Building on the foundation of the original, I Can Only Imagine 2 offers the same inspiration as its predecessor, but on a bigger scale and with a better-developed storyline and cast of characters.
About the Film
They say sequels are never as good as the original, but this film proves them wrong. Building on the foundation set by the first film, I Can Only Imagine 2 offers the same inspiration as its predecessor, but on a bigger scale and with a better-developed storyline and cast of characters.
Set over a decade after the first movie, Bart Millard is back with a family of his own and a fragile relationship with his eldest son, Sam, which he must fight to mend. Sam’s existence in this film adds depth to Bart’s character, echoing Bart’s complicated relationship with his own father. Fear of hurting his son the way his own dad hurt him prevents Bart from developing a deep, personal relationship with Sam. At the film’s heart is the relationship between father and son and how they learn to move forward despite the hurts of the past.
This movie follows the same structure as the first, but the filmmakers are more confident in their approach this time, which results in a more fully fleshed out plot. They created the “successful Christian movie formula,” and they’re sticking to it. The appearance of Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia) as MercyMe’s opening act saves this movie from being an exact copy-paste of the original. His is a relentlessly optimistic, selfless, joyful presence that provides a foil to the depressed, heavy demeanor Bart carries throughout the majority of the film.
The band’s personality comes through more clearly this time. They come up with plenty of fun antics that make audiences feel like they’re part of the band. One example is Timmon’s induction, so to speak. He decides to use the bathroom while the bus is moving, and as soon as he steps inside, the bus driver slams on the brakes. Timmons walks out with what we hope is just toilet water covering his shirt, causing the other passengers to laugh. This scene sets the tone for the band’s relationship and provides comedic relief in an otherwise heavy story.
One of my biggest critiques of Christian movies is that they tend to end with an ineffective evangelistic sermon. I Can Only Imagine 2 concludes with Bart reading from his journal in a grief support group, which is a type of sermon. But because it’s part of his personal testimony and relates to the story in a real way, it feels earned.
This film is a prime example of how Christian movies should be made. Both I Can Only Imagine films address real problems without giving easy answers. The sequel offers a more fleshed out plot and cast of characters, providing the audience with a better constructed yet equally as inspiring movie experience. If you enjoyed the original, you will love this one, too.
On the Surface
For Consideration
On the Surface—(Profanity, Sexual content, violence, etc.).
Language: None.
Violence: One character has a rare form of cancer that causes him to cough up blood, which is visible in a few scenes.
Sexuality: None.
Other: A character passes out a few times, scaring his parents and everyone in the room. One child with the same issue is unable to be stabilized and passes away. His body is shown briefly on a gurney as he is rolled into a back room. His parents are shown grieving in an elevator.
Beneath The Surface
Engage The Film
Gratitude
Whether death, illness, or a broken relationship, tragedies are a part of life. How should Christians handle these trials? In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Furthermore, Romans 5:3-5 says, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
The leading song of this film, Even If, was co-written by Tim Timmons and Bart Millard. It is about worshipping through doubt and pain and finding gratitude even in dark moments. It came from a place of profound suffering. The cornerstone of this song is the chorus, “I know You’re able/ And I know You can/ Save through the fire/ With your mighty hand/ But even if You don’t/ My hope is You alone.” We must find our hope in God and his goodness, even when we don’t understand his plan. When we look to Jesus in every situation, we can approach life with unexplainable, unending gratitude despite our circumstances.
