Courageous

Courageous Coalition Delivers Integrity Purpose and Strength
Courageous, PG-13, *****Plus, Alex Kendrick, Rusty Martin Jr., Ken Bevel, Robert Amaya, Kevin Dawnes, Ben Davis. Tri Star Pictures. Director Alex Kendrick. Length 113 minutes.

“Courageous” begins with a man trying to thwart an attempted truck theft which is very dangerous and a careless act. However, when all is revealed, the audience understands the reason for risking his life in what seems to be just stopping an expensive truck from being stolen.
Nathan Hayes (Ken Bevel) is the individual who risked his life in order to stop the thief from taking his truck. The answer as to why Hayes did this will tug at one’s heart. In fact, this entire movie will bring tears to the eyes of anyone who cares about people and doing the right thing. To put it mildly, most of the audience did not cry, they wept, as the movie progresses.
It is about helping others and giving people a chance in life along with being a father who is in touch with his children emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Hayes and his family have just moved to a small town in Georgia to take a job on the local police force. He works closely with Adam Mitchell, Shane Fuller, and David Thompson along with others on the police force.
I must say this about police officers. As a kid, I would watch westerns on television. Hopalong Cassidy (William Lawrence Boyd) hosted the program I would watch, and he would always give advice at the end of the movie. He suggested that we do not call police officers “cops.” We should call them police officers, because it is more respectful. After all they do serve and protect. I have never forgotten that advice.
A horrible tragedy happens that brings the police officers and their families closer. Bring lots of tissues or a large handkerchief. I cannot remember hearing more sniffling in a movie than “Courageous.”
The audience watches what happens with everyday situations in a police department along with how the issues are handled. Dangerous situations arise often.
A young Mexican Javier Martinez (Robert Anaya) is befriended by Adam Mitchell. Javier becomes a friend with all of the police officers.
The everyday activities of the cast are shown with realism. The dialogue is not stilted or made to appear artificial. The conversations are natural with happiness, and at times tragic.
Work ethic along with honesty and morality are tested. The film is about life, death, happiness, and accepting responsibility. We are exposed to the sadness of children growing up without a father in the home or someone who can lead them and advise them about right and wrong.
“Courageous” is a Christian film delivering a message of responsibility. Looking back on loved ones who have died and thinking about the little things in life that we wish we had done while they were alive. Asking ourselves the question, why did certain things have to happen?
This film has all aspects of life. With some comedy lines dispersed throughout the film, the audience witnesses the everyday aspects of life.
“Courageous” is a film that will touch the hearts of all who view it. The Barbara Streisand lyrics People – “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world. We’re children needing other children and yet letting our grown up pride hide all the need inside- acting more like children than children,” is brought to mind as the film becomes complex.
This film may be a wake-up call for some viewers concerning becoming a better parent, taking responsibility, and doing the right thing for others. That is all of my brief commentary for now. See you at the movies.