I was intrigued by the psychological theology theme of the movie – religion as a pull on one side, and LOVE on the other side. It rightfully reflects the on-going fight of mind and heart. Mind that is nurtured by religion and heart that is geared by LOVE.
The movie starts with Gavin (Charlie Hunnan) being talked to by Detective Hollis (Terrence Howard) for not jumping of the ledge of a high rise building.
The story flashbacks to Gavin a divorced man with a broken past (of losing his daughter) who is living with a gay HIV positive room-mate Chris (Christopher Gorham) one day hires a poker face Shana (Liv Tyler) who has recently come to live next doors with her husband Joe (Patrick Wison) who is a reformed drug addict and a new Christian re- born (born-gain) convert, who had married Shana after rescuing her from a miserable past life.
On one side Joe tries to bring back the atheist in Gavin and the gay Chris back to what he considers good and right things as taught in Christianity; while on the other LOVE-sparks fly between Gavin and Shana, that is known by Joe who seeks avenge on Gavin and Shana. There is also another flashback story of Detective Hollis who is facing a moment of marriage breakup.
Each one has a dilemma of one's own: To begin with is the Director Matthew Chapman has to answer the queries of a subject close to his heart – SCIENCE: believers versus non-believers; and for those among the movie characters 1) For Gavin it is to jump from the ledge to death in order to save the one he LOVES Shana?; 2) For Shana it is being loyal to her husband Joe or to her LOVER Gavin?; 3) For Joe, it is to follow the Christianity path of righteousness, forgiveness and self-pain-infliction or seek revenge on his unfaithful wife?; 4) for Detective Hollis it is about forgiving his cheating wife or divorcing her?
Director Matthew who is the great grandson of world famous writer Charles Darwin is himself a writer, director and a noted speaker on Science; he weaves in a mysterious thriller with right doses of theological moral ethical questioning religion and modern scientific outlook of life.
Everyone has acted well but special mention has to be given to Liv Tyler for being a poker faced disillusioned girl who is obligated to be loyal and faithful with her husband Joe just because he saved her, cared for her and married her on one side and a on being a desperate LOVER of Gavin on the other. Equally comes the roles enacted by Patrick Wilson and Terrence Lawrence of bringing those pain of longing in their characters that is rightfully felt by the audience; and lastly Charlie Hunnan who does a decent job of a non-believer shallow not-so-likable character of a LOVER. I think his character required some more deep connect with audiences –foundation and bearing to be empathized with.
Apart from the heart-wrenching dodgy ending that signifies no one is a winner to what life has to offer to all of us - One life, one chance, one step
I liked the movie. I will go with 7 out of 10 stars.
The movie starts with Gavin (Charlie Hunnan) being talked to by Detective Hollis (Terrence Howard) for not jumping of the ledge of a high rise building.
The story flashbacks to Gavin a divorced man with a broken past (of losing his daughter) who is living with a gay HIV positive room-mate Chris (Christopher Gorham) one day hires a poker face Shana (Liv Tyler) who has recently come to live next doors with her husband Joe (Patrick Wison) who is a reformed drug addict and a new Christian re- born (born-gain) convert, who had married Shana after rescuing her from a miserable past life.
On one side Joe tries to bring back the atheist in Gavin and the gay Chris back to what he considers good and right things as taught in Christianity; while on the other LOVE-sparks fly between Gavin and Shana, that is known by Joe who seeks avenge on Gavin and Shana. There is also another flashback story of Detective Hollis who is facing a moment of marriage breakup.
Each one has a dilemma of one's own: To begin with is the Director Matthew Chapman has to answer the queries of a subject close to his heart – SCIENCE: believers versus non-believers; and for those among the movie characters 1) For Gavin it is to jump from the ledge to death in order to save the one he LOVES Shana?; 2) For Shana it is being loyal to her husband Joe or to her LOVER Gavin?; 3) For Joe, it is to follow the Christianity path of righteousness, forgiveness and self-pain-infliction or seek revenge on his unfaithful wife?; 4) for Detective Hollis it is about forgiving his cheating wife or divorcing her?
Director Matthew who is the great grandson of world famous writer Charles Darwin is himself a writer, director and a noted speaker on Science; he weaves in a mysterious thriller with right doses of theological moral ethical questioning religion and modern scientific outlook of life.
Everyone has acted well but special mention has to be given to Liv Tyler for being a poker faced disillusioned girl who is obligated to be loyal and faithful with her husband Joe just because he saved her, cared for her and married her on one side and a on being a desperate LOVER of Gavin on the other. Equally comes the roles enacted by Patrick Wilson and Terrence Lawrence of bringing those pain of longing in their characters that is rightfully felt by the audience; and lastly Charlie Hunnan who does a decent job of a non-believer shallow not-so-likable character of a LOVER. I think his character required some more deep connect with audiences –foundation and bearing to be empathized with.
Apart from the heart-wrenching dodgy ending that signifies no one is a winner to what life has to offer to all of us - One life, one chance, one step
I liked the movie. I will go with 7 out of 10 stars.