Review of the movie Fireproof (written as a letter to the editor)

I enjoy reading some of the movie reviews by John Beifuss in the supplement, GoMemphis.com.
When I learned through an email from a friend of a movie he did not review, other than a short blurb in the general listings, I at first thought it a shame that John did not deign to review this movie, Fireproof. Having seen the movie and after thinking it over, however, I realize that it’s best that he did not give it a full review. It is nearly impossible for someone who gets paid to write reviews to give this movie the glowing endorsement it deserves, without running the risk of having such a review discounted on religious grounds, readers possibly concluding that the writer is using his position to “convert” others. This is not, perhaps, the job of a journalist.
However, as an unpaid citizen, I can offer that glowing endorsement. I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful movie to everyone. It is well-acted, professionally done, and substantial, which is not always the case in some well-meaning but bungling religious films, especially when many of the actors are volunteers! What I liked especially is the honest portrayal of the often unrewarded effort, time and anguish human beings must go through in order to make marriage a successful venture. I must, must also add that I was deeply gratified at the movie’s unabashed statement that successful marriage is impossible without making God a co-partner.
If you are willing to take an honest look at yourself and to make some serious changes, see this movie and “go and do likewise.”