Movie Review: Monumental
Quick Plot Summary: Interesting and eye-opening look at the founding of America, with emphasis on the Pilgrims, with the goal being to awaken people to the path to recapture what has been lost in the last 100 years.
Rating: Worthwhile
Suggested Ages: 7+
This documentary-style movie by actor Kirk Cameron, takes you on a journey that you make with Kirk as he learns some fascinating things about the Pilgrims, the Founding Fathers, and more. It is told in such a way that you feel like you're learning and unraveling things right along with him. This is not some boring documentary by any means (though there are some places where it seems to drag a bit) - it is very engaging and genuinely interesting, and was well-directed and produced.
The highlight of the movie, from which it gets its title, is the revealing and explanation of a monument that many people have not heard of (I know I hadn't) in Massachussets dedicated to the Pilgrims. This monument is shown to be very much relevant for America today. Actually, the whole film is all geared around answering the question: "How do we fix this mess we're in today?" The movie answers it well and I pray that many will take it to heart. It's actually a simple message, but it's the right message. It takes us beyond superficial issues to the core of what's really wrong, and what needs to occur for it to be fixed. After all, really understanding a problem is the very first step that must occur in order to fix it.
This is a hopeful film that's intended to stir people up to the fact that our future can be much better if people will go back to the principles that made this country great to begin with. Cameron bluntly dismisses those who are "doom and gloom" and even comes across as almost dismissing those that believe current events spell the nearness of the rapture, which is ironic given his involvement with the Left Behind series. Personally, I would have liked to have seen much better clarification here. The reality is that we do want to be watching & waiting for our Lord's return for us, and we do need to be mindful of the fact that MANY signs are around us (and many prophecies fulfilled) and so we do need to live in reality and recognize that. We need to be "on our toes" as world events do clearly seem to show that the stage is being set as we speak, and the curtain's about to go up. At the same time, I am believing for a great revival somewhere in the mix and I think we want to do all we can to promote righteousness and a return to Godly principles. We should be active and doing our part, and not just sitting on the sidelines.
Reviewed by Christopher Long,
BodEquip Ministries