Kevin and Sam Sorbo Talk Redemption in MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS
By Movieguide® Contributor
Kevin and Sam Sorbo opened up about the themes of redemption and forgiveness in their new movie, MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS.
“The quintessential story is [God] takes broken people and He doesn’t fix them, but He makes them better. He is a God of redemption. He’s a God of forgiveness, which is why the movie’s themes are forgiveness, redemption and hope,” Sam told the Christian Post.
Part of Movieguide®’s review for MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS reads:
MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS is a delightful comedy about two con men in Texas and Oklahoma during the Great Depression in 1931 who prey on widows to build phony oil wells. The two men encounter a dilemma when their latest well strikes oil. Will they pull a disappearing act before they’re sent to jail?
MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS starts off slowly because it begins with a flashback and a summary of the two con men’s early lives. Also, their turn to crime doesn’t endear their story to viewers. However, once they get to East Texas, the story picks up. Some of the plot twists are pretty hilarious. A poignant subplot raises the stakes when it’s revealed the two men have actually fallen in love with two of their female victims. Kevin Sorbo (who also directs) and John Ratzenberger as the two con men are delightful. All this leads to a wonderful, inspiring, evangelical ending that culminates in a wonderful church scene and a great courtroom scene that resolves the plot conflicts. The ending in MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS is funny, emotional and redemptive.
“The true story is these men became saved,” Sam continued. “They became better people through this ordeal. But it goes even further than that because the movie ends, our story is over, but the story of the oil continues. This is actually the oil that allowed us to win World War II, and even Churchill credited East Texas oil with the win. It’s why our tanks didn’t run out of gas before the German tanks ran out of gas.”
“This is one of those rare films that combines comedy, drama, a little romance, and real-life events and we have been thrilled with the film festival awards we have already received,” Kevin said. “As independent filmmakers we understand and continue to create trusted entertainment for the entire family. This is a message to the big studios on what families really want.”
Movieguide® reported on the movie:
“Sorbo shared that he hopes audiences ‘laugh’ and ‘enjoy the fact’ that MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS is based on real-life events. ‘I think people are getting tired of all these visual effects movies,’ he explained. ‘Action is fine, but — I mean, this thing won ten film festivals, everything from Best Family Movie, Best Faith-Based Movie, Best Romantic Comedy…they couldn’t really label it as one thing, which I love.’”
“What we really want people to take away is hope,” Sam explained. “That’s the message that we’re trying to spread: a little bit of joy, a little bit of fun, and a little bit of hope.”
MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS will be available in theaters October 29 and 30.
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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.
