5/5 Great movie!
  by Makeover Maven (Ferndale WA)
In this age where so few movies are acceptable for all ages to watch, this one is! The Kendrick brothers have the ability to engage us while entertaining. The messages in their movies are positive and uplifting, all while teaching valuable lessons. I would also highly recommend "Facing the Giants". Both movies: 2 thumbs up.

4/5 A five star system really fails on this one
  by J. C Clark (Overland Park, KS United States)
As there are too many scales to evaluate on. Production vales were fine...nothing in it detracted from the tale being told. Acting, mostly pretty good; no need to single out those who didn't quite carry their load, but these are clearly not professionals. Script, surprisingly good. I was impressed by the clever and thoughtful approach to many sub-themes. And I laughed aloud many times.

I am fully aware that this was made to be shown locally and remain a tiny adventure. And also aware that they tackled my question better in their later films. But though Jay's life really was spinning out of control, the decision to toss it all on the Lord just seemed too abrupt. I know people do make sudden transformations. However, as one who did not (I took longer than anyone I know.....glad I was given enough time to complete it!) I found the discarding of cynicism and callousness that were part and parcel of who Jay rather unlikely. I would think a guy like Jay would look to carrying a load of dope before he got on his knees.

However, these guys are good storytellers. The flywheel metaphor is brilliant. Unseen, almost unnoticed, yet when out of whack nothing works properly. (As was the metaphor of fireproofing a marriage....good stuff.)

Yet what makes this film really glow in my mind is its connection to "It's A Wonderful Life." Except that they would call it, "It Can Be A Wonderful Life." Once Jay commits, his life becomes better, not perfect (which is why it loses another half star; everything just does not go 180 degrees like this) but far better. And will be better EVEN IF THE THINGS ARE GOING BADLY. If I could write to the producers, I'd ask them to give us a tale with a bit more Job-like content. Those who believe do not always come out on top. The Christianity haters often seem to be doing great. But as the characters in this tale show us, life can indeed improve if you choose to align your life with the truth. Trust and obey, as the hymn says.

So, not a Hollywood production, but I am honest when I say this is a legitimate 4 star film.

5/5 Excellent movie - every father and businessman should see this!
  by Nancy E. Heise (Florida)
My husband and son watched this excellent movie about a businessman making the decision to do things God's way.

5/5 Product Review Flywheel Movie
  by Corey Mozey (Kissimmee, FL)
The movie Flywheel by Alex and Stephen Kendrick is a story of a Christian Businessman who has failed in all aspects of his life until he reluctantly enters into a true relationship with God. There are a few points that contribute to the success of the movie; The brilliance of the story itself, the "realness" of the actors and the fact that it is written from the Christian perspective.

The actual story Flywheel by Erick Wilson is a brilliantly written story of personal triumph. The author successfully take you through the twists and turns of the main character Jay Austin and his circle of influence. He seems to pay close attention that the story is that of just and average Joe who almost everyone can relate. The setting is basically small town America, a place that most of us have been and where a lot of us have roots.

All to often in our culture, Hollywood slams us with their images of the "American Family". Their perspective is often miles away from the true reality of the average family here in America. The actors and acting in Flywheel are sometimes choppy and awkward, but that is the reality of life. Therefore, the cast of this movie are a better representation of the American Family most secular movies distributed today.

This movie gives everyone a glimpse inside the mind and heart of those that are Christians or those that claim to be Christian. In this movie we see the everyday struggles of those that are deep in their faith, those that are struggling with there faith and some of the people that are caught in the middle. The main character Jay Austin would more then likely tell you to your face that he was a Christian, I mean he went to church and even sometimes gave to the church. But what comes out through the beginning of the movie is that Jay spends more time hiding from God then seeking him. His wife on the other hand is a devoted Christian who has a close relationship with Christ but is struggling to see the fruits of he faith through her marriage. The rest of the cast seems to fall somewhere in between these two extremes. With the exception of one of Jay's salesmen who midway through the movie cannot see Jay's new found direction in life and the two part ways.

In the end this is a high quality movie that can be enjoyed by the entire family. For this and the reasons stated above I would highly recommend this movie to anyone.

5/5 Flywheel
  by Sharon Prewo (Grinnell, KS (USA))
The movie is about a car dealer who's dishonest with his customers and then he realizes he needs to change because he hears his son say that he doesn't want to be like his dad since he lies and cheats the customers. He decides to turn his life over to Christ and he becomes a Christian. Christ truly becomes first in his life; he gives back the money that he cheated people. His car dealership ends up being in the news and the customers come and verbalize how honest he was by returning the money he overcharged them and then people flock to his business to buy a car (because he's changed and became honest). He ends up selling all 30 cars on the lot!
This movie is fabulous! There are not very many Christian movies, but this one truly shows what it means to turn your life over to Christ. I recommend this movie to everyone (Christians and non-Christians). It's very inspiring.

Sharon Prewo