‘God Is at Work’: LIFEMARK Extends Theatrical Run
By Movieguide® Staff
The Kendrick Brothers recently announced that theaters have asked to extend the Fathom Event movie, LIFEMARK, due to its successful opening weekend at the box office.
Alex and Stephen Kendrick posted a video on their Facebook, taking the opportunity to thank fans for their support, encourage others to see the movie, and point people to the Gospel; which is at the heart of LIFEMARK and the real-life story its is based on.
“We got some good news folks,” Stephen said. “LIFEMARK just got extended another week in theaters!”
Out of the 1,500 theaters, 1,100 asked if they keep showing LIFEMARK to audiences, the Kendrick Brothers said. In its opening weekend, LIFEMARK reached No. 7 on the top-ten list of top-grossing movies at the domestic box office.
“We were excited to have seven days but we had 1500 theaters, almost 1100 said, ‘Can we keep you another week? And we said, Okay!’” Alex said.
However, it is not only audiences that are giving LIFEMARK positive reviews, but also critics.
“Usually, you’ve got those where the audience loves the film and the critics trash the film, but what’s happening?” Stephen asked Alex.
“So far, any of you can go to Rotten Tomatoes and look at the reviews, even the secular critics are giving it positive reviews,” Alex said.
Alex and Stephen thanked Movieguide® as one of the top reviews of LIFEMARK, a portion of which reads:
LIFEMARK is a faith-based drama about an 18-year-old teenager, David, who has tried to hide the fact he’s adopted until his a biological parents try to contact him. One day, David comes home, and his parents who raised him tell him his biological mother wants to meet him. Deciding to meet his birth mother, David hears from his biological father and must decide if he would like to meet him as well. Will David be able to be open with them and listen to what they have to say about giving him up for adoption?
LIFEMARK is a well-made, heartwarming, inspiring movie produced by the Kendrick Brothers and Kirk Cameron, who also stars. The movie is solid throughout, with a positive Christian worldview. The movie promotes relying on God, believing God’s plan, forgiveness, and loving others. There’s also a beautiful pro-life message about adoption, giving life and the value of life. Don’t let the PG-13 rating stop you from seeing this movie. The movie’s themes about abortion and pro-life issues are the reason the Hollywood elites are giving LIFEMARK such a tough rating.
“We’re very grateful for the response we’re getting and again, if any of it comes up as negative in the future, that’s okay,” Alex added. “There’s normally a balance, but this has been very positive.”
The Kendrick Brothers said that they are used to ridicule for standing up for faith, family, and freedom in their movies.
Stephen said that they trust the Lord with the results of their movies, and rely on their identity in Christ.
“Having to deal with that, we have to come back to our identity in Christ, trusting the Lord,” he said. “Do we honor him in the process? But [for LIFEMARK] these responses have been pretty incredible.”
“People are agreeing, they’re emotionally moved. The movie’s powerful, is catching them off guard and it’s impacting their lives,” Stephen added.
Alex and Stephen hope that the extra time in theaters will allow more people to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
“We’re so grateful. At the end of the film, we do share the gospel and we talk about the ministry of it,” they said.
“We love standing for truth and showing compassion where we can, but presenting truth as well,” they added. “So it’s exciting. Take your family, take your friends and check this out. We’re having so many people see the movie and they’re responding wonderfully. So it is a ministry tool. You’ll also be entertained, and again inspired that it’s a true story. So God is at work. We can’t wait to see what He does this coming week.”
The Kendrick Brothers ended the announcement with a time of prayer, and that no matter what happens with LIFEMARK, that “God would get the glory.”
Watch their full announcement below:
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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