Hello movie friends! I'm excited to share with you all a new movie review!
Lionsgate recently provided me an early screener for I Can Only Imagine 2, and I must say, I was honored and absolutely delighted. However, to be honest, I couldn’t *imagine* that this sequel could move me in the same way as the original film.
I Can Only Imagine (the first movie) is so powerful and spiritually moving. Could this sequel make me feel the same? Oh my, yes! A resounding YES! It most certainly did!
As the credits rolled at the end of I Can Only Imagine 2 and I wiped tears of joy from my eyes, these words flooded my mind…
Wow! Phenomenal. Amazing! Raw.
Powerful! Anointed. Outstanding!
But I’m getting ahead of myself a little. Let me start back at the beginning…
This incredible sequel, I Can Only Imagine 2, begins as the success of the song “I Can Only Imagine” begins to soar. We see the Christian music band MercyMe on the road, performing that life-changing song for countless fans, yet as time passes and years roll by, the pressure builds. They have a longing to create something special again. The band hopes to write another song that will reach hearts in a fresh, meaningful, eternal way.
As the lead voice of MercyMe and the writer of the chart-topping song, “I Can Only Imagine”, Bart Millard carries the weight especially heavily. Not only does he feel the pressure of writing something new, but he also carries the ache of being away from home, from his wife and children, especially his teenage son, Sam, who struggles with ongoing health challenges that require constant care.
When Bart brings Sam on the road with the band, their relationship still remains strained. They clash over Sam’s health, and that tension stirs up old memories for Bart, memories of his own difficult childhood and teen years, with his abusive relationship with his own father. There are a few flashbacks to those hard days, reminding us of how deeply our past can still influence our present.
As Bart and his son, Sam, struggle to connect, Sam forms a meaningful connection with the band’s opening act, musician Tim Timmons. Tim becomes a gentle mentor, treating Sam with compassion and understanding.
Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us) portrays Tim with warmth and sincerity, and Arielle Kebbel (Bridal Wave, A Brush with Love), plays his loving devoted wife.
The entire cast is truly exceptional. John Michael Finley (Faith of Angels) once again steps into the role of Bart Millard with such depth; it is remarkable the way he portrays his testimony.
Sophie Skelton (Outlander) takes on the role in this sequel as Bart’s supportive wife, Shannon.
Sammy Dell (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), who plays Bart and Shannon’s teenage son, Sam, is absolutely remarkable- honest and heartfelt.
Country singer Trace Adkins returns as Scott Brickell, the steady and faithful manager of the group, bringing a grounded presence to the chaos of the road.
And Dennis Quaid (The Rookie, Soul Surfer, On a Wing & a Prayer), reprises his role as Arthur Millard in new flashback scenes that are touching and redemptive.
The main theme of the movie revolves around reconciliation and redemption- it’s about connecting fathers and sons, mending broken pasts with hopeful futures, and ultimately focuses on our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It is an amazing story of second chances and wounds that only God can truly heal.
I sincerely hope this movie blesses you in the same way it has blessed me. I laughed. I cried. Each scene drew me in... in such a personal, meaningful way, drawing my heart closer to our creator.
If you know MercyMe’s hit song “Even If,” then you’ll likely recall how it includes a touching tribute to the beloved hymn “It Is Well with My Soul.” This film honors the incredible true story behind that cherished hymn and weaves in a message of healing and hope.
*Even if* God doesn’t fix everything the way we hope or make life perfectly smooth, it’s a beautiful reminder that we can still trust Him, and we will still praise His holy name. Our hope, our peace, our everything… is always in God!
I hope many of you will be able to see this powerful, spiritually uplifting movie when it arrives in theaters.
I Can Only Imagine 2 is rated PG; however, due to the subject of illness and physical abuse, I feel the movie is probably best suited for mature preteens and up.
See this film in theaters nationwide beginning Friday, February 20th. I've included a link for tickets and the official trailer for I Can Only Imagine 2 below.
