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BEST CHRISTIAN MOVIE (NOMINEES)
Black Nativity (PG-13): 
This is not, at least by some measures, a “Christian” movie. It wasn’t made by a church or sponsored by a ministry. Its director, Kasi Lemmons, last helmed the R-rated Talk to Me, and it features some of the most prominent performers in the biz (including Oscar winners Jennifer Hudson and Forest Whitaker). But make no mistake: Black Nativity has as distinct a Christian message as any movie in this category. It’s about a wayward teen at a crossroads. In one direction lies ruin, the other redemption—and the promise of a better life for all. The story is rougher than some, with occasionally foul language, troubled characters and allusions to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. But its real focus is on a child in need of a shining, saving light, and almost against his wishes he finds it—in the embodiment of the Light of the World.
The Christmas Candle (PG): 
What’s the purpose and place of miracles in a Christian’s life? That’s the central question in The Christmas Candle, an adaptation of Max Lucado’s book of the same name. It’s set in the impoverished English hamlet of Gladbury in 1890. There, every 25 years, an angel visits the town’s candlemaker, blessing one special candle and imbuing it with miraculous power to answer the prayer of a needy townsperson. For 200 years, the good people of Gladbury have placed their hope in the blessed candle. But when a young preacher who’s struggling with God’s lack of answers to his own prayers arrives, he’s determined to help them see that raw faith—not clinging to a silly legend—is what matters most. Both the preacher and the townspeople have significant lessons to learn about how their heavenly Father answers prayer … in mundane ways and miraculous.
Grace Unplugged (PG): 
Johnny Trey is a one-hit wonder who gave up his chase for fortune and fame to become a worship minister. Grace is his beautiful teen daughter—a headstrong girl with barrels of talent and a dream of stardom herself. What unfolds is a predictable but powerful father-daughter story: Grace learns that musical success is sometimes fool’s gold, while Johnny learns that his little girl is the real treasure. And throughout it all, we see the subtle, saving power of God. Anchored by the multitalented actress/singer AJ Michalka, Grace Unplugged might pull a few tears from the eyes of some of the fathers who watch it.
Home Run (PG-13): 
When an arrogant, alcoholic pro baseball player accidentally elbows a young fan in the middle of a dugout rant, it proves to be just the catalyst Cory Brand needs to take an honest look at his out-of-control life. That rant is followed by a rehab stint back in his hometown of Okmulgee, Okla. Away from the bright lights of big-city ballparks, the All-Star slugger battles relapses and inner demons related to his alcoholic father as he slowly reconnects with the family and friends his boorish behavior has alienated for years. Along the way, Home Run delivers an unvarnished glimpse at the power of addiction … and the possibility of deliverance for those who are willing to humble themselves and ask for God’s help to change their destructive ways.
Not Today (PG-13): 
Caden Welles lives large in a huge California home with a swimming pool. One evening while partying, he and some buddies agree to the wacky plan of traveling to whatever city they happen to hit with a dart thrown at a world map. Turns out the metal tip lands on a city in India, so he and his friends head there for some merrymaking. But something else happens there. Caden refuses to help a starving man who comes across their path, and when he attempts to right his wrong, he discovers the man has sold his only daughter. With his eyes now open to a thriving human trafficking trade, Caden and this father forge an unlikely friendship in an attempt to track down this little girl. The subject matter is obviously harsh, but Not Today creatively tackles one of the most important, most tragic issues of our day.
Films in this category are made by Christian film companies and/or feature strong Christian themes. They target both Christians and non-Christians.
(All movie summaries are written by Plugged In reviewers Paul Asay, Adam Holz, Bob Hoose and Bob Waliszewski.)
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