It cracks me up to read reviews of people complaining about the religious parts in movie. The whole thing was...it was advertised that way! If you don't like religion....don't go see a religious movie!!! Too funny! It was a great movie about faith and the power of it! Great to see a movie like this out there be a big hit!!
248 Reviews
Good movie. Recommend for believers and non-believers alike.
mossow9221 July 2019
This movie was a pleasant surprise. Ending up watching it on a whim with my sister who loves any movie based on a true story. And, yes, while the film is very heavy-handed with the religious propaganda, it's understandable given the film's circumstances. Truly a very emotionally gripping story led by a truly outstanding performance by Chrissy Metz. Seriously, she carries the film and acts her butt off. The rest of the surprisingly all-star cast play their role well. Would definitely recommend for believers and non-believers alike.
Hypothermia and brain function in drowning victims
smithtyg15 January 2020
I hate to tell those that think this was a miracle but the situation is really not all that uncommon. And it's pretty established medical science.
The intense coldness of freezing water slows organ function and allows for prolonged survival without oxygen. The first documented case was in Switzerland with a young girl that fully recovered after being underwater for close to 45 minutes. In fact, hypothermia treatment is now commonly used to care for patients that have oxygen deprived brains but restored cardiac and pulmonary function. Dr. Atul Gwande outlines this in his book The Checklist Manifesto - which I highly recommend for this topic and the many others covered in the book. Dr. Gawande is a great writer and all of his books are well worth the time.
As for the movie, it was what pretty standard fair for this type of movie. Better production value and bigger name actors than most Christian movies but nothing overly noteworthy.
The intense coldness of freezing water slows organ function and allows for prolonged survival without oxygen. The first documented case was in Switzerland with a young girl that fully recovered after being underwater for close to 45 minutes. In fact, hypothermia treatment is now commonly used to care for patients that have oxygen deprived brains but restored cardiac and pulmonary function. Dr. Atul Gwande outlines this in his book The Checklist Manifesto - which I highly recommend for this topic and the many others covered in the book. Dr. Gawande is a great writer and all of his books are well worth the time.
As for the movie, it was what pretty standard fair for this type of movie. Better production value and bigger name actors than most Christian movies but nothing overly noteworthy.
Breakthrough
JoBloTheMovieCritic24 July 2019
7/10 - regardless of my religious views, I am a sucker for a true story - that being said, some elements of the true story came off as corny in this film adaptation (not to mention how irritating Chrissy Metz's character got by the end of the film (trying to outsmart the doctors, blatant disrespect of all, etc.) that it got hard to empathize for her)
Where is your faith??
dnbaeb20 July 2019
This movie really pulls at the heartstrings. It was a film of fear, faith, hope and love. I thought the story was well put together and that it showed how anything can happen in the blink of an eye, yet how you choose to face it is the question. For this family and community-they chose to believe in their faith. Faith that the doctor could save him and faith in a higher-power.
Some people don't believe in God or have faith of any kind, and that's fine for them, but to see such reviews that are so angry at the mere thought that such a God could exist and that a miracle could happen, is unfathomable to them. I wonder why many non-believers get so worked up and angry over the possibility...when in life there are so many instances where truly wonderful and unexplainable things happen everyday.
Some people don't believe in God or have faith of any kind, and that's fine for them, but to see such reviews that are so angry at the mere thought that such a God could exist and that a miracle could happen, is unfathomable to them. I wonder why many non-believers get so worked up and angry over the possibility...when in life there are so many instances where truly wonderful and unexplainable things happen everyday.
Truth Bomb
krgoldman-5644830 September 2019
I'm sick and tired of people that go to a Christian movie then give it a horrible review because it is a Christian movie. First of all, they know what it is before they go and if they don't it's not the movies fault that it was not what they expected. Second, a lot of people are enjoying these movies because they are movies that you can actually let children watch and not have to worry about anything. Third, to those complaining about the acting, these movies were not made to win an academy award. That was not even on the radar. They are made to make a statement. Furthermore just because you don't agree with the statement doesn't mean it's wrong or that we that do believe it are stupid.
