John Paul and Wayne are two young men in search of their fathers. Problem is…their fathers have been dead for 25 years. Eddie and Steven are two young men in search of their sons…whom they’ve never met. In 1969, Eddie and Steven are with their squad deep in the jungle of Vietnam on a five-day mission to retrieve fallen comrades. They write letters to their wives, often mentioning their love for their sons, one, who is an infant and one yet to be born. In 1994, John Paul and Wayne go on a five day road trip to the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC to see their fathers’ names. Along the way, reading those letters, they begin to get an understanding of who their fathers were and how they died. Trials and mishaps, both funny and sad, complicate the road trip for the boys. The horrors of war and the testing of faith manifest themselves for the young men in Vietnam. Ultimately, in parallel stories – 25 years apart – the fathers and sons are bound together forever.

Runtime: 96 minutes

Genre: Drama

Rating: PG-13 (for brief war violence)

Starring: Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Downes, David A.R. White, Rebecca St. James, Si Robertson, Candace Cameron Bure, Scott Whyte, and Sean McGowan.

-The Heart of Faith of Our Fathers

-Honoring Father’s Day

-Commemorating Memorial Day

-Si Robertson Interview

-Stephen Baldwin Interview

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For me, exceptional Christian films are sometimes hard to find, and thankfully this is one I can highly recommend. Furthermore, I was ecstatic to recognize so many actors in this film, so as I begin to review this film, I find it a true honor.

At the very heart of this film is the relationship between these two characters, John and Wayne. For David, this role of the somewhat impudent Wayne is a bit of a departure from the roles I am used to seeing him portray, but he plays the part of this peculiar man faultlessly, and the interactions between his character and John are exceptional. While I was unfamiliar with Kevin, I found that he the portrayal he gave of his character was the ideal foil for David’s rough-around-the-edges character.  They provide much of the humor in the film, but there are also some highly dramatic parts definitely worth noting as well. On the shoulders of these two competent men rest the bulk of the film’s story, and I found myself especially intrigued by the story they were recounting through flashback. Though a myriad of pitfalls bombard these two unlikely companions, the end is never in question. But as with most movies of this genre, it is the journey to the destination that makes the ride entertainingly worthwhile.

It was an unexpected delight to see “Uncle Si” appear in this film, and although he was the gas station attendant, come on, we know he was really playing himself. He brings his signature wit and demeanor to the role, and it warms my heart to see the Robertson family making the rounds in Christian films today. Long may that continue.

Seeing Candace Cameron Bure in the film was another welcome surprise. As I have followed her for the majority of her career, I have been consistently impressed with her talent as well as her stalwart devotion to her Christian faith in spite of any stumbling blocks or snares in her way. She is always beautiful, and when she acts, it is purely effortless. There are few people who are born with the innate ability to act, and she is decidedly one of them. I am devoted to everything about her, and my support will always be with her.  In this role, though small, she makes a memorable contribution as only she can.

In the flashback sections of the film, we are treated the acting abilities of Sean and Scott in the roles of the soldiers who gave everything they had in Vietnam. Although I am unfamiliar with the acting of these two, they fit their roles quite well and give noteworthy performances. While I know very little about the actual horrors of the Vietnam War, what I have heard is enough for me to realize that even after all this time, that war is looked back upon with great difficulties due to public perception, official decisions, and horrendous conditions.

This actor, however, is one whose last name is well-known in Hollywood (though he is not like his notorious brother, for which we can all be grateful).  I have had the privilege of seeing Stephen in at least one other film, and his prowess certainly lives up to the acting reputation associated with this name. I hope to continue to see him featured in more films as I believe his talent and his faith are exactly what is needed in the film industry today.

While I could continue to wax eloquent about so many fantastic elements of this film, I would invite everyone to pick up a copy of this film for yourself. I am happy to be able to offer one copy to a U.S. reader. Just enter the rafflectoper below by 9 P.M. Pacific time on November 16. Please also refer to the winner guidelines for eligibility concerns.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”