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MOVIE REVIEW
What If
available on DVD
Network: Gospel Music Channel
Premiere Date: January 30, 2011
CAST:
John Ratzenberger ... Mike, the Angel
Kevin Sorbo ... Ben Walker
Kristy Swanson ... Wendy Walker
Debby Ryan ... Kimberly Walker
Taylor Groothuis ... Megan Walker
PLOT:
What if…, tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), who fifteen years ago left his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and his calling to be a preacher, in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancé, and a new Mercedes, he hasn’t considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church in fifteen years.
But God has other plans. While on a thrill ride outside the city, his new car mysteriously breaks down, and he’s visited by a tow truck driver named Mike (John Ratzenberger) who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben what his life would look like had he followed his true calling. Suddenly Ben wakes up in the middle of domestic chaos as his wife Wendy and daughters (including Disney Channel’s Debby Ryan) are getting ready for church, where Ben is the new pastor.
Before he can get back to his old life, Ben must first embrace this reality and discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those who were heartbroken fifteen years ago: Wendy and God. In the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What if… is a story of finding your true purpose in life.
Movie Review:
What if is an intriguing, inspiring story of a man, Ben Walker, who thinks he has it all - wealth, career, and power... and then he receives the gift of - What if.
What if... he had chosen a different path?
He gets his wish!
What if stars Kevin Sorbo and John Ratzenberger. Sorbo portrays Ben Walker, and Ratzenberger portrays Mike, the Angel.
It's a great Christian-based story. It all begins when Ben buys himself a new Mercedes to celebrate a deal he has made as a successful investment banker.
He ends driving to his old hometown, wrecks the car, and the air bag pops out. Along then, comes Mike, the tow truck guy, who just also happens to be an Angel.
Mike explains to him the "What If" scheme, but Ben is not very cooperative, so in order to transport him to the place he’s supposed to be - Mike, the angel slugs him in the face. (I couldn't help it - I liked the rest of the movie, but thought this was odd and not really necessary. Maybe it's a guy funny thing. I did think Kevin Sorbo and John Ratzenberger made this comical.)
After being hit, Ben is immediately transported to the life, as it could have been, if he had married his girlfriend, Wendy and not left her at the bus station 15 years ago. Not only is he automatically married, but he is also a father now to two girls. And, after the family goes to church, he discovers he is also, Surprise!, the Pastor, too, which had always been his calling.
At first, Ben makes a mess of everything - handling life with his old way of thinking - misuse his power, buy people off, etc... until he gradually learns to trust in the Lord, as he develops his relationship back again by studying the word. Along the way, Ben and Wendy have their own troubles, too - but he finds her one day praying for him and it touches him deeply.
Ben begins to understand what is important in life and is just getting used to his new life when he is transported back to his powerful banker position and must decide what to do from here? Will he continue to live life on the fast track to success or will being a Pastor and finding love again with Wendy bring true fulfillment? Will Wendy even take him back after all these years?
It's an inspiring story of faith, family, and forgiveness... until the very end!
See or Skip:
See, it's a heartwarming and exciting adventure!
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