Emotional & Yes, Good!
dcoydcoy8 July 2019
I think my thoughts on this film are right there where the critics are, on both this site and the other (Tomatoes) site. I don't praise it like our people of faith do, but I don't ridicule it like my fellow nonbelievers. It's a good film, with exceptional actors. Chrissy Metz is always good! Yes, this is also a good family story. But of course some things need to be explained more thoroughly if credulous children are watching. Because they sometimes have trouble distinguishing what's real and what isn't. They will dismiss the obvious (monsters) of course, but can get caught up in the not so clear.
Yes, it's faith based, but the supernatural can be very entertaining at times. As long as they don't attempt to convince you it's truth and not sci-fi. After all, if truth was present, faith would be unnecessary. I recommend it!!
B movie nonsense
muamba_eats_toast19 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The feeling of a TV movie with every cheap music effect, over exaggeration and dramatisation I've ever seen. Partially true but felt like a propaganda piece for the church especially when you read into the actual truth. Most excruciating cinema experience of the year especially as to be pedantic he blatantly travels with the ball in the final scene.
Same story
sueelaine21 July 2019
Four years ago I was in emergency open brain surgery to remove a baseball-sized malignant tumor. Same story line but different start to the traumatic brain injury and I was in my 50s. Totally healthy woman to open brain surgery. Not expected to live and if so not expected to be able function. With lots of prayer, I am a miracle. Alive and fully functioning. This movie allowed me to see what happened while I was in a coma and recovering. Well made. Well done inspirational. Praise God!
Breaking Through the Barriers To Limit General Viewing
rgkarim18 April 2019
Movies about faith are tricky to make for a general population. In today's world where such a topic is torn into, with the endless debate often leading to different outlooks on such a historical and personal topic. And yet, sometimes that type of movie becomes the big hit such as last year's I can Only Imagine did. Nevertheless, the religious drama movies are ready to hit big this Easter weekend as tonight looks at another real, miracle event for inspiration. Tonight, I get the chance to check out:
Movie: Breakthrough (2019) Director: Roxann Dawson Writer: Grant Nieporte Stars: Chrissy Metz, Topher Grace, Josh Lucas
LIKES: The Message The Emotion The Sound and Video editing The Music
SUMMARY: In a movie like this, the message is perhaps the central core of the movie, and Breakthrough is not afraid to show you the beliefs of the cast involved. Unlike the ice to which the character falls into, the belief in prayer and the power of God is the beautifully emphasized in the various scenes and sequences. The case of faith comes with plenty of emotional moments, monologues and discussions about the various questions that come with the Lord's work and the explanation of miracles. As the audience members in my theater showed, those deep in faith became engrossed into the film, allowing the feelings to wash over them and manifest in shouting at the screen in their praise. The scenes that I think did the most for me, being the robot I am, involved those where sound and editing were blended in the Hollywood magic way. Using those subtle sound effects that soon radiate throughout the theater with close ups of the patient, brought the power of the prayer to life. However, the component I think is the biggest supporting power is the music. Much like the trailer, Breakthrough contains the songs worship that hold an ability of their own to incite the true magic that faith has. Those moments struck a chord in their beauty, and is the selling point of the movie for me.
DISLIKES:
Preachy Cheesy at times A bit Too Forced Selective Audience The Extra Fluff Secondary Character Syndrome
SUMMARY: The challenge of these movies is trying to take a tale and expand it into the populace that make up today's audience. Breakthrough didn't quite meet that challenge when talking with my friend who accompanied me. For one thing, the movie takes a little too much turn down the preachy side, utilizing monologues, very staged/forced dialogue, and Hallmark channel like writing that is all geared towards the message. The various church like sermons hold good meaning, but it's not the most entertaining movie writing that writers have cooked up. As such, this forced sermon will sort of force this movie into a narrow alley for audiences leaving general audience members disappointed. Thus, it's that selective audience that sort of limits the theater visiting component of the film. Now in terms of the other two dislikes for me it starts again with going a little too far with the story. Near the ending 25 minutes extra fluff was added that once more held good ideas, but they were in a manner that felt out of place. Breakthrough's ending just seemed to come a little too late in the movie, potentially suggesting another story arc that could have added more time had they pursued it. They made the right choice of cutting most of it, they just needed to cut the last remnants to keep the consistency. And of course the character utilization is key to making the most of your cast. Breakthrough did a decent job with its primary and secondary characters, at least in terms of big names, but the movie failed to really maximize the other characters that were introduced in the beginning. I understand this isn't the theme of the movie, but then don't waste time doing elaborate introductions to only fizzle out.
