Flywheel (film)
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- For a heavy rotating disk, see Flywheel.
| Flywheel | |
|---|---|
| Image:Flywheel poster.jpg Flywheel | |
| Directed by | Alex Kendrick |
| Produced by | Alex Kendrick |
| Written by | Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick |
| Starring | Lisa Arnold, Alex Kendrick, Tracy Goode |
| Distributed by | Sherwood Pictures |
| Release date(s) | 2003-01-01 |
| Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | U.S.A. |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $20,000 |
| Followed by | Facing the Giants |
| IMDb profile | |
Flywheel is an American drama film released in 2003. It was directed by Alex Kendrick who also stars as car salesman Jay Austin. The film unapologetically carries an evangelical Christian message.
Kendrick, who is a church pastor, read a survey where it was reported that films have become more influential in society than churches. He and his staff have become busy creating films which reflect their values.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
Jay Austin professes faith in Christ, but don't let that affect the way that he sells cars. He takes any opportunity to make money, even to the point of overcharging his pastor. When he gets caught in his web of deceit, and chooses to become serious about his faith, a remarkable transformation takes place. He returns money to customers he has cheated, and seeks the forgiveness of those he has hurt.
[edit] Cast
- Alex Kendrick as Jay Austin
- Janet Lee Dapper as Judy Austin
- Roger Breland as Mr. Austin
- Richie Hunnewell as Todd Austin
- Lisa Arnold as Hillary Vail
- Walter Burnett as Max Kendall
- Tracy Goode as Bernie Meyers
- Rutha Harris as Katie Harris
- Treavor Lokey as Vince Berkley
- Steve Moore as Dan Michaels
[edit] Production
Church influence, formerly pervasive in American society, is waning. The influence of film, however, seems to grow exponentially year by year. Not content with this, Associate Pastors of Sherwood Baptist Church, located in Albany, Georgia, Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick, chose to come up with a story line and write a screenplay, and Flywheel was born. More than a sermon on film, the success of Flywheel is attributed to the sincerity, humor and inspiring performances of an otherwise low-budget effort.
The film's producers and sponsors give credit to providence more than their own talent and resources, consistent with their inspiration for the film in their worldview.
The success of Flywheel inspired the production of a second film, Facing the Giants.
[edit] Reception
[edit] Box Office
Flywheel was shown in three theaters in Georgia, aired on five Christian television networks, followed by a video release. It has sold over 34,000<ref>http://www.sptimes.com/2006/10/14/Citrus/Filmmakers_bring_mess.shtml verified 2006-11-05</ref> copies and may be rented in many markets. TBN and other family television networks have shown the film, exposing it to more than 63 million viewers.<ref>http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52271 verified 2006-11-05</ref> Over 200 churches have also shown the movie. Churches are granted permission to show the film at no charge.<ref>Georgia Baptists</ref>
[edit] Critics
Critics that don't enjoy religious films don't enjoy Flywheel, though these critics often express respect for the quality of acting and screenplay despite the low budget and lack of professional talent.[citation needed] Some film viewers amenable to its message are pleased with the film.
The film won seven Christian film awards.<ref>IMDb</ref>
[edit] References
All references and external links verified 2006-11-03 unless noted. <references/>
[edit] External links
- Flywheel at the Internet Movie Database
- Sherwood Pictures web site, the movie's production company.
- Review at Christian Movies
- Review at Just4kids
- Further production notes from the Georgia Baptists
- Facing the Giants web site.
