Courageous (film)

Courageous
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Alex Kendrick
Produced by	Stephen Kendrick
Written by	Alex Kendrick Stephen Kendrick
Starring	Alex Kendrick Ken Bevel Kevin Downes Ben Davies Robert Amaya Renee Jewell Elanor Brown Angelita Nelson Donald Howze Tony 'T.C.' Stallings
Music by	Mark Willard
Cinematography	Bob Scott
Editing by	Alex Kendrick
Studio	Sherwood Pictures Provident Films Affirm Films
Distributed by	TriStar Pictures
Release date(s)	September 30, 2011 (2011-09-30)
Running time	130 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$2,000,000[1]
Box office	$31,731,859[2]

Courageous is an independent Christian drama film produced by Sherwood Pictures and was released to theaters on September 30, 2011. It is the fourth film by Sherwood Pictures, the creators of Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. Filming in Albany, Georgia concluded in June 2010. The film was marketed by Provident Films, which also marketed their previous films.

The film was directed by Alex Kendrick, who co-wrote its screenplay with his brother Stephen Kendrick. Kendrick also stars in the film, along with Ken Bevel, Kevin Downes, and former running-back Tony Stallings. About half of the cast and crew were volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church, while the remainder were brought on through invitation-only auditions.

The film was produced with a budget of $2 million, but on its opening weekend it grossed $2 million in pre-sales alone and grossed $9.1 million total for the weekend. The film opened to mixed reviews from critics, but a rare A+ CinemaScore rating from filmgoers.

Plot

As the police force of Albany, Georgia, attempts to stop drug smuggling in the city, the sheriff urges his deputies to spend time with their families based on statistics that fatherless children are several times more likely than those with fathers to turn to lives of crime. Among his deputies are Adam Mitchell (Alex Kendrick), Nathan Hayes (Ken Bevel), Shane Fuller (Kevin Downes), and rookie David Thomson (Ben Davies). Mitchell adores his young daughter but is distanced from his teenage son. Hayes never knew his biological father but would risk his life to save his children; however, his teenage daughter resents him for the strict rules he has set for her dating life. Fuller is divorced, as were his parents before him, and must share joint custody of his son. The group also befriends Javier Martinez (Robert Amaya), an immigrant struggling to provide for his family, and Mitchell arranges a job for him.

One day, Mitchell's daughter is killed by a drunk driver, devastating Mitchell and his family. After extensive research into the Bible over the next six weeks, Mitchell creates an elaborate "Resolution" to honor God in every aspect of his family; Mitchell, Hayes, Fuller, Thomson, and Martinez take the vow in a formal ceremony by Hayes's adoptive father. Mitchell rebuilds a relationship with his son and attains catharsis by slowly dancing at a site where he had previously refused to dance with his daughter. Hayes mends his relationship with his daughter and presents her with a purity ring that she is to wear until marriage; he also visits the grave of his biological father. Fuller improves his relationship with his son. Thomson, who is revealed to have fathered a child in college and deserted the child after the mother's refusal to have an abortion, contacts the mother and asks to have a relationship with his daughter. Meanwhile, Martinez's employer offers him a promotion on the condition that he reports false information regarding incoming crates. After Martinez refuses to be dishonest, his boss reveals that the request was a test of Martinez's integrity. Martinez is promoted and his financial problems are resolved.

Mitchell and Hayes discover that Fuller has been stealing drugs from the evidence room at the police station to sell on the street. Mitchell is forced to report the corruption, leading to Fuller's arrest and separating Fuller from his son. Mitchell later visits Fuller in jail, where Fuller takes responsibility for his actions and begs Mitchell to act as a father figure to his son.

Hayes and Thomson unknowingly confront the leader of the drug ring they have been eradicating, resulting in a gun battle. As the gang attempts to take a young girl hostage, Mitchell and other policemen arrive as additional support. As the girl's father rescues her, Mitchell, Hayes, and Thomson subdue the gang members. One of the gang members is Derrick (David Howze), a teenager Hayes had earlier prohibited from dating his daughter; Derrick attributes his decisions to his lack of a family.

