Setting religion and this film's message aside...

...can we all just agree that this is a poorly made niche movie?

When it comes to the whole "Christian film industry," I tend to think of it in the same way I'd think of the worst of Troma, Z-grade student films, or even bad found-footage horror. Plenty of love and effort went into these films, but objectively they're just terrible movies made for people who can't get enough of the genre. And in many cases, these films are just a cash-grab by starving actors and pseudo-celebs who have hit rock bottom in their careers, whether they'd like to admit that or not. For examples, see 80% of Nicolas Cage's career.

I notice that plenty of Christians see this industry as a more wholesome alternative to secular mainstream cinema, and that's fine. But don't pretend this is Citizen Kane. It wasn't MEANT to be Citizen Kane. It's perfectly valid to say you were touched in some way by the film, but you cannot pretend that this deserves more than 5.0 on IMDB. When something like this hits you on a personal level, it's not because it's well-made, it's because you're particularly susceptible to the subject matter.

Also, I'm noticing an increasing amount of disturbing connotations within the plotlines of these films. Ignore them if you want, but beware when showing these movies to children or even impressionable adults. Some of this is probably poor writing.

I'm just really sick of people doling out undeserved praise to this film and those like it simply because they enjoyed seeing a film that catered to their religion. Personally, I'd feel offended and exploited by these films if I were a Christian, and I don't understand why more people don't see it that way. The way I see it, the people working on this film are mostly pulling a Creed, and that's the most shameful act one can commit in the entertainment industry.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law!