Tyler Slawson, Contributing Writer

We’ve all been in a tough situation at some point in our life. We’ve been writing that paper that is so specific that there aren’t enough sources to support it. We’ve had to give a speech and been afraid of the audience. We’ve been laid off. We all face tough problems in our life.

For the characters in “Standing Firm,” things get really tough.

The story begins at a funeral. David has lost his wife. Steven has lost his mother. Jen Corwin seems to have been the glue holding the family together. Now with Jen gone, where is the family headed?

The film deals with lots of tough situations including loss, fatherhood and keeping the faith.

After David reluctantly agrees to attend church and leaves mid-service, he orders his son to keep his religious life private and away from him.

With the house in danger of foreclosure, David works harder than ever to save it while dealing with regret over the death of his wife.

Steven doesn’t give up hope, and thanks to a supportive friend and inspiration from his late mother, he continuously prays for his father.

The production company behind the film describes the film as “a story of suffering, God’s purpose in it and being joyful despite it.” This is the most accurate description of the film I have read.

The emotional plot isn’t sad throughout the whole film. It has lighthearted comedic parts as well, which make for great comic relief.

One of the more interesting subplots involves Steven and his evolving friendship with Maggie. People mention that they have been spending a bit more time together, and he is eventually encouraged to ask her out. Steven’s awkward scene of asking her out is definitely one of my favorite scenes.

The plot is certainly memorable and is loosely based on the director’s parents’ early marriage which makes for a realistic plot. Plot Rating: B

The story behind the film is also inspiring. The film was made by an all volunteer crew and all but three volunteer actors. Kyle Prohaska, the director of the film, shows experience in his first full-length feature film, and it is worth noting that he’s only 23.

The acting isn’t Oscar-worthy but memorable. Debra Prohaska’s performance in flashbacks as the deceased wife is most notable as she captures every scene in which she appears.

“Standing Firm” shows just what anthropologist Margaret Meade said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” It is amazing what a small group of people can do with what they are given.

After the film ends before the credits roll, a memoriam of all the cast and crew who died during filming is given. This will have you teary eyed, I promise. It is one of the most touching things I have seen in a film.

The film score is very well done and matches the plot effectively from the plot’s dreary beginning. This is a Christian film and references scripture occasionally, but it doesn’t beat it over your head. It finds a nice balance of inspiring and informing but allows the audience to soak it in on their own terms.

For years, the view of Christian films has always been associated with a garden vegetable or a dairy product, but I am pleased to say this film does not qualify under either. Filmmaking Rating: B

As far as family quality is concerned, it is very clean. There are no suggestive scenes or language of any kind. The film contains good morals and an uplifting message.

There is little else to say about the family content other than it’s great. Family Rating: A

The film isn’t perfect but is impressive. I enjoyed the film a great deal and look to buy it on DVD soon.

It is currently on DVD and can be rented via Netflix or bought at your local Christian bookstore. I highly recommend it for anyone going through a tough time or needing inspiration.

You should not discount this film because it is a Christian film. It is a film with a great message and an anointing.

We all experience tough situations in life, but with faith we can overcome. Final Word: See it.

Photo from blog.crossshadowproductions.com