At a Father's Day church service, the men present the resolution and Mitchell urges the fathers in the congregation to influence their families for God. Mitchell is shown running in a 5K race with his son and Fuller's son. Hayes is shown reading the Bible with an imprisoned Derrick. Thomson is shown meeting his daughter for the first time. The film ends with a portion of Joshua 24:15: "...[C]hoose you this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Cast

• Alex Kendrick as Adam Mitchell
• Ken Bevel as Nathan Hayes
• Kevin Downes as Shane Fuller
• Ben Davies as David Thomson
• Renee Jewell as Victoria Mitchell
• Elanor Brown as Kayla Hayes
• Robert Amaya as Javier Martinez
• Angelita Nelson as Carmen Martinez
• David Howze as Derrick
• Tony 'T.C.' Stallings as T.J.
• Ed Litton as Pastor Rogers

Production

Announcement

This logo was released with the official announcement.

The title and plot of Courageous were announced on November 15, 2009 by Alex Kendrick, Michael Catt, Jim McBride and Stephen Kendrick.^[3] Sherwood Pictures stated that "After much prayer, creative brainstorming, more prayer, wise counsel, and still more prayer, Sherwood Pictures is ready to move ahead with their fourth motion picture."^[4] Before the announcement, the filmmakers launched TheNextSherwoodMovie.com, which contained teasers for Courageous.^[5] At the time the announcement, the Kendrick brothers stated that they had completed "about 80 percent of the plot", and they had planned to finish the script by the end of 2009.^[6][7]

Casting

In previous Sherwood Pictures films, almost all of the cast and crew were composed of members of Sherwood Baptist Church, with Kirk Cameron being the notable exception with his lead role in Fireproof. For Courageous, however, the producers expanded their search for acting talent. Roughly half of the cast are volunteers from the church, but the other half were through invitation-only audition sessions. The lead roles in the film are played by Alex Kendrick and Ken Bevel, both of whom have appeared in past Sherwood Pictures productions. Kevin Downes, who has appeared in various other films, will play the role of Shane Fuller. Ben Davies, a student athlete at the University of Georgia, will play the role of David Thomson. Tony Stallings, former running back and winner of Animal Planet's King of the Jungle reality show, is making his film debut.^[8]

However, the actors are still volunteers. The film would have likely cost several times more if it had used professional assistance. Director Alex Kendrick said, "With volunteers no one is watching the clock and we're all in it together."^[9]

Filming

Filming of Courageous began on April 26, 2010 and concluded on June 25, 2010. The majority of the film was shot in Albany and Dougherty County, Georgia area. Some scenes were shot in the Dougherty County Jail.^[10] More than 170 media outlets, such as Inside Edition, visited the set.^[11] The Duggar family from TLC's 19 Kids and Counting were extras during a father-son 5K race. Jim Bob Duggar and seven of his ten sons joined hundreds of other fathers and sons in filming the scene.^[12] Their involvement in the film was shown on 19 Kids and Counting^[13] in "Duggars go Hollywood". The Duggar daughters acted as extras in a funeral scene at Sherwood Baptist Church that involved several police officers in uniform.

In order to enhance the quality of the film, the production crew is using a new camera technology, "Red One", by the Red Digital Cinema Camera Company. Kendrick estimated the production budget would exceed $1 million — double that of Fireproof.^[14] The final budget has been reported at $2 million.^[1]

Rating

In December 2010, the Motion Picture Association of America rated the film PG-13 for "some violence and drug content".^[2] That rating was surrendered a few days later, but was later reinstated. Courageous is the first film by Sherwood Pictures to receive a PG-13 rating.

Promotion

The contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns released a song titled "Courageous" to promote the film with a video featuring scenes from it.

