Faith, Hope & Love
Introduction. If ever there is a time for a romantic comedy, it is Valentine’s Day, so I’m going with it. Like most romcom movies, “Faith, Hope & Love” is a “feel good” movie with a happy ending. As one reviewer says, “Even if you go in expecting to cringe and roll your eyes, you end up smiling at and rooting for its enduring characters” (Kenneth R. Moorfield at 1More Film Blog). Another reviewer describes it as “A delightful faith-based Romantic Comedy that dances away with your heart” (Jackie K. Cooper at jackiecooper.com).
Yes, this movie portrays Christian faith favorably, although in a gentle and fairly subtle way. Perhaps its faith-positive aspect helps explain why there are few reviewers and no RottenTomatoes rating. It is quite popular with the viewing public, however, with an 81% popcornmeter rating.
The film’s stars are two relative unknowns: Robert Krantz and Peta Murgatroyd. They have great on-screen chemistry, which is essential. This is definitely a Krantz project, as he is the writer, the co-director, and the primary star. However, some of the supporting roles are taken by more well-known actors, including Ed Asner, Corbin Bernsen, Michael Richards, and M. Emmet Walsh.
Storyline synopsis. From IMDb: “A couple years after his wife's death, Jimmy Hope is struggling to move on with his life, at work and at home where he's trying to raise his two daughters alone. Faith Turley is recently divorced and doing her best to cope with the pain, but her troubles are compounded by the fact that her life's dream, her dance studio, is in jeopardy of being shut down. To raise funds to save it, she enters a "Pro and a Schmo" dance contest and searches for a partner who's a non-professional. Jimmy's younger daughter Demetra prays every night that her dad will be Faith's dance-contest partner because: "Our house needs a Mommy and our Daddy needs someone to love him." God hears her prayers, and Jimmy and Faith become dance partners. Over the next few months, on and off the dance floor, she teaches him to have hope again, he helps restore her faith, and together they learn how to love again.”
Why I recommend this movie. There are three reasons. 1. It’s an engaging romantic story, apt for Valentine’s Day viewing. 2. It has lots of dancing, which I find enjoyable. 3. It portrays Christian faith in a realistic and encouraging way.