The VERDICT:
Breakthrough is timed perfectly for release for Easter and will speak to the intended audience of those with powerful faith. The Lord's words speak true and the miracles this movie represents are indeed an inspiration to see, especially when the powerful editing and music blend together. Yet, unlike some of the other faith-based movies, Breakthrough still finds odds with getting the entertainment value in, the preachiness and forced dialogue being the lighthouse for a narrow set of audience members, thus limiting the theater visit. Throw in some editing and character use choices that aren't quite all the way there and you again get the limitations of this movie. Still, a film worth watching at home or in youth group, Breakthrough's quality is best left at the comfort of your own home rather than the theater.
My scores are:
Biography/Drama: 6.5 Movie Overall: 4.5-5.0
Movie: Breakthrough (2019) Director: Roxann Dawson Writer: Grant Nieporte Stars: Chrissy Metz, Topher Grace, Josh Lucas
LIKES: The Message The Emotion The Sound and Video editing The Music
SUMMARY: In a movie like this, the message is perhaps the central core of the movie, and Breakthrough is not afraid to show you the beliefs of the cast involved. Unlike the ice to which the character falls into, the belief in prayer and the power of God is the beautifully emphasized in the various scenes and sequences. The case of faith comes with plenty of emotional moments, monologues and discussions about the various questions that come with the Lord's work and the explanation of miracles. As the audience members in my theater showed, those deep in faith became engrossed into the film, allowing the feelings to wash over them and manifest in shouting at the screen in their praise. The scenes that I think did the most for me, being the robot I am, involved those where sound and editing were blended in the Hollywood magic way. Using those subtle sound effects that soon radiate throughout the theater with close ups of the patient, brought the power of the prayer to life. However, the component I think is the biggest supporting power is the music. Much like the trailer, Breakthrough contains the songs worship that hold an ability of their own to incite the true magic that faith has. Those moments struck a chord in their beauty, and is the selling point of the movie for me.
DISLIKES:
Preachy Cheesy at times A bit Too Forced Selective Audience The Extra Fluff Secondary Character Syndrome
SUMMARY: The challenge of these movies is trying to take a tale and expand it into the populace that make up today's audience. Breakthrough didn't quite meet that challenge when talking with my friend who accompanied me. For one thing, the movie takes a little too much turn down the preachy side, utilizing monologues, very staged/forced dialogue, and Hallmark channel like writing that is all geared towards the message. The various church like sermons hold good meaning, but it's not the most entertaining movie writing that writers have cooked up. As such, this forced sermon will sort of force this movie into a narrow alley for audiences leaving general audience members disappointed. Thus, it's that selective audience that sort of limits the theater visiting component of the film. Now in terms of the other two dislikes for me it starts again with going a little too far with the story. Near the ending 25 minutes extra fluff was added that once more held good ideas, but they were in a manner that felt out of place. Breakthrough's ending just seemed to come a little too late in the movie, potentially suggesting another story arc that could have added more time had they pursued it. They made the right choice of cutting most of it, they just needed to cut the last remnants to keep the consistency. And of course the character utilization is key to making the most of your cast. Breakthrough did a decent job with its primary and secondary characters, at least in terms of big names, but the movie failed to really maximize the other characters that were introduced in the beginning. I understand this isn't the theme of the movie, but then don't waste time doing elaborate introductions to only fizzle out.
The VERDICT:
Breakthrough is timed perfectly for release for Easter and will speak to the intended audience of those with powerful faith. The Lord's words speak true and the miracles this movie represents are indeed an inspiration to see, especially when the powerful editing and music blend together. Yet, unlike some of the other faith-based movies, Breakthrough still finds odds with getting the entertainment value in, the preachiness and forced dialogue being the lighthouse for a narrow set of audience members, thus limiting the theater visit. Throw in some editing and character use choices that aren't quite all the way there and you again get the limitations of this movie. Still, a film worth watching at home or in youth group, Breakthrough's quality is best left at the comfort of your own home rather than the theater.
