I Can Only Imagine [DVD]

When I was growing up, Christian movies were shoddier than the ones we filmed in my backyard. I mean, ours were far more entertaining, and had more of a plot. Not anymore. They're very well made, and many of the plots (such as this one) are taken for actual events.I've read some of the negative reviews, and they actually make me shake my head. These people are missing the point of the film. This is such a positive film and love and redemption through Jesus Christ, but it doesn't beat the message over your head. It also teaches us the power of music, and one a simple song can affect (we'll never know how many) people in a positive manner.In these times, when there is so much negativity, especially on the screen, this is a must. There are some harsh moments, but oh my . . . what happens at the end.Dennis Quaid, who's always been a fine actor, gives one of his best performances here. And the special features are magnificent. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.

Loved the raw honesty in this movie. I've lost my wife awhile ago and I can relate.I believe that there will be rejoicing in Heaven. No more pain, no more sorrows.I will share this with others. Thank you Bart.

I recently watched “I Can Only Imagine” on Amazon Prime Video and was so taken with this beautiful movie that 2 days later it was still resonating with me so strongly that I found myself adding it to my shopping cart in my Amazon account. Yesterday, 3 days later, I found myself compelled to order it for my collection. It will be here tomorrow and I’m sure I will crack it open and watch it immediately.I was deeply moved by this film not only for the great acting of the leads but the undercurrent that sets up the whole story of Bart Millard’s young life and his struggle for acceptance and love from his father and his battle of forgiveness for the abuse he received at his hands growing up, and where it sends him into his future as the lead of MercyMe, the great gospel group of our time.As a child growing up under abuse (my mom instead of my dad as Bart had experienced) this film just gripped me to my core and tore at me as I watched him experience the cruelty he went through and his failure to understand why no matter how hard he tried there was no love to be given to him from this cold distant and totally disconnected parent who had no heart to show him his love instead of constant torment and abusive behavior. This resonated with me because my dad was who I received my love from and I was deeply sorry for young Bart’s experience under his father’s hand and his harsh words.I was unfamiliar with his story, but remembered the great excitement over “the guy who wrote this song because of his dad” a few years ago and found the film by googling that subject and found it was now a movie, so finding it on Prime it lead to my watching it! It has also lead me to the discovery of MercyMe which is just very dear to me as I find myself strongly connected to their music! What a great discovery process all this has been for me all-round!Of course, the above is my own personal story of my connection to this film and MercyMe, but I must impress upon you what a truly beautiful movie this is and how deeply appreciated all the actors and their efforts are that went into making it, and of course my new-found music group MercyMe! If you have not seen this picture or are unfamiliar with it do give it an hour and a half of your time...you will Not regret that time spent on this deeply touching and heartfelt story of Bart Millard and his search for love from his dad growing up.Beautiful, just beautiful, and very deeply touching view into young Bart’s search for love and acceptance from his dad that seemingly won’t come to him no matter how hard he tries.And then, Someone Wonderful comes into both their lives.PS, you might want a Kleenex or two, okay? Trust me, this film is well worth a 5-Star rating!

(Spoilers ahead!)27,000 reviews already as I write this one but I had to get in on the praise for this movie. I know that movie watchers put Christian-themed/Christian-made movies into the Christian sub-genre and say: 'Not bad for a Christian movie'. I know in some ways the sentiment is deserved as we have not seen many Chrsitian-made movies on par with their secular counterparts. But this one does it. You don't have to be a Christian to get something out of this movie. It's just a really good, solid movie period.If you didn't already know, it's based on a true story of the Mercy Me lead singer Bart Millard. His story reads like a story out of a movie - which is ironic cuz the story is almost predictable. Kid lives with an abusive father and one day his safe parent (the mom) flees, leaving him to be alone in this abusive home. His only solace is music and he also meets Jesus and a cute girl - whom he eventually marries! (talk about a movie-like life!). His troubled youth follows him into adulthood but he overcomes it, reconciles with his father and with a fantastic turn of events, gets to live his dream of living his life as a musician.Yes, it's too predictable but the point of a movie is how a predictable story is told - and it is told absolutely beautifully. There isn't a line in the movie that is irrelevant and the acting is solid. The main guy - I googled him - is apparently a broadway actor and google says he actually sang some (or all?) of the songs which is incredibly impressive cuz the singing in the movie is friggin' awesome. I was also incredibly stoked to see a veteran like Dennis Quaid play the pivotal role of Bart's father - this made all the difference too - cuz the father and son chemistry is at the heart of the movie.I have seen this movie twice and both times, couldn't stop the tears. I cried at the incredible reconciliation of the father and son. I cried at the amazing transformation both the father and son go through. I also cried at the beautiful song that sings the question that we all carry...what's heaven gona be like?A comment about the Christianism of the movie - it is obviously a Christian movie but the Christianism is quite subtly played. What I mean is, they don't have scenes where characters are waving their fists up at the sky going "Why, God?" or however people do it. May be it helped that this was based on a true story but there was no need to 'play up' the awesomeness of God. It just shows. Bart Millard says if Jesus can change a monster like my father, he can do anything. Isn't that the greatest miracle we can experience as humans? Yes, manna falling from the sky is cool but people changing - that is the most impossible miracle - and Jesus does it.I whole-heartedly recommend this movie. It's free on Prime just watch it.

Great movie

Beautiful movie! Great message behind it.

We watched this movie in our family and loved it. Recently watched it with our youth group, and it brought tears to even the toughest of our young people. Many can relate to the experiences in the story, how God changed their lives, and the reconciliation made possible through forgiveness.I have always loved the song "I Can Only Imagine", and learning the story behind the song takes it to another level when you hear the song again.