Fireproof the Movie, a Must-See for Couples Considering Marriage

"Never leave your partner behind," is echoed throughout the movie Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. This love story, opening in theaters September 26, 2008, is about the covenant of marriage versus the contract of marriage. Fireproof is produced by Sherwood Pictures, the movie production company of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. The movie has intentional Christian references but Fireproof's message should be heard by anyone who believes in love, especially couples planning to get married and couples having difficulty in their marriage.

Fireproof the Movie: Overview
Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt, a thirty-something-year-old fire captain for the Albany, Ga., fire department and Erin Bethea plays his wife Catherine, a publicist for the local hospital. After seven years of marriage, the couple is on the brink of divorce, brought on by selfishness, ignorance and inconsideration. Caleb's father, played by Harris Malcom, serves as his mentor and introduces Caleb to a book called The Love Dare (think of it as God's version of The Rules dating book by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider).

Fireproof the Movie: My Take
In an effort to generate opening weekend buzz (Sept. 26, 2008), pre-screenings for Fireproof are being held across the country, primarily hosted by churches. I attended one in my town last Friday. The church's pastor saw the movie during the Southern Baptist Church Annual Convention last June and found it powerful and important enough to share with other pastors and community leaders. I'm glad he shared.

While the movie has a somewhat predictable ending (happily ever after), getting there is a blend of unexpected twists, tears and laughter. Fireproof has many messages, one of which is the importance of unconditional love and loving oneself before being able to love anyone else. It also focuses on not giving up and not leaving "your partner behind" when a marriage hits a rough spot or two. And, being a product of Sherwood Pictures and Sherwood Baptist Church, it contains a message about the importance of having Jesus Christ in one's life and in a marriage.

Kirk Cameron shines in Fireproof with solid acting. He develops a believable character who takes the audience on a journey through his struggles and frustration to win his wife's heart. This is Erin Bethea's first leading role in a major motion picture and although her acting is a bit rigid early on she becomes more genuine, sweet and likable as the film progresses.

Fireproof the Movie: Who Should See the Film
I personally found Fireproof powerful but it raises guilt from my past (I imagine the guilt comes from being Catholic). I married 10 years ago and divorced about six years later. After seeing the movie, I wondered if I gave up on my marriage and spouse too easily.

Unfortunately, my former husband passed away unexpectedly earlier this year so I'll never know if there was a second chance for us. While it may be too late for me, I hope other couples in similar situations will see Fireproof and take a good look at what's important to them and their lives. Whether Christian, Jewish, agnostic or whatever your belief, I also recommend the movie to anyone planning to get married. Think of this as the ultimate date night film and don't forget the tissues.

Fireproof the Movie: Trivia
None of the Fireproof actors received payment for appearing in the movie, including Kirk Cameron.

Kirk Cameron is an evangelical Christian who is best known for his role as Mike Seaver on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains.

Erin Bethea is the daughter of Michael Catt, the senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and executive producer of Fireproof. Bethea had a minor role in Facing the Giants.

Fireproof will be available on DVD in January 2009.

Enjoy a trailer of the movie on the article "September 26, 2008 is the Day! The Release of Fireproof" by April Lorier.