The movie is about Jake, who is the most popular child in school and has a promising future. It seems that this child will turn his world on a different path when tragedy strikes his best childhood friend. Jake is fighting a battle with reality by changing his life and sacrificing his dreams to save others' lives.
What's worthy about "To Save A Life" comes purely from its nutritional value, and if a teenager becomes a more empathetic person as a result of seeing it, then it's worth it for him. A lot of his friends, though, might be too bored to get to the redemptio
Miles ahead in terms of production values and an avoidance of overt proselytizing. It'll likely be an enormous hit with the evangelical communities at which it's targeted. That doesn't save it from being an utter failure outside that narrow context.
I can see this being a positive influence for many who watch it and for some it could possibly even make a huge difference, and you don't get that from many movies these days.
But forget the lame performances and arch, preachy sentiment; the movie's sham hip-hop and spurious alternative music alone should keep teenagers away. Thank goodness.
Los Angeles Times
January 22, 2010
This is a deftly acted, generally absorbing cautionary tale with wider allure than its faith-based label may imply.
This faith-based movie wasn't meant to vie for an Academy Award. It's a think piece for adolescents, church groups and counselors.
Beliefnet
August 02, 2010
One of its strengths is its willingness to engage candidly and open-heartedly with the real issues that confront teenagers, giving it some heft and credibility.
