{"id":12187,"date":"2013-09-13T15:11:44","date_gmt":"2013-09-13T19:11:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/news\/?p=12187"},"modified":"2013-09-13T15:41:43","modified_gmt":"2013-09-13T19:41:43","slug":"12187","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/news\/2013\/09\/12187","title":{"rendered":"Want a Good Movie for Your Youth Group?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Ray and Rich Romano at the premiere of The Investigator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What does it take to make a good Christian movie? \u201cPassion,\u201d says Nicole Abisinio, producer of \u201cThe Investigator,\u201d based on the true-life story of comedian Ray Romano\u2019s brother Rich.<\/p>\n

In the long-running TV series \u201cEverybody Loves Raymond.\u201d the character \u201cRobert\u201d was loosely based on real-life cop Richard.<\/p>\n

In real life, Rich, like Robert, is a policeman with a loving but quirky\u00a0Italian Catholic family and a know-it-all\u00a0high-profile brother. In the film, Rich\u2019s undercover cop character has to take early retirement after a drug bust goes bad. He finds himself filling in as a baseball coach at a Protestant private school, facing a classroom of disrespectful rich kids and scholarshipped athletes, the latter who have special privileges since their successes bring in donors for the struggling academy.<\/p>\n

The skeptical kids challenge their uncomfortable substitute teacher to re-open several high-profile historical cases, including President John F. Kennedy\u2019s assassination and whether Jesus Christ is a historical or mythical figure. At the same time, he has to transform a mediocre varsity baseball team into winners.<\/p>\n

Why did\u00a0producer Abisinio choose such a project? After all, she started her career in New York City investment management, working in private equity and hedge funds for six years while simultaneously picking up roles as an actress \u2013 mostly in forgettable roles. Then she started working as a movie production accountant and eventually as an executive producer in New York City. What she\u2019s known for is finding film funding \u2013 bringing in multi-million dollar deals for films with actors including Terence Howard, Jack Black and Samuel L Jackson.<\/p>\n

\"Producer<\/a>
Producer Nicole Abisinio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She got into horror films \u2013 which make a lot of money. However, cranking out axe-murder movies aren\u2019t very fulfilling spiritually.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was a very hardened New Yorker,\u201d she says, rolling her eyes. \u201cI was producing action films and horror movies and really nothing that was necessarily positive. It was entertainment and it was, you know, sometimes not very good entertainment.\u201d<\/p>\n

She began to get discouraged, feeling that her work was doing little to make the world a better place. She grew increasingly discontent \u2013 and says there was a divine plan behind it all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ray and Rich’s alter egos in the film<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just the way the Lord works,\u201d she said at the recent premiere of The Investigator. \u201cI began to see that there had to be more. After a couple of years of seeing my life change as I sought Him, I started looking for Christian scripts. I actually got very sick and almost died. It was during that period that Rich\u2019s script came into my inbox when I didn\u2019t think I was going to survive. The story uplifted my spirit, it changed me and it made me want to be a better person.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought \u2018Wow! If this script does this for me\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cIt made me want to fight harder to get better and if that did that for me, then how many people going through hard times could have that same experience? What if this script could help them be able to fight another day and fight harder and know that God is with them through it all?\u201d<\/p>\n

She jumped into the film with gusto.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nicole even has a cameo in the film<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cAs an independent film producer, you know that you are going to spend a full two years \u2013 at least \u2013 on that film. So it has to be the right one. I knew I had to put together a solid business plan. But when I prayed about it, I knew that for the first time, I couldn\u2019t go knocking on just anyone\u2019s door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t go doing any of what I normally do. God spoke to my heart, \u2018Prepare you house,\u2019 so I got everything ready and knew that people were going to come to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they did. I received a phone call from a guy who I\u2019d worked with on another project and he said \u2018Oh, it\u2019s so interesting that you\u2019ve got this project. I\u2019ve got this guy who is an investor …\u201d<\/p>\n

She met with him at a restaurant where the investor told her he had a dream of doing a movie about Christian apologetics and baseball. She says she almost fell out of her seat.<\/p>\n

\"Skeptical<\/a>
Skeptical kids and baseball fill this movie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cOur movie was apologetics and baseball,\u201d remembers Nicole. \u201cIt was unbelievable. He said \u2018I\u2019m going to invest.\u2019 You can\u2019t do anything without that, of course. Then we just went full speed ahead, casting 120 people and hiring our crew, but it was different this time. Everything was done differently than any movie I had done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause God was leading the way for it,\u201d says Nicole.<\/p>\n

