'The Grace Card' Opened In Theaters over the Weekend

Film Underscores the Power of Forgiveness

When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God ... and just about everyone else. Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD ... and never underestimate the power of God's love.

WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - At a time when anger seems to be more and more the norm in our culture, the new film from GraceWorks Pictures in conjunction with Calvary Pictures, "The Grace Card," shows the healing power of forgiveness that can have dramatic impact on others as well.

The summary of the film from the producers states that "when Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God ... and just about everyone else.

"Mac's rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he's partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

"Mac's home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school.

"Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling-to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn't always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate.

"Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it's impossible for either of them to look past their differences-especially the most obvious one?

"Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD ... and never underestimate the power of God's love."

Christine Schult of Catholic Media Review (www.catholicmediareview.blogspot.com) strongly endorses this film on forgiveness. "It was actually disturbing to see how Mac impacts those around him," she writes, "his wife, his son and his partner.   Both Mac and Sam are missing something in their life;  Mac has shut God out of his life for a long time, and Sam begins to doubt his calling as a pastor.

"Sam relies on his faith, and guidance from his grandfather George (Louis Gossett Jr.), but it takes a tragic incident to provide the impetus for change that Mac needs in his life.

"I've reviewed quite a few movies that emphasize forgiveness, but The Grace Card brought it to a whole new level.   The ending is especially emotional, and unexpected.

"A very good movie worth seeing."

While veteran reviewer Phil Boatright (www.moviereporter.com) finds the film a little lacking he also sees it as a worthwhile project to support. "Well, it's a drama alright. It includes the death of a child, bigotry, family squabbles, a son doing drugs, and financial problems. What it doesn't always have is finesse. Rather, the script and some of the performances are heavy-handed and transparent.

"What saves it from being a well-meaning "church" film is the gentle insertion of spiritual themes. A preacher's sermon concerning love and another about the power of grace are both sincere and enlightening. Ultimately uplifting, it is worth supporting."

Christian leaders from various of traditions have given the film high marks. For more information, you can visit the movie site at http://www.thegracecardmovie.com/home.

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