‘What If …’ Christians sent
a message to Hollywood?
By Edward Terry, The Layman, August 19, 2010
Hoping to add another hit to a recent string of successful Christian films, the makers of “What If …” are wanting audiences to walk away with the message of redemption that is so central to the Gospel.
They’re also hoping that Hollywood gets the message that a film doesn’t have to be filled with sex, violence and immorality. Recent successes for faithful, family films, such as The Blindside and Fireproof, show that quality entertainment and grassroots efforts can equal box office success. But it’s still an uphill battle for moviemakers.
Director Dallas Jenkins describes the film as a reverse “It’s a Wonderful Life,” one of his favorite films. It’s also drawn comparisons to the 2000 hit “The Family Man,” which was heart-warming, but not as family-friendly due to language, sexual themes and a PG-13 rating.
“What If …” star Kevin Sorbo plays Ben Walker, a man who chose the business world over going into the ministry, but gets a second change through divine intervention.
The plot centers on a man seeing what his life could have been if he had made different choices. A family-focused film, Jenkins hopes it will touch hearts and help viewers appreciate the little things often taken for granted.
“I want them to see that the moments on the couch with your family, the private moments in prayer, the quiet moments in church, are more valuable than any material success you can attain,” he said. “For those who made the right choice in their life and have faith and family, this movie will encourage them and remind them of the beauty of their relationship with their families and with God. For those who haven’t, this movie will let them know that it’s never too late to alter your course.”
“What If …,” which is produced by Pure Flix Entertainment, hits theaters beginning Aug. 20 with a limited release on about 100 screens. More screens will be added in the coming weeks, but Jenkins is counting on word-of-mouth in the Christian community to create a cross-over faith-based hit.
Thanks to high production quality and a cast of talented actors, the movie may have a shot at doing just that.
Actor Kevin Sorbo plays lead character Ben Walker – a man who finds success after leaving behind his sweetheart and faith to pursue a lucrative career. To his disbelief, an angel, played by John Ratzenberger of Cheers and animated Pixar movie fame, delivers the news that Walker has been picked for the “Great What If” – a glimpse at what might have been if he’d made better choices.
In an interview with The Layman, Sorbo, best known for his starring TV roles on “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Andromeda,” said the movie ranks among his favorite projects.
“I certainly was looking for movies my family could go see,” said Sorbo, a married father of three and a life-long Christian.
In addition to Sorbo and Ratzenberger, the movie features some other well-known faces, including a 17-year-old up-and-comer. Kristy Swanson, best known for her starring role in the big-screen version of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” plays Walker’s faithful wife and 17-year-old Debby Ryan, a Disney Channel mainstay and one of the stars of “The Suite Life on Deck,” fills the role of his oldest daughter.
Jenkins, who dedicated the movie to his recently-passed grandmother, said the script and his relationships with the actors were the keys to landing an all-star cast. But it’s the message and spirit accompanying the film that Jenkins hopes will set it apart.
“My life changed with this film, really,” he said. “Partly because of the story, which re-energized me in my faith and relationship with my family, but mostly with the actual making of the film. God did incredible things with this film and reminded me of how dumb I can be. I made so many decisions that I thought were best that didn’t end up working out, and I was so discouraged, before God came along and gave me something so much better. I was taught that I’m not in control, nor should I be. I need to totally surrender. And that’s one of the key messages of the film as well.”
Director Dallas Jenkins, left, works with John Ratzenberger, center, and Kevin Sorbo on a scene in the Christian film “What If …”
The fate of the movie’s success is another act of surrender.
“We don’t have studio money and financing behind us,” Sorbo said. “Now we just hope through strong word of mouth, everybody will make this thing a go. That’s the only way it’s going to get out there to more people. People are starving for family movies. They’re starving for good faith-based movies. They’re starving for movies that preach a good message.”
The movie’s first two premieres, one at Harvest Bible Chapel’s Elgin campus near Chicago and the other in Grand Rapids, Mich., where parts of “What If” were filmed, were sold out. Jenkins said 4,500 people attended the Chicago screening and 1,000 were turned away. The trailer has had more than 25,000 views since it was posted on YouTube in April.
After the initial release this weekend, additional openings are planned for later in August and into September in 24 states.
For more information about the movie, including which theaters will carry the film and how to bring it to communities where it is not playing, visit www.thewhatifmovie.com.
“We make it easy for you, although it takes some energy and effort on your part,” Jenkins said. “But if you’re passionate about making a statement to Hollywood that we need more films like these, then we need to promote the film to Christians who want to ‘vote with their dollar’ for change in Hollywood.”