My scores are:
Biography/Drama: 6.5 Movie Overall: 4.5-5.0
Attribution
westsideschl31 July 2019
A few years ago a very young girl had her head crushed by a pit bull & I wondered what God's purpose was for how she experienced that death. As humans we tend to only remember the success stories for whatever reason we choose to believe is their cause. We either forget, dismiss, or never hear of the failure stories.
Submersion drownings have been well researched around the world. Our young bball player had everything going for him: youth; exposure time (about 20 min); latest science based knowledgeable response; medical equipment; treatment protocols such as drugs. The physician in the movie said he had never heard of a case like this. Seems he lacks common medical knowledge of cold weather drownings.
Cold water (colder is better; near freezing is best) drownings slows heart rate, stops breathing, routes blood to vital organs. This "diving response" can actually last up to two hours. Neurologic recovery is usually quite good. A majority of individuals similarly exposed have excellent long term results.
Prayer does help because it keeps the bedside human communication open - always good.
Submersion drownings have been well researched around the world. Our young bball player had everything going for him: youth; exposure time (about 20 min); latest science based knowledgeable response; medical equipment; treatment protocols such as drugs. The physician in the movie said he had never heard of a case like this. Seems he lacks common medical knowledge of cold weather drownings.
Cold water (colder is better; near freezing is best) drownings slows heart rate, stops breathing, routes blood to vital organs. This "diving response" can actually last up to two hours. Neurologic recovery is usually quite good. A majority of individuals similarly exposed have excellent long term results.
Prayer does help because it keeps the bedside human communication open - always good.
Where is your faith?
cthelder31 January 2020
I don't believe in God but enjoyed this movie. Good human interest story. From the pastors relation with Johns mother and John's fathers lack of faith out of fear of getting his hopes up. People have been underwater in undercooled conditions for a long time and survived without brain damage before, that's how I believe he survived. Faith is a funny thing, you either have it or you don't. I don't have, but John's mom has faith for all of us and them some. I believe they would've pulled the plug if it wasn't for her stubborn pig headedness. Seeing a community come together spiritually behind a person in need was touching. Feel good movie.
Good movie
jbisme8801 July 2019
It is a pretty solid movie. Worth watching if you have a faith based life. It is fun reading every atheist giving it low scores just because they do not believe in a God. I just wish we could learn in our country to mind our own business instead of bashing other people and their beliefs. I guess we our so caught up in ourselves now that other people do not matter anymore. Sad. Anyway. Go see it and find out for yourself. The whining atheist be damned
I mean, if this is your kind of thing...
Galop_Inferno30 April 2019
Alas, another outlandish religious drama based on a true story. Although this one has no connection to Pure Flix, the leading distributor in "wholesome" Christian entertainment (it's hard to consider anything wholesome after Unplanned), it feels enough like one that it can be easily misconstrued as one. Based on Joyce Smith's 2017 non-fiction novel, The Impossible, about her son John's miraculous recovery following slipping through an icy Missouri lake and having no pulse for nearly 45 minutes, Breakthrough is another notch in the low-cost and highly profitable Christian film industry.
John (Marcel Ruiz) is the 14-year-old adopted son of the highly religious Joyce (Chrissy Metz) and Brian Smith (Josh Lucas). Joyce had given up her biological child years ago and, during a mission trip to Guatemala, brought John home when he was an infant. There is a glaring hole in their relationship, as Joyce sees him as her little boy and John knows that his biological mother didn't want him. He is a relatively typical teenage boy, with basketball prowess (dropping enough product placement with NBA stars' names, including Steph Curry, who executive produced the film, and LeBron James) and lack of care for his studies.
After spending the night with his friends Josh and Reiger, the boys venture out onto a frozen lake, where, after being reprimanded, they fall through the ice. Josh and Reiger manage to find their way back up, but John doesn't. First responders are called; Tommy Shine (Mike Colter) searches for John and, hearing a voice telling him to "go back", successfully pulls the boy from the water. It is discovered that he has no pulse and is rushed to the hospital where he is about to be declared dead when Joyce arrives and, left alone in the room with him, pleads with God to save her son. After a few minutes of this, John suddenly revives with a heartbeat.