Blessings to you all,
Net
Ticket information here:
https://tickets.icanonlyimagine.com/
Trailer:
*images courtesy: Lionsgate / From Kingdom Story Company
What a great review, Net. I know if you liked it, it must be good. I’ve always liked stories about redemption & second chances. I hope to see it at theater. Christie
ReplyDeleteChristie, Oh, I hope you can see it soon - it is beautiful!
DeleteHallmark fan-favorite, Bethany Joy Lenz, shares her reaction to Milo Ventimiglia in "I Can Only Imagine 2," praising his performance.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've seen many like Bethany Joy Lenz, including Candace Cameron Bure and Danica McKellar and many others, share a review for 'I Can Only Imagine 2' online. It's wonderful to see such great support for this movie.
DeleteNet🥰
ReplyDeleteI had to control my tears, before I could respond to your Incredible heart and Inspiring words!!!
I haven't been to a theater in almost 20 years, but the moment I heard a trailer a few months ago on KSBJ(89.3 fm)-
I needed 1 note to know it was, Even if....
Yesterday was the 9th anniversary of me hearing it, my Mom had less then 2 months to live, We had been through every horrible stage of Alzheimer's(last 4+ years she didn't recognize me 95% of the time)
I was crying out to God on the floor to give me Strength, I didn't remember even having the radio on?
Then it started🎵🎵🎵
As if Every word was just for Me🙏
It is Well with My Soul, one of my Mom's Favorite Hymns!!
I could Never Eloquently enough express the Power of that Song and how it Saved me in that Moment and how many times since....
Wayne Watson's- Home Free
did that for me as a teenager in the 80s, still does!
I hope to find a way to see it as soon as possible.
Thank you for your Amazing Review, how Blessed that you got a Screening!!🙏♥️🙏♥️
Kathy, Oh, sweet friend... thank you so much for sharing your personal story with us, and how this incredible song has special meaning for you and the time you shared with your mother during her last days.
DeleteWhat a beautiful gift that “Even If” was playing on the radio at the very moment you needed it the most. I don’t believe that was a coincidence for a second. God is so loving, He knows exactly when our hearts are aching, and I know God must have orchestrated that at just the right time - just for you!!!
I truly believe God is in every little detail, and He cares when His children are hurting - and He used the words of that beautiful song to connect to you and try in some way, *even if* it was small, to begin healing your heart.
Thank you for sharing your precious memory with us. I hope you'll be able to see the movie at some point. I've had family and friends tell me they will be waiting for streaming, so hopefully, if that's what you also prefer, that will be available before too long.
Blessings to you, Kathy!!! :)
sounds good
ReplyDeletedstoutholcomb, Hope you can see it! It's one of those movies that really stays with you - so inspirational! :)
DeleteI just saw a trailer for this yesterday on TV and later was listening to the radio and heard it there too, and now here’s your review. That’s really cool that you were given an early screener. The first movie is so good. I really want to see this one too.
ReplyDeleteAllie B, Hope you can see I Can Only Imagine 2! The story is truly impactful and spiritually moving.
DeleteWe got to see the cast at the Grand Ole Opry. It was really neat to hear everyone talk about the movie and how it impacted them personally.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's awesome, you were able to be there in person! I watched a little of it on YouTube; it looked like such a special show.
DeleteIt’s great to see faith based movies like this in theaters around Easter. I’m planning to take our youth group all teenagers.
ReplyDeleteI agree... love seeing movies like this every year, too, leading up to Easter... Resurrection Sunday! Such an incredible blessing to see the way God is moving and lives are being changed.
DeleteWill we see you walking down the Red Carpet also Net?
ReplyDeleteAs we enter Lent, I feel such a strong pull from God to stay powerfully in His presence. God truly is our Hope and our Peace and our Joy! Those three words can be found in the presence of God and when experienced are utter bliss. Without that presence is utter chaos and darkness.
Jim, Haha... you're so fun! No red carpet for me, but I would have the perfect dress for it. Too bad. Maybe next time!
DeleteOn a serious note... what you wrote about the Easter season is truly beautiful. May we all follow that yearning to draw closer to Him! It's the ideal time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross and appreciate His incredible love for us.