Tony Dungy, a Super Bowl-winning football coach, mentioned the film in an article he wrote about fatherhood for USA Today. He said, "As men, we could all take a lesson from [the fathers in Courageous] and ask ourselves, 'What can I do today to be a more involved dad?'"^[15]

Release

Box office

Courageous was released on September 30, 2011 to 1,161 theaters,^[9] grossing $3.1 million on its opening day and debuting in fourth place with an actual gross of $9,063,147 for the opening weekend,^[16] the best opening of all new movies released that weekend.^[16] It sold over $2 million in pre-sale tickets,^[17] the most of the weekend on Fandango, beating out The Lion King 3D, Moneyball, Dolphin Tale and Drive.^[18]

After its opening weekend, Entertainment Weekly wrote, "...Courageous is the real success story of the weekend...Courageous earned a strong $8.8 million, outdoing the $6.8 million opening of Sherwood’s 2008 picture Fireproof, which became the highest-grossing independent film that year with $33.5 million total. Shown in 1,161 theaters (yet, notably, just one theater in Manhattan), Courageous earned the best per theater average of any wide release with a robust $7,580."^[1] Courageous beat out all three Hollywood movies which opened on the same weekend: 50/50, What's Your Number?, and Dream House, which were produced with budgets of $8 million, $20 million, and $50 million, respectively.^[1] According to Box Office Mojo, its opening weekend ranks fifth all-time among Christian movies, behind The Passion of the Christ and the three Chronicles of Narnia films.^[19]

As of November 9, 2011, the film has grossed $30,366,661, over 15 times its budget.^[2]

Alex Kendrick and Kevin Downes search a home for criminals.

After the Kendrick brothers' previous films went either the direct-to-DVD route or a television premiere, the movie will start a international theatrical rollout beginning November 10 in Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. The movie debuted at #18 in Argentina, #16 in Australia and #21 in New Zealand, with weekend opening grosses of $19,536, $107,781, and $10,529 respectively. The movie will expand to Latin American countries later this month.

Reception

The film received mostly mixed reviews from critics, but has received a rare "A+" rating from moviegoers via CinemaScore.^[19] Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 33% of 17 critics have given the film a positive review, with a rating average of 5 out of 10.^[20]

Roger Moore of the Orlando Sentinel, gave the film a mediocre review, saying "the film travels far beyond its dramatic climax, aiming for an altar call finale."^[21] Kam Williams of NewsBlaze gave the film four stars, saying the film was a "moving, modern parable not to be missed by anyone who's always wondering why they don't make wholesome movies with uplifting messages anymore."^[22] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter said Courageous demonstrated the Kendrick brothers' "growing expertise as filmmakers with its skillful blending of moving drama, subtle comedy and several impressive action sequences, including a well-staged foot chase and a harrowing shootout between the cops and bad guys."^[23] Hannah Goodwyn of the Christian Broadcasting Network rated Courageous 3 out of 5, saying "Courageous' biblical message is clear and good. Unfortunately, its delivery is weakened by some rookie acting and excessive dialogue."^[24] Adam R. Holz of Focus on the Family Plugged In Online said Courageous has "A compelling story line with plenty of action and just the right amount of humor. The Film underscores the importance of fatherhood...plus I like how it creatively weaves in the Gospel. I am happily giving Courageous 4.5 shiny badges out of 5 for family friendliness."^[25]