What follows is at least an hour of Joyce lashing out at anyone who has even a doubt that John will pull through, her battle of wills with contemporary pastor Jason Noble (Topher Grace) and lots and lots of tears. I never watched This Is Us, nor do I plan to, but Metz's performance is simply one in a million portrayals of a grieving mother who won't take no for an answer. Every scene with her caterwauling made the movie near unbearable to sit through.
While it does have fine performances from the rest of the cast, Breakthrough is loaded down with pathetic attempts at humor and enough schmaltz to carry an entire soap opera over a couple decades. Not once did I feel any sympathy for anyone on screen. Quite frankly, I'd hoped that someone would keel over and end the movie. That feeling of the film deliberately straining to invoke some kind of tearful reaction physically pained me. I haven't felt this wounded since Holmes & Watson. 0.5/5.
John (Marcel Ruiz) is the 14-year-old adopted son of the highly religious Joyce (Chrissy Metz) and Brian Smith (Josh Lucas). Joyce had given up her biological child years ago and, during a mission trip to Guatemala, brought John home when he was an infant. There is a glaring hole in their relationship, as Joyce sees him as her little boy and John knows that his biological mother didn't want him. He is a relatively typical teenage boy, with basketball prowess (dropping enough product placement with NBA stars' names, including Steph Curry, who executive produced the film, and LeBron James) and lack of care for his studies.
After spending the night with his friends Josh and Reiger, the boys venture out onto a frozen lake, where, after being reprimanded, they fall through the ice. Josh and Reiger manage to find their way back up, but John doesn't. First responders are called; Tommy Shine (Mike Colter) searches for John and, hearing a voice telling him to "go back", successfully pulls the boy from the water. It is discovered that he has no pulse and is rushed to the hospital where he is about to be declared dead when Joyce arrives and, left alone in the room with him, pleads with God to save her son. After a few minutes of this, John suddenly revives with a heartbeat.
What follows is at least an hour of Joyce lashing out at anyone who has even a doubt that John will pull through, her battle of wills with contemporary pastor Jason Noble (Topher Grace) and lots and lots of tears. I never watched This Is Us, nor do I plan to, but Metz's performance is simply one in a million portrayals of a grieving mother who won't take no for an answer. Every scene with her caterwauling made the movie near unbearable to sit through.
While it does have fine performances from the rest of the cast, Breakthrough is loaded down with pathetic attempts at humor and enough schmaltz to carry an entire soap opera over a couple decades. Not once did I feel any sympathy for anyone on screen. Quite frankly, I'd hoped that someone would keel over and end the movie. That feeling of the film deliberately straining to invoke some kind of tearful reaction physically pained me. I haven't felt this wounded since Holmes & Watson. 0.5/5.
Deserves 5 stars but it could be so much better
topeka_brooks18 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Just saw the movie, and I really loved it. I'm a Christian and I like faith movies, and I enjoyed the show. The story is about a miracle that happened to a young man in 2015. But I totally understand why the flick is not getting the rating it should get, and it's deserves a low rating unfortunately.
First, the good points: The acting is good, but with a little spit and polish it could have been better. The young man who plays the lead - John - did a very good job, and almost knocked it out of the park. Just a little coaching in a couple of scenes would have made a big difference.
The music is also fun. The cinematography is good, and someone also knows some film grammar ...
So we love the characters, the story, and the actors. So what went wrong? Why isn't this an 8+ star movie? Except to Faith movie Fans like me?
I'll just give one example - and I think that will explain it: When John is in the hospital, and we are all supposed to pray for him to survive, his church family gathers outside to sing a rousing praise song. That's okay - these are his people praying and they're gonna sing. Cheesy, but anyone who likes chick flicks or faith flicks is down with this ...
The director sets up the shot fine. But ... Then we get close ups of the choir, and they do the song - the whole song - and just when you think enough should be enough - they start dancing and do another couple of verses! I'm thinking 'oh, no, I'm glad I didn't drag my son-in-law along' ...
Ah ... can we say missed opportunity? I understand. These are someone's friends. They all look like nice folks you want to have in your church and in your choir. Maybe they donated too. It's great to see them on the screen. Hi Joe, hi Jane! But that's what the DVD is for - and the extended cut - or at least the credits. Golly, you could do a whole documentary about the film and the donor's church, and John's real church ... and Put It On the DVD!
