Second Chance (2006)

"...the film credibly portrays the day-to-day workings of an urban ministry.  Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times
"...a sincerely performed spiritual drama...  Sean Axmaker, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"...you can't help but be moved by this film and it's earnest message.  TV Guide

Editor's Note Acclaimed Christian rock singer Michael W. Smith stars in this uplifting drama about an idealistic associate minister named Ethan, who works at a well-to do Tennessee Ministry run by his father (J. Don Ferguson). The ministry seems to be more interested in opening up new churches in other countries than it is in taking care of its own African-American poor right there in Tennessee, much to the chagrin of Jake (Jeff Obafemi Carr) who runs the struggling inner-city ministry named the Second Chance. He's dealing with helping prostitutes, drug addicts and the homeless, and all the charity donations aren't enough; these people need emotional support to stand on their feet, not hand outs. When Ethan lets him tell off the congregation (on television, no less), the "Rock Star" minister is sent to work with Jake at the Second Chance. Of course the pair are bound to butt heads at first, but the deeply felt humanity they share is just as bound to manifest sooner or later. Director Steven Tyler mixes some good urban grit and hope into the formula and it's refreshing that no one character is free of flaws or all bad--everyone's got problems and the miracle comes from working together and forgiving rather than smiting the evildoers or passing judgement. This will be a must-see for Christian audiences, but anyone with a heart should be able to relate and glean a lot from its message of humility and brotherhood. Smith also did the score, and there are several of his songs featured.

	David Alford
	Jeff Obafemi Carr
	Lisa Arrindell Anderson
	Michael W. Smith
	Ben Pearson - Cinematographer
	Chip Arnold, et. al. - Writer
	J. Clarke Gallivan, et . al. - Producer
	Matthew Sterling - Editor
	Steve Taylor - Director
	Tai Anderson, et. al. - Original Music By

The New York Times 7 of 10
Wrestling the good book from the hands of Mammon and dragging wealthy believers back to first principles can be an uphill job. So in The Second Chance, two young pastors from opposite ends of the economic spectrum join forces to combat urban rot the old-fashioned way: with hands-on assistance and plenty of singing...Startlingly direct if unavoidably preachy, The Second Chance takes aim at Christianity's racial divide and the corporatization of faith. Its message is simple: being a Christian requires more than just dropping a check in the collection plate every Sunday morning. - Jeannette Catsoulis

Variety.com 8 of 10
As divided as the two very different churches at its center, "The Second Chance" reps an uneasy marriage of spiritual conviction and dramatic expedience. Ambitious and sincere in the concerns it addresses -- specifically, the challenges facing inner-city ministries and the human pettiness that hinders the gospel's social-justice mandate -- the crisply made feature delivers an involving if not always persuasive portrait of religious leaders in conflict. - Justin Chang