Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +1 Content: +3

In KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS, Kirk’s sister’s (played by his real-life sister Bridgett) annual Christmas party is about to be ruined by his brother-in-law Christian, who is chock full of no-fun Scroogery. Kirk realizes it’s his job to grab Christian by his seasonal sweater and show him that you can celebrate faith and celebrate the holidays in the midst of all the Christmas hoopla. The film will open in select theaters on November 14, 2014 for two weeks only.

KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS  provides a faith basis for our favorite time-honored traditions and celebrations. The film will give audiences a historical and faith-themed background to Christmas including the Christmas tree, St. Nicholas, gift -giving, the sacrifice and abundant feasts, centered in a Christian film.

Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role of “Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the ‘80's, with his mullet hairstyle, cool glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent documentaries, Monumental and Unstoppable.

PREVIEW REVIEW: I hate to say anything bad about Kirk, as I think he’s a sincere man, desiring to use his past fame to generate interest in present projects that spread the Gospel. But he’s a pro and I’m sure that he would understand that I have to do my job as well. So here goes.

Not sure about that title. I’ve interviewed Kirk Cameron four times over the years and sense that he is a humble guy. So having his name in the title seems uncharacteristic. What’s more, I’m not sure why he’d want it there. While the film delivers some well-thought-out talking points, the cinematic ingredients used to flavor this documentary/drama stew are left to boil until the result is a tasteless mush.

The brother-in-law is no actor, nor charismatic enough to hold our attention, despite the fact that the camera lingers on him as if he were about to utter a proverb. He’s just annoying. Kirk himself comes across as too authoritative, a know-it-all who can’t help but sermonize with each breath. The vignettes used to highlight Kirk’s tutelage are dreadful. Badly cast and lacking any energy, these cheaply mounted scenes drag, causing this 80-minute fiasco to seem even longer. And the pacing is so slow one has to fight the constant temptation of using the fast-forward button.

It would have been a good 20-minute sermon, with its interesting defense of the Christmas holiday season, but as a movie lacks wit, charm or professionalism.

I know, I know, I sound like an old Bah-Humbug. But those involved in such projects want you to pay to see their product, no matter the end result of their labors. Indeed, most Christian production companies use the “guilt factor” in order to survive: “You should support any faith-based project. Otherwise, they won’t make more of them.”

Now that I’ve ripped Mr. Cameron’s project to pieces, allow me to do penance.

Fireproof

Monumental

Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were onscreen sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are provided an all-expense paid retreat.).

There, now I can live with myself.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Samuel Gofdwyn Films