Tremendous. Fantastic. Inspiring. These are the words that come to mind after screening this wonderful family and faith oriented DVD. Dean Cain and John Schneider give wonderful performances in this movie about Promise, Texas, a place which, like so many in today’s economy, is depressed and losing more jobs every day. To add insult to injury there has been a drought too. In one scene, a man standing on the roadside holds a sign which reads, “Will work 4 ride outta here!”
Promise, Texas could be a number of other places. The residents need hope and hope comes in an unusual form, that of a young boy named Gabriel. Gabriel shows up on the road unexpectedly and Joe Murphy, driving with his wife Ellen, almost hits him! But they find him to be just what they needed as the couple had recently lost a child during birth. Gabriel brings a refreshing hope to them as well as others in the community. He tells them, “God will restore hope.” The local pastor’s daughter, Cameron, overdoses on pills and when she is about to be proclaimed dead at a social event, Gabriel bends over next to her and suddenly she miraculously recovers. Gabriel helps others in the town and encourages Ellen to begin making prayer mats, for the key is that God wants his children to talk to him. Soon everyone wonders, “Who is this boy? Who is Gabriel?” Gabriel tells them they will know in time and sure enough, a revelation comes near the end of the movie. Before that, he offers hope to a doctor who is dying, to a woman whose husband has a drinking and wife abuse problem, and to a young blind girl. Gavin Casalegno is quite good as young Gabriel.
This movie offers hope for those who are struggling with today’s overwhelming set of life’s problems. How many movies do that? We are more than happy to award our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to this movie for ages twelve plus due to sophisticated themes and intense moments. We award it five Doves, our highest quality rating. It’s really that good. Parents should consult the content listing below. Some kids nine to twelve will be okay watching the movie. Something neat happens at the end which nicely illustrates that a sad event in one’s life doesn’t have to be the final word. Parents should watch the movie with their kids. There is a lot to talk about, and be thankful for.
