Movie - Breakthrough

PG (1:30)

Wide release 4/17/19

Viewed Sunday, May 19th, 2019 in Chambersburg

IMBd: 4.5/10

RT Critic:  60  Audience:  83

Critic's Consensus:  Like its lead character, Breakthrough is fiercely focused on faith -- but its less subtle elements are balanced by strong performances and an uplifting story.

Cag:  4.5 Liked it a lot despite so many religious overtones

Directed by Roxann Dawson

20th Century Fox

Based on the book by the mom, Joyce Smith (not the Joyce Smith I grew up with....)

Topher Grace, Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, Mike Colter

My comments:  Interesting, well-done, and not too religious.  Based on a true story.  A faith-based movie about a young man who drowned and should've never lived, but did.  Without brain damage, without lung damage, and with the whole town pulling for him.  Definitely a miracle, but was open ended enough so that if you don't believe in "God" it gives you lots of food for thought.  I didnn't feel like faith or belief-in-God and Jesus was being shoved down my throat.  My favorite person to watch was Topher Grace, who played the pastor.  He was just terrific, as was Mike Colter who played the firefighter who finally found John and pulled him out of the water.  A solid 4...maybe even a 4.5....

RT/ IMDb Summary  BREAKTHROUGH is based on the inspirational true story of one mother's unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith's adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up. Her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for John's recovery, even in the face of every case history and scientific prediction. From producer DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven) and adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) from Joyce Smith's own book, BREAKTHROUGH is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle.