Grace Unplugged Movie Review

GRACE UNPLUGGED

Would you give up what you need … to get everything you want?

A talented young singer and aspiring songwriter’s Christian faith and family ties are tested when she defies her worship-pastor father and pursues pop-music stardom in GRACE UNPLUGGED, a moving and inspiring new film that explores the true meaning of success.

Grace Trey (AJ Michalka) has just turned 18 and aspires to do more than sing in her church’s worship band, which is led by her father, Johnny Trey (James Denton), a one-time pop star who gave up his life in secular music when he became a Christian. Grace longs to escape his shadow and make a name for herself singing songs about something other than God, but Johnny warns her that fame is not as glamorous as it looks and reminds her that serving and worshipping God with the talent she’s been given is a far more worthwhile goal.

When Johnny’s former manager, Frank “Mossy” Mostin (Kevin Pollak), shows up 20 years after the two parted ways to offer him another shot at the big time, Johnny declines the opportunity. But Grace takes it – without telling her parents. She records a cover version of her father’s old Top 10 hit, runs away to Los Angeles and, under Mossy’s guidance, begins to taste the kind of success she’s always dreamed of.  But with each rung of the ladder she climbs, Grace feels pressure to compromise her Christian values and learns not everyone who says they’re on her side really is. The one exception is Quentin (Michael Welch), an intern at her record company and a fellow Christian who urges Grace to reassess her choices and put God first again in her life. Will everything she experiences lead her to reject her faith … or rediscover it?

GRACE UNPLUGGED stars AJ Michalka (SUPER 8, SECRETARIAT, THE LOVELY BONES), James Denton (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES), Kevin Pollak (THE USUAL SUSPECTS, A FEW GOOD MEN) Michael Welch (THE TWLIGHT SAGA) and Shawnee Smith (THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, BECKER).

The film features the acting or feature film debuts of three music stars: Christian singer Jamie Grace, American Idol Season 10 finalist Pia Toscano, and renowned Christian artist/songwriter and Grammy Award® winner, Chris Tomlin.  Written and directed by Brad J. Silverman (NO GREATER LOVE), GRACE UNPLUGGED is produced by Russ Rice, Larry Frenzel (COURAGEOUS), Chris Zarpas and Robert Norton, and executive produced by Mark Burg, Larry Mestel and Dan Heffner.

Our Review

I took my father-in-law and kids with me to go see this movie because we got the invite at the last minute. It was such an amazing experience to be able to see the movie before it was open for the public! We felt like we the “hot stuff of the place.” My kids really felt that way since they were the ONLY kids in the theatre.

Within minutes of the movie starting it had us all captivated. My kids were able to relate to the teenagers point of view throughout the movie, hating having to abide by their parents rules and regulations and wanting to be free. They were cheering for the teenager to make it to the big time when she left home.

[Tweet “Go see the family friendly wholesome movie Grace Unplugged. @GraceMovie@Tidbitsofexperi “]

To be honest, a music enthusiast, I was cheering for her too. However, I could see the parents point of view all throughout this movie. It was a case of I had a hard time choosing sides all throughout the movie. Finally, I got to the point where I was just hoping for the best for all involved.

I don’t want to give away the ending to you. However, let me tell you this movie has a way of making you walk away from the theatre feeling inspired. You will believe in the power of God’s love. You will believe in the power of a family’s bond.

It is so worth watching! It’s a totally wholesome movie from start to finish. I have already told you how amazing the books are from the Grace Unplugged movie. Now go take your family to watch the movie of the year so far for our family.

What has been your movie of the year so far?

I challenge you to go see this movie and see if it stacks up to your other movie.