Christian Movie Review: "I Can Only Imagine 2"

Like many across the country, I stood in line with my friends at my local movie theater to see the much-anticipated sequel to the gut-wrenching film "I Can Only Imagine," which depicts the real-life pain that birthed the well-known Mercy Me song.

"I Can Only Imagine 2" picks up where the first installment left off, following Mercy Me lead singer Bart Millard a few years down the road, now raising a son of his own. Bart still struggles with flashbacks from his past and can't seem to shake the abusive life his late father once lived.

Therefore, when his own son is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and Bart helplessly witnesses Sam in discomfort with needle sticks and hospitalizations, he can't help but feel like he is failing and causing pain. As his son grows, the gap between Bart and Sam seemingly continues to widen, and it is recommended that he take Sam on the road with him.

Just when Bart is absorbed with his own frustrations, and vents about it to jovial tourmate Tim Timmons, Tim drops the news that he is fighting cancer. The revelation floors Bart, who realizes that he is not the only one going through trying circumstances. Tim, played by actor Milo Ventimiglia ("This Is Us") provides repeated inspiration throughout the film, as he himself is encouraged by the story of Horatio Spafford, who penned the classic hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" after losing his wife and children at sea.

Some of my favorite scenes from the film feature Tim commenting on life lessons, such as his notation that suffering cultivates empathy and his declaration reflective of the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, "God is in the fire, and it is beautiful." His musings birth the song "Even If," which he shares with Bart in hopes that he will help with perfecting the verses. Bart delays listening to the CD for awhile, but he eventually comes around.

"What are we made of in our faith and in our beliefs when it really gets hard?" asked writer and co-director Brent McCorkle in a promotional clip surrounding the movie. Producer Andrew Erwin also said of the message of the film, "When life doesn't go the way you want, can you find the appreciation and the trust in the sovereign design that what happens is for my good, and [be] grateful for the journey?"

As I am going through personal challenges of my own, the movie was an encouragement to me. The acting was well done, and I enjoyed the fun and flirty exchanges between Tim Timmons (Ventimiglia) and his wife (Arielle Kebbel). The only reason I give "I Can Only Imagine 2" four out of five stars is the use of a couple of euphemisms that should have been omitted, even if not technically profanity.

For those who enjoy the music of Mercy Me and Tim Timmons, this film will also give you an understanding of, and appreciation for, the journeys that have shaped their songs. I pray God's best for both the Millards and the Timmons as they continue to hold "grief and gratitude at the same time."