What should have happened is a short montage - while the choir sings a verse and a chorus. Maybe two, but that's it. Show the heroic medical staff, the heroic emergency personnel, and the heroic prayer warriors - and then mom and dad praying - AND THEN STOP. And. Go. On.
Why bring a great story to a halt for a music video? Insert exasperation.
This is not the only example, and the 'climax' of the film was equally lame. Let's just say the montage I just mentioned could have covered it.
This film could be so much more. Just a few more minutes of vital footage, and a little montage, and RUTHLESSLY CUT the FLUFF ... and it would be a much, much better flick.
If you're a Christian Faith movie fan like me, you will love this movie as is. But if you were hoping for something that might melt the heart of your Crazy Uncle Charlie ... keep looking.
First, the good points: The acting is good, but with a little spit and polish it could have been better. The young man who plays the lead - John - did a very good job, and almost knocked it out of the park. Just a little coaching in a couple of scenes would have made a big difference.
The music is also fun. The cinematography is good, and someone also knows some film grammar ...
So we love the characters, the story, and the actors. So what went wrong? Why isn't this an 8+ star movie? Except to Faith movie Fans like me?
I'll just give one example - and I think that will explain it: When John is in the hospital, and we are all supposed to pray for him to survive, his church family gathers outside to sing a rousing praise song. That's okay - these are his people praying and they're gonna sing. Cheesy, but anyone who likes chick flicks or faith flicks is down with this ...
The director sets up the shot fine. But ... Then we get close ups of the choir, and they do the song - the whole song - and just when you think enough should be enough - they start dancing and do another couple of verses! I'm thinking 'oh, no, I'm glad I didn't drag my son-in-law along' ...
Ah ... can we say missed opportunity? I understand. These are someone's friends. They all look like nice folks you want to have in your church and in your choir. Maybe they donated too. It's great to see them on the screen. Hi Joe, hi Jane! But that's what the DVD is for - and the extended cut - or at least the credits. Golly, you could do a whole documentary about the film and the donor's church, and John's real church ... and Put It On the DVD!
What should have happened is a short montage - while the choir sings a verse and a chorus. Maybe two, but that's it. Show the heroic medical staff, the heroic emergency personnel, and the heroic prayer warriors - and then mom and dad praying - AND THEN STOP. And. Go. On.
Why bring a great story to a halt for a music video? Insert exasperation.
This is not the only example, and the 'climax' of the film was equally lame. Let's just say the montage I just mentioned could have covered it.
This film could be so much more. Just a few more minutes of vital footage, and a little montage, and RUTHLESSLY CUT the FLUFF ... and it would be a much, much better flick.
If you're a Christian Faith movie fan like me, you will love this movie as is. But if you were hoping for something that might melt the heart of your Crazy Uncle Charlie ... keep looking.
I got roped into seeing this; but I was glad I did
iid-765-63760918 April 2019
I got dragged to see this by my friend. I don't usually do sad movies. I was prepared for mediocre/cringy acting - and at first it was. But then I got caught up in the story and I forgot the acting and it was a really good story. It's not a movie I would have chosen for myself, but I'm glad I went.
I would like to remind the people giving it one star reviews or saying that some of the events or relationships are "predictable" that it's based on a true story and I'm told they stayed true to the basic events. In other words; sometimes life is predictable, but it's what actually happened. Someone on another review site said they found the relationship change between the pastor and the mom obvious and predictable - again, this is apparently how it happened to the actual people those characters are based on. 🤷♀️
If you like a good story and can overlook some not-brilliant secondary actors, it's actually a whole lot more fun than I expected to have at this movie!
I would like to remind the people giving it one star reviews or saying that some of the events or relationships are "predictable" that it's based on a true story and I'm told they stayed true to the basic events. In other words; sometimes life is predictable, but it's what actually happened. Someone on another review site said they found the relationship change between the pastor and the mom obvious and predictable - again, this is apparently how it happened to the actual people those characters are based on. 🤷♀️
If you like a good story and can overlook some not-brilliant secondary actors, it's actually a whole lot more fun than I expected to have at this movie!
must-see Sunday afternoon watching
reellysayingsomething20 May 2019
Ok; so the best way to describe this movie is a feel good spiritual Christian based movie you'd watch on a Sunday afternoon : if you liked movies along the lines of Heaven Is For Real, then chances are you'll love this also.
