Today’s Prayer Focus

MOVIE REVIEW

God's Not Dead 2: He's Surely Alive

also known as “God's Not Dead 2,” “God's Not Dead II,” “Deus Não Está Morto 2,” “Bog ipak postoji,” “Bóg nie umarł 2”

MPA Rating: PG-Rating (MPA)

for some thematic elements.

Reviewed by: Karen C. Flores
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating:	Good
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:	Adults Teens Family
Genre:	Christian Drama Sequel
Length:	2 hr. 1 min.
Year of Release:	2016
USA Release:	April 1, 2016 (wide—2,300+ theaters) DVD: August 16, 2016

Relevant Issues

efforts of people who are trying to expel God from the public square once and for all

Separation of church and state

When did the U.S. government pass a law dictating the separation of church and state? Where can this law be found? Answer

What does the term “Separation of Church and State” really mean in the United States? Answer

What is the legal and moral role of the Bible and Christianity in the U.S.A.? Should God be separated from American government? Answer

Atheism doesn’t take away the pain, it just takes away the hope.

first, comes pressure against Christianity, then comes PERSECUTION

Historical Jesus Christ

Was Jesus Christ only a legend? Answer

How do we know the Bible is true? Answer

How can the Bible be infallible if it was written by fallible humans? Answer

God

God (WebBible Encyclopedia)

How can we know there’s a God? Answer

What if the cosmos is all that there is? Answer

If God made everything, who made God? Answer

faith

Why does God allow innocent people to suffer? Answer

Discover the good news that Jesus Christ offers

Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer

Top choice for accurate, in-depth information on Creation/Evolution. The SuperLibrary is provided by a top team of experts from various respected creationist organizations who answer your questions on a wide variety of topics. Multilingual.

Atheism

How to witness to atheists

Featuring	Jesse Metcalfe … Tom Endler Ray Wise … Pete Kane Fred Dalton Thompson … Senior Pastor Pat Boone … Walter Wesley David A.R. White … Rev. Dave Trisha LaFache … Amy Ryan Sadie Robertson … Marlene Robin Givens … Principal Kinney Melissa Joan Hart … Grace Wesley Paul Kwo … Martin Yip Hayley Orrantia … Brooke Thawley Ernie Hudson … Judge Stennis Maria Canals-Barrera … Catherine Thawley Gianna Simone … Elizabeth Healy See all » Natalie Canerday … Mrs. Rizzo Jenn Gotzon … Fashionista Jon Lindstrom … Jim Powell Lauren Harper … Sunny Barista Carey Scott … Richard Thawley Benjamin A. Onyango … Reverend Jude Tommy Blaze … Waiter Spencer Kane Hess … Student (trouble maker) Brad Heller … School Attorney D. Matt Jordan … Juror#6 Mary Faulkner … Frazzled Teacher Greg Fallon … Lawyer Andres Hudson … Bailiff Lynne Delgado … Waiting Room Nurse Brock Clyburn … Medical Staff Travis McCoy … Male Journalist Dustin Prince … Farmer Eamonn McCrystal … Simon Boyle Candyce Hinkle … Salvation Army Lady Kayla Esmond … Crazy Cat Lady Mallory Hardin Brooks … News Anchor Gary Newton … Paramedic J. Warner Wallace … J. Warner Wallace Verda Davenport … First Teacher Kristina Strava … Concert Patron Latiera Golliday … Waitress Paige Martin Reynolds … Pharmacist James Mainard O'Connell … Timid Pastor Brent Holt … Protester Shaking Jesse Metcalfe Hand Sarah Ring … Student Ryk St. Vincent … Jury Forman Mary Handiboe … Courtroom Observer Arnold John Popa III … Courtroom Observer / Reporter Ann Cogswell … Food Truck Patron Russ Racop … Restaurant Patron Brenda Driggers … Courtroom Observer Brock Clyburn … Medical Staff Cameron Taylor … Lawyer Assistant Daniel Clark … Courtroom Gallery Observer Margaret Cogswell … Courtroom Gallery Extra
Director	Harold Cronk — “God’s Not Dead” (2014), “Jerusalem Countdown” (2011)
Producer	Pure Flix Productions
Distributor	Pure Flix Entertainment, a subsidiary of AFFIRM Entertainment, a Sony Company

Prequel: “God's Not Dead” (2014)
Sequel: “God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness” (2018)

“God’s Not Dead 2” is about what happens to a history teacher, who answers her student’s question about Jesus. The school board wants her to recant mentioning Jesus. When she refuses, the ACLU decides to take her to court. The ACLU lawyers cunningly convince the student’s parents to file a lawsuit against the teacher for violating their child’s civil rights. The ACLU also enlists the school’s assistance in making an example of the teacher. Thus, the film’s story revolves around the court case.

Like its predecessor, this film leaves the audience with a few issues that are unresolved. Without giving too much away, there is a big hole in the story about a brother. This brother’s issue is presented in the film, but the audience leaves the movie theater wondering. It is also unclear as to how the ACLU becomes involved in the first place. I know that the ACLU gets involved with cases when people call them for help. In this story, they had to convince the parents to press charges against the teacher.

