Ladies, and gentlemen, in preparation for certain a sequel that just got released recently, we review a faith-based film that was centered around pole the most popular Christian songs in recorded music history. Presenting to you all my review of 2018’s I Can Only Imagine, which stars J. Michael Finley as the main star of MercyMe, Bart Millard!
Plot: The movie takes us on the journey of Bart Millard (Brody Rose as young Bart, and J. Michael Finley as adult Bart), from his abusive childhood, his meeting with his future wife, Shannon (Taegan Burns as young Shannon, Madeline Carroll as adult Shannon), and more that ultimately led him to writing one of the most popular Christian songs that got on many #1 charts, his, and his band’s hit song, I Can Only Imagine.
Now, of course, I saw this film back when it was first released back in 2018. And yes, I reviewed it just on Facebook too. Still, watching it again, it hit home a little different for me. While I may still say some of the same things that I did back then, I may still yet add some things as well. First of all, it was both interesting, and tragic, to hear that Bart Millard grew up with an abusive father, and had a very rough childhood because of that. Now look, let me clarify, I’m not normally a person that enjoys watching movies in which main characters have an abusive parent, spouse, you name it. And yeah, I’m sure quite a few people feel the same way. However, because of this film in particular being a faith-based, and because of the redemptive events that came out of Bart’s childhood, that definitely makes this film worth your time. Plus, since songs like “I Can Only Imagine” apparently hit many #1 music charts when it first became publicized, how could one not want to hear the origins of how that particular song came about, you know? The movie also does well with showing the genuine, and, I will add, complex side of Bart’s relationships, most notably those that he has (or had) with people like his father Arthur, and his girlfriend/future wife, Shannon. Additionally, this movie was really great at showing that you can forgive someone, and yet not trust those particular people that hurt you. If none of that seems convincing enough to see this film, then get especially this. I Can Only Imagine the movie does well at showing, in a variety of ways, how God allows certain events, and circumstances, to happen for a purpose. Now yes, the Bible itself does well with portraying that message too. However, films like this one especially can serve as a reminder of that. And yes, the cast was really great too, from J. Michael Finley, Dennis Quaid, Madeline Carroll, Trace Adkins, you name it. Finally, if you want a film that not only deals with themes of forgiveness, redemption, and really good qualities like those, but also one in which both Christians, and likely even non-Christians can somehow connect with too, then all the more reason to see I Can Only Imagine.
And that’s my review for I Can Only Imagine. Yes, nearly a decade later, this movie does well with holding up. Sure, Christians will have more of an appreciation for this film than non-Christians. Still, hopefully non-Christians, if they even give this film a chance, will have a desire to know Jesus after hearing a story like Bart Millard’s through the eyes of this movie in particular. Not only will it be cool to hear the origins of the song itself, but it will be great to see a wonderful setup, with genuine characters, great music, and more. I would say that if you still have yet to see I Can Only Imagine, then please, make it a point to. In the end, I’m sure you’ll be glad you did. But again, go see this film, and see what you think!
Final Rating: 10/10
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