Christian films traditionally struggle in the marketplace. Often they have trouble on a variety of levels.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband is a movie junkie and a film geek,\u201d writes blogger Nicole Cottrell<\/a>. \u201cBy osmosis, I too ,have become somewhat of a movie nerd. Jonathan and I often sit and discuss the films we love. We talk cinematography, direction, screenplay, and of course, acting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see all kinds of movies, from comedies, to dramas, independent films, to cult classics. But one type of film we avoid at all costs is the dreaded Christian film. [Twilight Zone music here\u2026followed by a woman\u2019s scream]. In decades of cinema history, maybe three or four films rate as a quality Christian film. \u2018Chariots of Fire\u2019 would be one. \u2018The Passion of Christ\u2019 another.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Baseball<\/a>
Baseball also offers the film’s best comic moments.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe Passion of the Christ,\u201d of course, did phenomenally at the box office — $370 million. Then there\u2019s the \u201cChronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,\u201d which pulled in $291 million. So, yes, Christian movies can be money-makers.<\/p>\n

The Narnia sequels, \u201cPrince Caspian\u201d and \u201cThe Voyage of the Dawn Treader\u201d did well — $141 million and $104 million respectively. Then there are the Sherwood Studios films \u2013 Courageous, Fireproof and Facing the Giants \u2013 which improve with each release, both in quality and in box office sales. Other well-done Christian films that have done well recently include \u201cThe Nativity Story,\u201d \u201cJonah: A VeggieTales Movie\u201d and \u201cEnd of the Spear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"7\"<\/a>
Ray and Rich Romano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And there are those blockbusters that aren\u2019t \u201creligious\u201d but have strong Christian worldviews, such as \u201cThe Blind Side,\u201d \u201cA Walk to Remember,\u201d \u201cFiddler on the Roof\u201d and the \u201cLord of the Rings\u201d trilogy. What makes a movie \u201cChristian,\u201d anyway?<\/p>\n

\u201cCreated with a Christian sensibility, a movie should be haunted by the invisible world,\u201d writes scriptwriting mentor Barbara Nicolosi in an article with Spencer Lewerenz<\/a>. \u201cFor believers, everything that we see is a sign of a reality that we cannot see. Paraphrasing St. Paul, all of creation points to the Presence and Nature of the Creator.<\/p>\n

\u201cA movie made with this conviction will leave viewers with the sense that beyond all the chaos and craziness in the world is a Loving Mind that comprehends it all, and is over it all. This broader vision–encompassing what is seen with the heart as well as with the eyes–has as much to do with good writing as with pastoral urgency.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Christian film should be imbued with the certainty that we are not alone. We were conceived of, worked out, prepared for, and assigned a place in the plan. We are connected to one another and to the One who yearns for us as the apple of his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans are meant to be merciful to one another,\u201d writes Nicolosi. \u201cTalents are given to us to speed us corporately on our way home to God. We should treat human beings the way we would treat any unique and precious treasure that belongs to someone else. \u201c<\/p>\n

\"4\"<\/a>\u201cI don\u2019t want to knock any film that anyone is doing in any other Christian films,\u201d says Abisinio, \u201cbecause they have paved the way for us. The thing that has been said the most about this film and anyone that has seen it is \u2018Wow! This film isn\u2019t cheesy.\u2019 This film is high quality, it\u2019s got great acting and it\u2019s real.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat word just needs to spread. The more people that see it and tell everybody what they think of it, it will just go from there and explode.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Wade<\/a>
Wade Williams portrays the lead character — Ray Romano’s real-life policeman brother<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the film\u2019s greatest barriers, she says, are skeptical Christians. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s the Christians who are like \u2018Well we don\u2019t want to watch a Christian movie because it\u2019s going to be bad. It\u2019s going to be a church movie. It\u2019s going to be on a video camera and you know, not have a story or be cheesy,\u2019\u201d says Abisinio.<\/p>\n

As soon as they see the movie, she says, \u201cit\u2019s like, \u2018Oh well, if we knew it was going to be this good, we would have done this or that to help you get the word out.\u2019 It\u2019s pulling teeth to get them to come see it in the first place, but as soon as they do, then they\u2019ll do anything for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

For example, \u201cThe Passion of the Christ\u201d opened in 3,408 theaters nationwide. \u201cThe Investigator\u201d openned in 11 \u2013 but Abisinio says those 11 markets were carefully chosen. In each city, churches and youth groups went to see the film together. Pastors recommended their congregations see the film.<\/p>\n