Another problem that leaves audiences scratching their heads is how the extra subplots relate to the main story. In the first movie, there are several different stories surrounding the main theme. They seem unrelated. The characters come together at a Newsboys concert in the end. The audience still does not know what happened to the woman who was kicked out of her parents’ house. The creators did a better job in this second movie of bringing the extra tales to the main idea, but sometimes it does fall short. The Newsboys concert is just thrown in to add a music video in the end. Is every “God’s Not Dead” Movie going to have the Newsboys sing a live concert at the conclusion?

I truly enjoyed this movie, and I feel that Christians should support this film for a few reasons:

I appreciate the fact that the creators are trying to inform others about the perils Christians must tackle. At the end of the film, they cite many cases where Christians are facing trials for standing for Jesus.
Many Scriptures are quoted throughout the movie, and that is very refreshing to hear on the big screen.
The youth are very respectful toward authority. They protest in a submissive manner.

Overall, I feel that families can go to see this film. The topic might be advanced for younger children, but it is a good opportunity for parents to discuss with their children how to handle difficult problems. Also, it is very helpful to see the first movie to understand this second.

There is no nudity, no profanity, and minimal violence in the form of protesting.

Violence: Minor / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: Minor

Official site for more information

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

Positive
Negative
Young people

Positive

Positive—Best movie I’ve seen about the defense of Gospel! Many parts of the movie demonstrate what is truly going on in America today. People wake up! The support for the main character (Melissa Joan Hart) in the movie was encouraging and inspiring to stand up and stand for the Gospel, no matter what, no matter the cost. Christian’s ought to be encouraged as they watch this fine film! Great job on portraying art truly imitating life here in America in 2016. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is still the greatest message of hope to this corrupt world we live in, and it’s movie’s like this that remind us that Jesus is the only reason worth living and dying for. Believers should support this inspiring film.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

Trae Paul H Parham III, age 49 (USA)

Positive—A must see movie… Excellent acting and story… great for the whole family… Wonderful music… very positive and uplifting
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4½

Paul, age 59 (Canada)

Positive—How about the best courtroom drama in a long time. Loved this movie, reminding us to stand up for Jesus, if we believe in him. Gotta give a special well done to Paul Kwo for his character. This guy has a talent. He reminds us, even if our friends and family don’t believe, we can live for Jesus anyway. Nice to hear another great soundtrack, too, with groups like Audio Adrenaline and The Newsboys. So, if you’re found guilty for loving Jesus and this movie, it’s a good thing. Thumbs way up.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4½

RockinRon Corino, age 53 (USA)

Positive—Just came back from seeinq GND2 with our small group at the theater. Everyone gave it a definite thumbs up! Outstanding acting and storyline. An excellent follow-up to “God's Not Dead.” Hats off to Pure Flix for producing another awesome and believable faith-based movie. I encourage all believers to go see this movie! (Me thinks that Karen Flores may have been just a tad harsh with her review on this one).
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

Randy, age 60 (USA)

Positive—I saw this movie on Sunday, and I have to say this movie is good to great. Grace Wesley is a teacher under trial, just for talking about Jesus when talking about him should always be allowed. This movie probably has to do with the rulings of the Supreme Court when it comes to the rules right? That building is not a good place right now and is definitely not supreme of God these days (if that was how it’s meant to be). What’s going on in this movie, the court case, is unfortunately still going on now, and we need to be praying for God’s will in all of this. Some of the cases, the right side won, God’s side, which always wins anyway!! …These are cases listed in the credits, and I think in the first one they might have listed cases. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 3

Stephen Jacewicz, age 20 (USA)

Positive—While I cringed a few times watching the trailer for “God’s Not Dead 2,” I found the film, overall, to be enjoyable and entertaining. Some of the acting was great, some of it was acting. Despite not being Oscar material and being choppy at points, I could see that the creators had grown and were learning to use story, character development and visual effects to make their point. I believe this one was better than the first and really like the way they brought in real apologist like Lee Strobel and J. Warner Wallace. Some of the major characters from the first one weren’t in this one, so I would look forward to seeing “God’s Not Dead 3.”

Please don’t let negative reviews and comments about G“od’s Not Dead 2,” or even negative aspects about the first movie, keep you from seeing this movie and supporting Christian film.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4

C.W., age 29 (USA)

Positive—A must see movie… Excellent acting and story… great for the whole family… Wonderful music… very positive and uplifting.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4½

Paul, age 59 (Canada)

Positive—I want to add my voice to all the positive review comments about this movie. The way the courtroom drama unfolds gives opportunity for laying out of all the major tenets of Christianity, as well as the reality of Jesus Christ. What a great review of the Christian faith for any believer, including me, and what a good evangelizing tool for those who may want to bring their unbelieving friends and family to see it.

