Chrissy Metz is a Mom Whose Faith Always Results in a Breakthrough

Growing up in St, Louis, I remember fondly going to Forest Park ice skating and sliding down snow-capped hills on cardboard with my brother.  I also remember when my brother and I were both diagnosed with Spinal Meningitis.  My brother’s case was more severe and his prognosis didn’t look good.  My mother never gave up on either one of us and was convinced we would walk out together as a family.  We did and it was solely due to my mother’s unwavering faith.

Based on a true story, Joyce and Brian Smith adopted John in Guatemala while on a mission trip with their church in St. Charles, Missouri.  Like most teens, John is going through a phase where he is disrespectful, rude and makes his Mom feel like she is the enemy.  He’s the star of his high school basketball team, but his attitude is causing issues with the coach and his teammates. Then, tragedy strikes and everyone’s faith is tested from John and his parents to the men who rescue John.

I’m a fan of Devon Franklin and his consistent merging of Christianity and film.  Last time, it was the story of Jesus Christ and “The Star” and this time it’s with Breakthrough.

Breakthrough sheds the light on how progressive church’s and pastors have become in an effort to appeal toward younger members with secular music, language and analogies they can relate to and understand.  This film also poses the question of what it means to pray boldly, as we watch a classroom full of children recite the Pledge of Allegiance while making one question why some people survive tragedy and others are not so lucky.

Produced by Devon Franklin and Steph Curry, Breakthrough features an all-star cast composed of John Lucas, Topher Grace, Mike Colter, Dennis Haysbert, Marcel Ruiz and Chrissy Metz.  Chrissy Metz is spectacular.  Her raw emotions will break your heart into a million pieces and leave you yearning for more.  Dennis Haysbert is giving a career best performance that is understated and lovely.

Breakthrough illustrates what we already know about the indestructible love of a mother.

After all as one of the characters says to John, “Yesterday is not our to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.”  Devon Franklin, Steph Curry, and 20th Century Fox are definitely going to win when Breakthrough is released on April 12th.