Then, when the DVD comes out in 2014, says Abisinio, so will a Christian study guide that examines the evidence that the film\u2019s main character covers in his classroom \u2013 the proofs that Jesus Christ actually did everything that Christianity says He did. That\u2019s certainly going to help with the bottom line \u2013 and, yes, even Christian films have to make a profit if their producers are going to have a shot at another film.<\/p>\n

This is a perfect movie to show to a youth group on a weekend retreat. Nobody hops into bed. No blasphemous language. Lots of youth angst and teenage conflict. The baseball team\u2019s arch-rivals are wretched enough that you want to throw popcorn at the screen.<\/p>\n

Some of the editing is confusing \u2013 superfluous scenes could have been axed, but were obviously dear to the screenwriter and to Abisinio. The baseball scenes are fun \u2013 and here is where the film\u2019s comedic element shines. Occasionally the character development is confusing as opponents become supporters too quickly \u2013 a little more suspense would be more satisfying. But it is inspirational to see the arrogant young football quarterback quietly ask Coach if he can have a shot at baseball.<\/p>\n

\"8\"<\/a>
Coach runs into skepticism on the field as well as in the classroom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Filmed in the St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa area, lots of local extras were used \u2013 and at the premiere, all seemed thrilled with the result and had brought friends and family to see their moment of fame.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s done well with reviewers: \u201cThis intriguing investigation takes place as we also follow the teams rise to the championship game,\u201d writes Dove family reviewers<\/a> who gave it a coveted rating of\u00a05 Doves. \u201cWill Sergeant Buanacore recover his faith? Will the team come together and play disciplined ball? You will have to watch this inspirational film to find out. You will also be surprised to find out that this moving drama is adapted from real events and we are pleased to award it our Dove \u2018Family-Approved\u2019 Seal for ages 12 and over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think they made this kind of film anymore,\u201d wrote Pastor Bob Coy, Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel in Ft. Lauderdale. \u201cRedemptive message, high quality, good acting, a keep you glued story, educational, inspirational, and for the whole family! It\u2019s more than just a movie, it has the power to change your life!\u201d<\/p>\n

”A candid and encouraging look at wrestling with faith and doubt through hard times,” wrote the American Family Association Journal.<\/i><\/p>\n

”A moving and thought-provoking film about one man\u2019s journey to investigate his faith and return to Christ.” Wrote the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n

”The Investigator is a Christ-centered, heart-warming story about discovering grace and truth,” according to Movieguide.<\/i><\/p>\n

”This gripping tale is one of redemption and finding God’s grace in the most unlikely of places. As a ministry that promotes films that promote a culture of life and love we could not be more thrilled,” wrote Jason Jones of Movie to Movement.<\/i><\/p>\n

\"9\"<\/a>”For those who are like the doubting apostle Thomas, you will explore a way to investigate the resurrection of Jesus through the character of Police Sergeant James Buanacore, a twenty-year veteran investigator. Overall this is a heartwarming story, of personal transformation that will touch adults as well as adolescents,\u201d wrote Dr. Caroline Cerveny of Interactive.<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a special film,\u201d says Abisinio. \u201cEverywhere we\u2019ve gone, we are seeing it literally changing people\u2019s lives. They are wanting to come to God. it\u2019s amazing. I\u2019ve never seen people literally affected to that extent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it is because it\u2019s real and we don\u2019t hold back.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What does it take to make a good Christian movie? \u201cPassion,\u201d says Nicole Abisinio, producer of \u201cThe Investigator,\u201d based on the true-life story of comedian Ray Romano\u2019s brother Rich. In the long-running TV series \u201cEverybody Loves Raymond.\u201d the character \u201cRobert\u201d was loosely based on real-life cop Richard. In real life, Rich, like Robert, is a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":270,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[157,48,32,100,184,102,984,8,354,1031],"tags":[2180,2179,2181,2182,2220,2177,2183,2176,2178],"class_list":["post-12187","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bible","category-catholic","category-christian","category-commentary","category-entertainment","category-feature","category-inspiration","category-news","category-prayer","category-youth-2","tag-barbara-nicolosi","tag-christian-films","tag-christian-movies","tag-cinema","tag-entertainment","tag-nicole-abisinio","tag-reviews","tag-the-investigator","tag-wade-williams"],"yoast_head":"\nWant a Good Movie for Your Youth Group?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/news\/2013\/09\/12187\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Want a Good Movie for Your Youth Group?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What does it take to make a good Christian movie? \u201cPassion,\u201d says Nicole Abisinio, producer of \u201cThe Investigator,\u201d based on the true-life story of comedian Ray Romano\u2019s brother Rich. 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