declares she doesn’t love him anymore, prompting him to almost quit. John convinces his son to accept God and Christ into his life, saying he needs Him in order to succeed in all things. John emphasizes forgiveness and giving love whether it is deserved or not.

After treating Caleb for first degree burns, Dr. Keller inadvertently discovers Catherine is married, but continues his affections anyway.

Invigorated by his faith, Caleb asks the Lord for strength in defeating his addictions and winning Catherine back. He destroys the computer, putting in its place extravagant roses and a note saying he loves his wife more. Despite the genuine gesture, she leaves an envelope with a petition for divorce. Caleb is heartbroken. Catherine goes to look at costly medical equipment needed for her stroke-afflicted mother, and discovers that it has already been paid for in full. She assumes Dr. Keller footed the bill, which further drives them together. Caleb discovers this burgeoning relationship and confronts the doctor, firmly stating that he won’t step aside and will continue to fight for her heart. Afterward, Dr. Keller pulls out a wedding ring, revealing he too is already married, and he ends his pursuits.

One day, Catherine finds the Love Dare book. Caleb, attempting to take care of her while she is ill, confesses he is already past the forty days, saying he doesn’t have to stop. Although Catherine still doubts his sincerity, he pronounces his commitment to being a better husband, gives a heartfelt apology, and begs her forgiveness. While taking time to think about the divorce, Catherine finds out that Caleb used his entire life savings (long intended for an expensive boat) to pay for her mother’s equipment, while Dr. Keller only contributed a paltry sum. Moved to tears by the profound unselfishness of this act, she reunites with her husband, culminating in a passionate kiss. They renew their wedding vows in a Christian ceremony, with salt and pepper shakers atop their cake.

Cast

• Kirk Cameron as Capt. Caleb Holt of the Albany Fire Department's Station One
• Erin Bethea as Catherine Holt, Caleb's wife, who works as a public relations director for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
• Ken Bevel as Lt. Michael Simmons
• Jason McLeod as Eric Harmon, a rookie fireighter
• Perry Revell as Dr. Gavin Keller, a married doctor who admires Catherine
• Stephen Dervan as Wayne, a firefighter at Station One
• Harris Malcom as John Holt, Caleb's father
• Phyllis Malcom as Cheryl Holt, Caleb's mother
• Renata Williams as Latasha Brown, a nurse at Phoebe Putney
• Alex Kendrick as Pastor Strauss
• Chelsea Noble as Catherine Holt body double (uncredited),^[7] who appeared in the scene where Caleb and Catherine reconcile, as Cameron would not kiss any woman but his wife

Fireproof's supporting cast also included nearly 1,200 volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church.^[5]

Production and marketing

Fireproof was filmed during October–December 2007 in 16 locations, all of which were donated. Craig von Buseck of the Christian Broadcasting Network said that the film was, "beautifully shot in and around Albany, Georgia, home to Sherwood Baptist Church."^[8] The Albany Fire Department donated its fire station locations, trucks and even some of its crew for use during the filming.^[9] The producers were also given use of a train and a hospital wing. The film's cast and crew were made up of 1,200 volunteers, along with a professional film crew of eight who worked below rate. Instead of marketing with television spots and billboards, Fireproof's marketers invited Christian publications to the set and screened the film early for pastors and church groups. Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films said, "The marketing is more grass roots."^[5]

Soundtrack

Fireproof: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by Various
Released	July 14, 2009 (2009-07-14)
Genre	Christian
Length	57 minutes
Label	Provident Label Group

The film soundtrack for Fireproof was released on July 14, 2009.^[10] It features songs by Christian groups and artists, such as Casting Crowns and Third Day, as well as highlights of the film's score, composed by Mark Willard.

1. "Fireproof" – Main Title (2:11)
2. "Brighter Days" – Leeland (3:44)
3. "This is Who I Am" – Third Day (2:32)
4. "On the Tracks" (6:08)
5. "The Love Dare" (1:02)
6. "Slow Fade" – Casting Crowns (4:40)
7. "Not Good Enough" (1:00)
8. "What You Don't Have" (2:37)
9. "House Fire" (6:01)
10. "While I'm Waiting" – John Waller (4:52)
11. "Temptation" (2:52)
12. "The Apology" (2:43)
13. "Personal Sacrifice" (3:48)
14. "You Belong to Me" – Grey Holiday (1:50)
15. "She Did It To Me" (1:50)
16. "Love Is Not a Fight (Movie Version)" – Warren Barfield (4:28)
17. "Bonus Track: While I'm Waiting (Fireproof Remix)" – John Waller (4:49)

Awards

In 2010, the soundtrack for the film was nominated for a Dove Award for Special Event Album of the Year at the 41st GMA Dove Awards.^[11]

Reception

Fireproof has received generally mixed reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it rating of 40%, based on 20 reviews.^[12] Metacritic gave it a metascore of 28%, based on 6 reviews.^[13] Ed Gonzalez of LA Weekly said, "Fireproof stops becoming relatable to us all and only to the already, or easily, indoctrinated."^[14] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter said, "While hardly sophisticated in its approach and certainly not polished in its technical elements, the film does get its heartfelt message across with undeniable sincerity. Its success at the box office, which will no doubt continue on home video, demonstrates that there's no shortage of filmgoers dissatisfied with cynical Hollywood product."^[15]

Josh Rosenblatt of The Austin Chronicle criticized the film's story, saying it "makes for fruitful soul-fishing but lousy drama."^[16] Joe Leydon of Variety gave the film a positive review, saying, "Cameron is genuinely compelling as Caleb, a work-obsessed firefighter on the verge of divorce from his neglected wife."^[17] Cheryl Dickow of the Catholic Exchange said, "I feel it is necessary to send a message to Catholics everywhere that this is a movie worth seeing."^[18]

Box office

Fireproof's advance sales accounted for 40% of all Fandango sales the week before the film opened.^[19] It was released on September 26, 2008 in 839 theaters^[20] and grossed $6,836,036 in its opening weekend, placing at No. 4.^[21] During its run, Fireproof had a domestic gross of $33,456,317,^[22] more than triple the lifetime earnings of its predecessor, Facing the Giants, and moving it into the top 6 grossing Christian films of all time.^[23] It was the highest grossing independent film of 2008.^[6]

Home media

Fireproof was released to DVD on January 27, 2009 and to Blu-ray on September 29, 2009. Included as special features are deleted scenes, bloopers, behind-the-scenes making-of featurettes,^[24] and a commentary by the Kendrick Brothers.^[25] On its first weekend of DVD release, it ranked third in retail sales^[26] and fifth in rentals with a rental index of 51.02.^[27] After the upcoming weeks, it made $28,507,308 in DVD sales.^[28]

Awards

2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival

• Best Feature Film^[29]
• Runner up for Best of Festival.^[30]

17th Annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala

• $100,000 Epiphany Prize^[31]

The Dove Foundation's Crystal Seal Awards

• Best Drama^[32]

See also

• Sherwood Pictures

References

External links

• Official website
• Fireproof at allmovie
• Fireproof at the TCM Movie Database
• Fireproof at the Internet Movie Database
• Fireproof at Box Office Mojo
• Fireproof at Rotten Tomatoes
• Fireproof at Metacritic
• Fireproof (film) on Facebook