The movie is produced very well, with a talented cast and good acting. I loved the directing and editing, as the scenes and themes flowed smoothly throughout the film. I cried at the end, and I hope all those who see it are equally moved. I am glad that the quality of Christian movies is getting better and better. This was a very worthy sequel.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4

Halyna Barannik, age 70 (USA)

Positive—Really wondering why Flores gave this movie only 2½ stars. Her negative points were very unfounded. The deceased brother was mysterious, at first, but was eventually said to have died in an accident—adequate enough. It was only mentioned that the ACLU might become involved—but was not actually revealed that they did. I myself had no problem with the “News Boys” returning. Their song lyrics were so appropriate for the story line—made a fantastic finale! In my opinion, #2 was even better than the first—more cohesive and so deeply inspiring. I would highly recommend this wonderful film—and truly look forward to God’s Not Dead 3!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

Elizabeth, age 50 (USA)

Positive—What an excellent film!! I was very impressed with the creative storyline and most of the acting was very good. It’s certainly the most Christian film we’ve ever seen at the theatre, and even shows someone accepting Christ. It was nice to see a continuation of the story of a few of the characters from the first movie, as well. There’s a scene right at the very end after the credits. When I went, everyone else left, and I was the only person to see it. This seems like a promo to another sequel.

The points they make about freedom of speech and religious persecution are very true and real. We need to speak up for Jesus now and also protect our freedom to share our faith. These “God’s Not Dead” films are based on real life court cases, so they are more real than one might think!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

Kathy Pj, age 55 (Canada)

Positive—Excellent!! It is rare for a second movie to be better than the first, but this is exceptional! I was pleasantly surprised at how they wove characters from the first movie into a new story, which takes place a few months after the events of the first movie, but easily stands alone. Excellent acting by all. I saw no plot holes; two of the characters explain why some things happened. Go see it… and do stay for the final scene after the credits. It’s not just an extra bit, you’ll be glad you didn’t miss it.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5

Tori, age 40+ (USA)

Positive—I’ve never been a fan of the first “God’s Not Dead.” Heck, I actually don’t even consider it a true Christian movie, due to it’s seriously problematic content. It reeks of pride, bombarding you with Christian self-worship, insulting stereotypes, a chilling disregard for atheists as human beings, and inane apologetics. This sequel on the other hand… wow. Just wow. This is a complete and total redemption of the “God’s Not Dead” name. It fixes almost everything I despise about the first one, especially the whole pride thing.

In the first film, all the Christian characters were portrayed (unrealistically) as absolutely flawless human beings with hearts of gold, enhanced intelligence, and perfect morals. On the other hand, every single atheist (or non-Christian) character was portrayed as a vile, sociopathic, hateful, menacing, and bigoted monster without a single redeeming quality. It felt very propaganda-like in its execution, distorting the way things actually are in order to further its (poorly done) message. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4

Joseph Gabriel, age 19 (USA)

Positive—I finally saw this film on DVD. My thoughts on the first film are all over the place, and it’s not one of the first Christian films I’d recommend. So I was reserved about watching this one. But it didn’t take long for me to see that this film had much more potential, and soon I found found myself 100% caught up in it. In all honesty, I wish I’d seen it in theaters! It is very encouraging and uplifting. I have very little but good to say about it.

I fell in love with all the characters and cared about each one, and found all the arguments to be consistently solid. It’s an important film for people to see, in a day and age when things like this are actually happening! Kudos to Pureflix for redeeming itself, no less with a sequel to the film that made us question it. Quite a feat!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4

Gabriel Mohler, age 26 (USA)

Positive—The sequel to the surprise hit “God’s Not Dead” is a somewhat better film than its predecessor, in that it brings back several characters from the first film, which is something I thought would not happen, based on the plot. However, the film has its weaknesses: several loose ends from the previous installment are not picked up here, and there is a certain lack of character development for some of the protagonists.

MINOR SPOILER!!!… It would have been great to see what the student’s relationship with her brother was like, and how his death affected her before she talked to her teacher about it. MINOR SPOILER OVER!!!See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½

D, age 32 (USA)

Negative

Negative—I can’t say this is a bad Christian movie, because it is not a Christian movie. It breaks one of the fundamental commandments, Thou shalt not lie. The movie can’t seem to decide whether it wants to have the teacher be ignorant of the rule she supposedly broke, or know full well what she did and rebel against it. The movie intentionally tries to confuse the issue and have it both ways, when, in reality, she would never get in this much trouble over simply answering a question. Also, the ACLU actually does defend people like this. They’re not a bunch of anti-Christian monsters out to destroy the faith.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 1

David, age 21 (USA)

Comments from young people

Negative—This movie is horrible. Where do I begin? First of all, I never wanted to see this movie. I had already heard so many bad things about it that were said by Christians. There was only one “okay” performance in the movie. That of her lawyer (forgot his name). Everyone else’s performances felt incredibly forced. The writing, like most Christian movies, is awful. I’m not going to go into it, because I wouldn’t have enough time or space to talk about the screenplay. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: none / Moviemaking quality: 1

Jessica, age 14 (USA)

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