Related books

Two film tie-in books were written for Courageous; “The Resolution for Men” by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, and "The Resolution for Women" by Priscilla Shirer.^[26] "Courageous Living" by Michael Catt, "Rite of Passage" by Jim McBride, and a film novelization by Randy Alcorn were also released.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Box office report: 'Dolphin Tale' jumps into first with $14.2 million; 'Lion King' now 10th highest-grossing film of all time
2. ^ ^{a b c} "Courageous movie info". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=courageous.htm. Retrieved October 19, 2011. 
3. ^ "'Fireproof' makers to follow up with film on fatherhood". Christian Today. November 16, 2009. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/fireproof.makers.to.follow.up.with.film.on.fatherhood/24629.htm. Retrieved November 16, 2009. 
4. ^ Kimball, Josh (November 3, 2009). "'Fireproof' creators to reveal plans for fourth film". Christian Today. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/fireproof.creators.to.reveal.plans.for.fourth.film/24519.htm. Retrieved November 14, 2009. 
5. ^ Foust, Michael (November 13, 2009). "'Fireproof' makers to announce next movie". Baptist Press. http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=31691. Retrieved November 14, 2009. 
6. ^ Davis, Rebecca Grace (November 19, 2009). "Sherwood Pictures announces fourth film". OneNewsNow. http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=775890. Retrieved November 20, 2009. 
7. ^ ""Fireproof" Filmmakers Announce Next Project". KWTX-TV. November 16, 2009. http://www.kwtx.com/entertainment/headlines/70216752.html. Retrieved November 16, 2009. 
8. ^ Crawford, Eric (May 12, 2010). "More Tony Stallings, Part 1". The Courier-Journal. http://blogs.courier-journal.com/ericcrawford/2010/05/12/more-tony-stallings-part-1/. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
9. ^ ^{a b} Newcomb, Tim (August 25, 2011). "Faith-Based Filmmaking: The Sherwood Pictures Crusade". Time. http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2090429-2,00.html. Retrieved September 17, 2011. 
10. ^ Cohilas, Karen (May 10, 2010). "Courageous filming to take place in Dougherty jail". WALB. http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12458658. Retrieved May 10, 2010. 
11. ^ Wallace, Jim (June 8, 2010). "Sherwood movie shoot continues". WALB. http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12615964. Retrieved June 9, 2010. 
12. ^ Barnello, Jana (June 8, 2010). "TLC's Duggar family visits 'Courageous' set". Fox 31 News. http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=467816. Retrieved June 9, 2010. 
13. ^ Wallace, Jim (June 8, 2010). "19 Kids and Counting stars come for Sherwood movie filming". WALB. http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12616047. Retrieved June 9, 2010. 
14. ^ Parks, Jennifer Maddox (May 12, 2010). "Sherwood Pictures takes 'Courageous' step forward". The Albany Herald. http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2010/may/12/sherwood-pictures-takes-courageous-step-forward/. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 
15. ^ Dungy, Tony (September 30, 2011). "Engaged fathers improve kids' lives". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2011-09-29/tony-dungy-dads-courageous/50609986/1. Retrieved September 30, 2011. 
16. ^ ^{a b} "Weekend actuals". Boxoffice. October 3, 2011. http://www.boxoffice.com/statistics/bo_numbers/actual_estimate/2011-10-03. Retrieved October 3, 2011. 
17. ^ "Courageous Reaches More Than $2 Million In Pre-Sales". Broadway World. September 29, 2011. http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2011/sep/29/sherwoods-courageous-makes-2-million-pre-sales/. Retrieved September 30, 2011. 
18. ^ Foust, Michael (September 29, 2011). "'Courageous' No. 1 in movie ticket sales". Baptist Press. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36222. Retrieved September 30, 2011. 
19. ^ ^{a b} Weekend Report: 'Dolphin Tale' Leaps Into Lead
20. ^ "Courageous (2011)". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/courageous/. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
21. ^ Moore, Roger (September 28, 2011). "Movie Review: Courageous". Orlando Sentinel. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2011/09/movie-review-courageous.html. Retrieved September 30, 2011. 
22. ^ Williams, Kam (September 22, 2011). "Cops Struggle to Juggle Careers and Fatherhood in Faith-Based Family Flick". NewsBlaze. http://newsblaze.com/story/20110922145836kamw.nb/topstory.html. Retrieved September 30, 2011. 
23. ^ Courageous: Film Review
24. ^ Courageous: Christian Movie Review", CBN.com.
25. ^ Holz, Adam (September 30, 2011). "Movie Reviews Courageous". Focus on the Family. http://www.pluggedin.com/movies/intheaters/courageous.aspx. Retrieved September 30, 2011. 
26. ^ Harrison, Judy (September 29, 2011). "Christian film ‘Courageous’ takes on fatherhood". NewsBlaze. http://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/29/living/christian-film-%E2%80%98courageous%E2%80%99-takes-on-fatherhood/?ref=latest. Retrieved October 2, 2011. 

External links

• Official website
• Template:Official Australia
• Courageous at AllRovi
• Courageous at the Internet Movie Database
• Courageous at Box Office Mojo
• Courageous at Rotten Tomatoes
• Courageous at Metacritic