Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Movie Review: Hidden Secrets


Today I previewed a movie called "Hidden Secrets" through my being part of the Active Christian Media reviewers. I was sent a pre-release DVD, but am not paid for my reviews in any way.

I was feeling the need for a break from reality, and thought today would be a good time to check this film out. I was rewarded with a very enjoyable film. I don't want to give any parts of the movie away, but have included a general review below. I might post a more specific review down the road after the film releases to the public and has been in circulation for a while.

I found Hidden Secrets to be very uplifting in spite of some very heavy themes. The film revolves around the love a group of people share for a friend (and brother in one case) who had recently died. From this group of people, we can see the impact that one person can have on other people's lives. Through this, we see many different levels of faith played out in the relationships, from unbeliever to convicted fundamentalist. It is an interesting study on the interplay of life and faith. The movie is written from a Christian standpoint, and that comes through clearly throughout the movie. There were periods in the film where I felt some disconnect as the writer tried to cover a large spectrum of levels of faiths. I would have happily endured another 20 minutes to see a bit more character development to flesh out some of the relationships and background story that would've filled the gaps later on as the movie progressed. In spite of these small points where I wanted more, the film was well done, well acted and very well filmed. I appreciate this kind of film, and hope film makers like this are encouraged in the marketplace to continue to produce and to improve the film industry. I fully recommend it, and will likely be watching it again soon with my wife. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars!

As a side bonus, the music in the movie was outstanding. Rachel Lampa and Building 429 provide a good chunk of music in the film, and it is excellent.

From the Hidden Secrets web site:

What if your deepest secret were suddenly exposed? Nine friends discover just how explosive it can be when their past becomes their present.

Reunited at the funeral of hometown hero Chris Hayden, the friends find tensions escalating rapidly as their darkest secrets are revealed. Jeremy (David A.R. White-“Mercy Streets"), struggling with his calling as a former youth pastor, is caught in an awkward love triangle between his new fiancée and his old flame Sherry (Tracey Melchoir-“Bold and Beautiful"). As the embers of the past relationship reignite, Jeremy’s fiancée Rachel (Stacey Keanan-“Step by Step"), who is determined to solidify their relationship, demands he affirm his commitment to her.

Meanwhile, Gary (John Schneider-“Dukes of Hazzard", “Smallville") questions everyone’s beliefs as this close-knit group of friends disputes world views, lifestyles, and personal passions. Pastor Wexler (Reginald Vel Johnson-“Die Hard", “Family Matters") encourages them not to give up but to follow the truth that Chris Hayden lived.

Hidden Secrets is a story of love, friendship, redemption and ultimately faith. Humorous, touching and always entertaining.



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