I'm Not Ashamed (2016)

Thanks for the memories!

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

When the Columbine incident happened I was at the end of my freshman year in high-school. I remember it well though it was 20 years ago now. I recall seeing this book about Rachel Scott in stores, but never bothered to read it. Recently I was able to view this film, which in my estimation really captures the sentiment of that time period well. That time in American History is one soul searching: Can we as a people do without God? What does that look like? What are the consequences of a Godless society? Who are we as a people? Then tragedy hits to awaken all of us from our sleep.This film does a particularly excellent job of capturing that time of innocence as well as vulnerability that we all tend to experience in our teenage coming of age years. Yet, it also adds into it a very real element of dealing with pain on a very personal level while developing spirituality. Throughout the film there is portrayed the pain of loss, the pain of the realities of sin, pains of relationships, the reality of our weaknesses, and the strong desire of wanting to connect with God. Throughout the film it is evident that Rachel is a normal human being with all of her faults, desires, and hopes clearly portrayed. She is no super hero, just a normal person trying to follow God the best she can. These unsung invisible heroes like Rachel seem to be the ones that make the greatest impacts in life. If there is a message in this film, it is that God can work through any situation if we will let Him do so. It is amazing to see that one life has impacted so many people for God, however we as an American society have clearly continued to reject Rachel's message choosing rather to continue down the path of destruction. The last 20 years since Columbine have only demonstrated this as we continue as a people to try to exist without God. Now we have become numb to the continual onslaught of school shootings in our wake. God help us.After reading so many angry 'atheist' reviews about this movie, it is evident that this is indeed a powerful movie that triggers strong emotion in that it forces us to rethink our lives, to come face to face with our own reality, and to decide whether to take responsibility for our choices or not.

Anybody that knows me, knows, that I'm not a huge fan of independent faith-based movies; especially from Pure Flix Entertainment. Yet, there are a few movies out, there; I have no problem with. 2016's 'I'm Not Ashamed' is one of those. Directed by Brian Baugh & somewhat based on the journal of real-life student, Rachel Joy Scott, this movie accounts Scott (Masey McLain)'s journey as she struggles of keeping her faith, during her troubling last year at Columbine High School. Without spoiling the movie, too much, while, the trailers might make it seem, like the filmmakers are seemingly using a real-life tragedy like the 1999's Columbine Shooting to promote a stereotypical Christian agenda, as if the whole event was cause by religious persecution. That's really far from the case, once you see the movie, as the movie takes a complex approach to the controversial issues of bulling, showing that, anybody could fall victim to it, Christian or not. While, it's true, that there was still some scenes of her regularly being subjected to mockery, due to her belief to God. Christianity is not really, not the main focus. It's more about her, trying to show compassion than preaching to the choir, when, face with indifferentism. It's also a movie about learning how to sympathy with the people, instead of trying to over-demonize them for actions, you don't believe with. This was something, very rare to see in a Pure Flix movie, whom films like 2014's 'Old Fashioned' & 2014's 'God's Not Dead', are known for being a little too righteous for its own good. Another good thing about this movie is that, the film doesn't make Rachel, out to be, too much of an angelic figure that nobody can related. She still has problems, most teens deal with; whether it's the fear, her not succumbing to much, after high school, her off and on, relationships with lovers, friends and family, her problems with alcohol & weed smoking, or her dealing with suicidal thoughts. It's character development 101. Regardless, I do think, the movie could had cut down on a bit, on the subplot of a love triangle, brewing between her & two boys, Alex Dickerson (Cameron McKendry) & fictional Nathan Ballard, loosely based on, Mark Bodiford-Pettit, as it was going too much into 2008's 'Twilight' fan-fiction, when in truth, while, Scott was somewhat popular, she mostly kept to herself, only, having one serious relationship, before breaking it up, herself, not because of her partner cheating on her, but because she didn't want it to become physical demanding, as she was moving out on her own, with a friend, Alisha Basore after high school. Another thing, misleading, was the idea, that she attended prom with a minor, fictional Asian character, named Kevin (Mark Daugherty). In real life, she went with Nick Baumgart, another Caucasian, student & one of the main targets, for the shooter. Another big misinformation that the movie is trying to spread is the idea that the shooters, Eric Harris (David Errigo Jr.) & Dylan Klebold (Cory Chapman) ask Scott, before killing her, if she believe in God. Based on the many of police reports, I have research & testimony of students around her, at the crime scene, I can personally, say, this, probably never really happen; as in real-life, Rachel was hit four times and was killed instantly. Survivor Valeen Schnurr claims that she was the one questioned as to her belief in God by the shooters & her statements were misdirection by news medias at the time, causing people to believe that the questions were direction to Scott & another victim, Cassie Bernall. Nevertheless, both victims came to be regarded as Christian martyrs by Evangelical Christians, overtime. Because of that, the movie does feel, a bit over-sentimental at times with the symbolism God's light visuals from cinematographer John Matysiak and cheesy Christian music by composer, Timothy William that went along with Scott, at certain points of the film. As for the murderers, I kinda, glad the movie didn't focus, too much on them. While, it's true, that information would help the film, a little more, on understanding, their motives. I really don't think, they really need, any more spotlight. The movie alright went overboard with the foreshadowing to the shooting. In my opinion, their presence should had been even cut, even shorter, as their climatic action would be more shocking. Nevertheless, the movie did right, with not showing anymore of the shooting, after her death, but archive news footage. The abrupt ending had still had enough of an impact to make me, feel a bit, emotional. Nevertheless, the film could had been a little more gritty with the language for a PG-13. Overall: I have to say, the movie was very insightful with its' semi-alright, acting and production values. Still, I can understand, why certain people might hate this movie for even existence. I was kinda turn off, by it, at first. After all, Columbine High School massacre is still, a fresh open wound to some people. In the end, I change my mine, because talking about the event, is the best way to heal. I just wish, the movie wasn't made, to make a profit for the studio-heads. In short, the box office take, should had gone to the victim's families, charities, or preventing gun-violence. Not the big wigs in Hollywood. In the end, while, the movie isn't God-awful. It's should had been a little more well-made. The victims of this tragedy, deserve better.

Without trying to downplay the loss of life of the other students, this screen play was one of the best real life stories brought to life in movie. Thru the telling of this story, many will realize that following Jesus does not mean we have it all figured out. Nor does it mean it will always go well for us. It does mean we each have our own calling. I love how the authors stayed true to her story and showed how good can come from so much bad. I'll admit that initially, I found myself confused but by the 3nd I could see the twists and turns had a purpose.

Rachel Joy Scott's life is truly worth celebrating and I'm not Ashamed does a superior job! Without being preachy or cheesy (my all-too-frequent objections to inspirational films) I'm not Ashamed deals honestly with the challenges of being a modern teen while seeking to grow as a Christian. I'm not ashamed to report weeping at the ending. Great writing, great acting, terrific production.....you need to see how many light years ahead of other inspirational films one with real heart can be.