Forgiveness can set you free. This is the message instilled upon us in the religious drama, The Grace Card. Directed by David Evans and written by Howard Klausner, the film follows the lives of two men, as they become intertwined through the grace of God.
Bill “Mac” McDonald lost his faith a long time ago. After a terrible tragedy took the life of his first son, Mac became so bitter, racist and self-loathing that he shut out his family, and the world. He turned to the police force, becoming a cop in the hopes of preventing future tragedies like the one he experienced. Mac’s remaining son, Blake, is a bit of a delinquent. He’s flunking his senior year of high school, doing drugs and sneaking out at night, not to mention disrespecting his parents. For as long as Blake can remember, his father has laid the blame for his brother’s death on everyone around him, and it’s nearly torn their family to pieces. When Mac receives a new partner on the force, his bitterness and racist beliefs seeps to the surface. He resents Sam, an African American minister-turned-cop who wants nothing more than for all people to get along and love one another.
Sam is living a completely opposite life from that of Mac. While Mac’s family is in shambles, Sam has the perfect, loving family. Two daughters, a wonderful wife, and two jobs he loves. His faith keeps him strong, and he believes he can help Mac regain the faith he has lost in God. He’s certain he was brought into Mac’s life for a reason, but as Mac continues to belittle and abuse Sam, the minister is unsure of his purpose. Sam fights through Mac’s stubborn exterior and slowly begins to see a glimmer of hope inside him.
One night, the two officers pursue a robber, and Mac shoots the assailant. Sadly, the robber turns out to be none other than Blake. As if things couldn’t get any worse for Mac, while Blake is lying in his hospital bed, his parents learn their son has kidney failure. His only chance of survival is to find a donor. And Amen! Sam is a match. He’s discovered the reason he was brought into Mac’s life: to save his son. There is never a question, or a conversation about Sam donating his kidney; both men’s families simply accept that it’s fate. The relationship between the two cops, however is barely developed, and while we see each man alone with his family, the two families never meet, even when they are in the same hospital together. It’s a little hard to believe someone would be so willing to remove one of his organs for a man he barely likes.
While the production value is rather decent, the acting is so embarrassingly bad, it’s a wonder viewers manage to stay in their seats. Michael Joiner plays Mac, and is probably the “strongest” actor on screen. He’s played numerous television roles, but can’t possibly branch out farther than the small screen. He maintains his deadpan composure through the film, and it’s clear he’s a bitter, angry, hurt man. Blake is played by Robert Erickson, who seems to have been recruited from the local church to act in this film. His voice is shaky with every line he delivers and nothing he says is believable. We don’t get to know him well enough to care that he has been hurt. It’s a little shocking that he’s shot by his own father, but what happens to him is of no consequence to the non-religious viewer. Sam is played by Mike Higgenbottom, who has had about as much screen time as Blake. He has his moments, (he’s much better suited to playing a preacher than a cop), but for the most part, it’s uncomfortable to watch him attempting to act.
It’s a wonder movies like this get made. The only possible explanation is that their creators have a great deal of passion, and a great deal of money. Director David Evans is a successful optometrist as well as a devout Baptist, and having no artist's background, he certainly made this film in order to convey his personal beliefs. Tailored to such a specific audience, it’s hard for an outsider to appreciate the obvious message in the film. At its core, the message is positive: Love one another, forgive those who have hurt you and live peacefully with one another. The higher level to the message is that nothing can be accomplished without the grace of God. If it’s melodrama you’re in the mood for, The Grace Card has you covered, but for the secular viewer seeking inspiration, look elsewhere for motivation.
Bonus Features
A good deal of special features. There’s some commentary with director David Evans, Executive Producer Lynn Holmes and actor Michael Joiner, a few trailers, including the opening scene to a film titled “Courageousness.” A string of features all with clever names: “Missing Grace: Deleted Scenes,” “Give A Little Grace: Outtakes,” “Starting A Grace Awakening: Behind The Scenes.” A segment with one of the actors called “Wayne (Stephen Dervan) Returns,” and a music video called “Healing Begins” by Tenth Avenue North.
"The Grace Card" is on sale August 16, 2011 and is rated PG13. Christian. Directed by David Evans. Written by Howard Klausner. Starring Louis Gossett Jr, Michael Joiner, Mike Higgenbottom.
