The Shack – Movie Review

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Religion themed movies aren't usually associated with the mainstream, and they usually pop the champagne if they break even. One of the recent ones which defied expectation was the Blind Side, but that was primarily a sport movie with a hint of Christianity as an icing.
Here is a show, with some A-listers and some veterans who aren't some old actors hoping for a quick paycheck. The people involved are certainly heavy hitters and it's overtly religious themes will polarize audiences. So was it damp squib, or a spirited hit on high?
The story isn't new, a man loses his daughter to an awful pedophile murderer. He mets his maker, in three unusual forms and they try to help him find peace and answer that perennial question asked since Job lost his kids and possessions: "Where is God when it hurts?"
Well, the film works simply because the actors really commit to their roles, be it the two Aussies as the husband and wife who lose their youngest, or the trio coming from disparate backgrounds. It's interesting to see an Israeli playing Jesus, a Brazilian playing an angel (I last saw her in Predators in a fearsome role), and of course God has to be someone who isn't the typical White Man With A Beard. In fact, that's an inside joke..
There are themes of forgiveness, redemption and peace, but the added ideas of universalism will cause some frowns amongst the Christians, and of course the Holy Spirit's name happens to be a very spiritual, non Christian one. Now about that actress… I don't think I have seen a more beautiful Holy Spirit.. the Japanese actress who plays the role is a sun-blessed tall, almost statuesque Venus, who will certainly win a few converts with her smile.
The plot hangs together well, although if the editors cut it a tad more, it will feel tighter. There are some very nice shots of the Canadian landscape and the tourist promotion board of BC will certainly be very grateful for the product placement.
All in all, recommended for a rental at least and for me, it's a buy. Amen

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