This movie is just utterly brilliant so uplifting, so inspirational & just like Heaven Is For Real will unquestionably be shown during Religion classes across the universe for decades to come. This movie just tugs the heartstrings throughout (bring plenty of tissues) and us the viewers can't help but become attached & involved in the enthralling story-line thats like having heart surgery without the anaesthetic. Its an engrossing well made terrific top quality Sunday afternoon movie that is just amazing.
Questionable dodgy acting from the supporting cast but Chrissy Metz as the mother makes this movie as astonishing as it is. Chrissy Metz performance in this movie is just one of those that has to be seen to be believed. She provides this movie with so much heart & soul, and its a shame & a pity that by the time next years Oscar nods come round, her mind-blowing performance will be long forgotten.
This movie is just utterly brilliant & its just sucks the emotions out of you that you just can't help yourself becoming so invested in the story-line And to a huge degree, Chrissy Metz performance makes this movie as enthralling & as amazing as it is.
[9/10]
Mediocre christian propaganda
bastos17 April 2021
I still remember when christian movies were nothing more than straight to video crap, with no production values and horrible scripts. Times have changed. This is a very polished movie with great production values and is very competently made. The script, unfortunately, is still horrible. I find it funny that some people get offended because I, an atheist, got the audacity to watch a movie that clearly is not made for me. Well, I did, and I can say that it is indeed fairly bad, as expected. This is not a terrible story and could make for an enjoyable movie, even if it's not the most original of stories, but by making it such a biased religious propaganda it loses any credibility that it might have had, had it been told in a more objective way. It was so overly melodramatic that my eyes did a 360 in their sockets.
Wow!
gsheridan4222 July 2019
I saw this last night on DVD and was stunned. I am a believer in God and I was blown away with this modern day miracle. I wish I knew about more of these miracles happening all over the world. These sort of miracle stories can only make the world better. #kindness
Faith Based True Story
stevendbeard18 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I saw "Breakthrough", starring Chrissy Metz-This is Us_tv, American Horror Story_tv; Josh Lucas-Stealth, Hulk_2003; Topher Grace-BlacKKKlansman, Interstellar; Dennis Haysbert-The Dark Tower, Ted 2 and Marcel Ruiz-One Day at a Time_tv_2017_2019, Snowfall_tv.
This is a faith based Christian movie that is also based on a true story that happened in Missouri in 1971. FYI: It was filmed in Canada and Stephen Curry-NBA player-is an executive producer. Marcel plays the 14 year old adopted son of Chrissy & Josh. He is a high school basketball player and one day, while playing with his friends, Marcel falls through some ice on a lake and is not recovered by rescue workers for about 20 minutes. CPR is performed for about 27 minutes, without any response from Marcel. When Chrissy gets to the hospital, she is told that Marcel didn't make it-he has been dead for about an hour-and she should pay her last respects. Chrissy begins to pray over her son and suddenly, he has a pulse-I did mention that this is a Christian movie, didn't I? Dennis plays the doctor that tells Chrissy & Josh that Marcel will probably not make it through the night and if he does, he will more than likely have brain damage. Topher plays the family pastor that tries to comfort the family in their hour of need. As the end credits start, you see pictures of the real people and find out what happened after the movie ends.
It's rated "PG" for thematic content and some peril and has a running time of 1 hour & 56 minutes.
It's not one that I would buy on DVD-once was enough-but if you are into Christian movies, it would be a good rental.
Cringe-worthy
isalsa228 May 2019
I only saw it cuz me and my friends played extras in the background. Beside those moments it was extremely boring with bad-timed jokes and lack acting. It felt like a three hour movie as we just sat there waiting for it to be over. Not worth it.
Powerful!!!
ranndsc30 January 2020
Faith abides
boggie47583 May 2020
This was a well done movie about faith and the belief in the power of prayer. I believe that miracles happen every day. This was well acted and the story about this young man was awesome. This movie was a very good watch...
The worst movie of my life
jailjenny200327 April 2019
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