'Grace Unplugged' Review: Film Pits Hollywood Against the Church
The new faith-based film "Grace Unplugged" takes a real look at a father-daughter relationship and explores the darker side of Hollywood. It hits theaters Oct. 4.
Starring James Denton, A.J. Michalka, Shawnee Smith and Kevin Pollak, the new musical drama follows Grace, a beautiful and talented singer who is restless with bigger dreams of stardom.
The film starts with Grace performing in her church's band alongside her father, a former rock music celebrity-turned-worship-pastor named Jonny, portrayed by "Desperate Housewives" star Denton.
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As the young singer fails to see eye-to-eye with her father onstage, it doesn't take long for their musical and creative differences to spread to other aspects of their relationship, especially after Grace is caught skipping youth group.
Written and directed by Brad Silverman, "Grace Unplugged" is based on the true-life experiences of his pastor's daughter.
Watching the film, the audience can relate to Jonny's frustration with his daughter as his efforts to get through to her are in vain. "Grace Unplugged" tackles the battles every parent encounters with his or her teenaged children, and sheds light on the support offered through the church. One scene even sees Jonny consulting his pastor and seeking helpful advice.
As the film progresses, tensions between the father and daughter reach a fever pitch, and Grace goes behind her father's back in order for a shot at stardom. Grace runs away to Los Angeles to pursue fame and fortune as a pop singer with help from Jonny's old manager, Mossy, portrayed by Pollak.
However, the young singer becomes conflicted about her faith, image and career path, matters only worsen when confronted with underhanded options to get ahead and be propelled into the spotlights.
It is indicative that the only comfort Grace finds being so far from home in the movie is in the company of a studio intern and fellow Christian, Quentin, portrayed by "Twilight" actor Michael Welch.
Through Grace's experience, the audience feels the lure of stardom as well as the cold loneliness that is life without God. "Grace Unplugged" leaves audience members with a new appreciation for their faith, all while exploring the importance of family and the true meaning of success.
Although "Grace Unplugged" offers audiences a realistic journey of a person's relationship with God, the film suggests that faith cannot survive in Hollywood. The film leaves questions about whether mainstream stardom or Christian superstardom is the best way to honor God.
Not without some laughs, the film also tugs on the heartstrings celebrates a young girl's commitment to God on her own terms- not just following in her parents' footsteps.
To find a theater playing "Grace Unplugged" near you, visit the film's website. Watch a trailer for it " target="_blank">here.
