Christian Review Magazine Issue 4 - April 2015 | Page 16

MOVIE
REVIEW

n His Steps is a micro-budget movie
directed by Zack Lawrence (the host
of Indy Christian Review). Originally
started as a web series, In His Steps (the
movie) is the final version of Zack’s vision
to bring Charles Sheldon’s classic Christian
novel of the same name to life on the
screen.

I

Title:

IN HIS STEPS
Rating:

Starring:

Laura Seabrok, Ken
Lawrence, Rebekah Cook,
Kent Cox, Cesar Marquez
Written by:

Zack Lawrence
Directed by:

Zack Lawrence
Genre:

Drama
Running Time:

100 minutes
MPAA Rating:

Not Rated

Production Company:

Standing Sun Productions,
Family Gravity Media
Reviewed by:

Christian St John
Release Date:

Out Now : DVD
16 > CHRISTIAN REVIEW MAGAZINE

Jack Manning is a homeless man who
interrupts a church service to ask the
question, “What Would Jesus Do?”
Convicted by his words, five people - a
pastor, a talented musician, a businessman,
an heiress, and a writer - take a pledge that
during the next year they will ask “what
would Jesus do?” in every situation they
face. These five people desire to be more
than just pew sitters and do more than call
themselves Christian, they want to live a
true and authentic Christian life.
However, life for these five believers is not
going to be easy, as one by one they are
faced with life changing decisions and
conflict, as well as the mocking and scorn
of those around them, including from other
believers. The question is, will they be able
to stay true to their commitment and
callings and eventually enjoy the fruit of
their faith and labors? Or will the pressures
of those around them and life in general
pull them back into a fruitless existence?
What does it mean to follow Jesus… to
truly follow Jesus? That’s the main theme
in this movie. If one reads Scripture it is
clear that the church exists to help, care
for, and guide people, and show them
Jesus’ love. The fact is, many in our
churches talk a good game, but how many
of us are willing to step up to the plate and
play a good game? And that is what is
presented in this movie - five people who

are challenged by The Holy Spirit to put
their faith into action.
In His Steps is a micro budget movie;
according to IMDB it was produced for a
mere $22,000. If that figure is true, then I
have to say that Zack Lawrence and his
team did a remarkable job making this
movie. The production is very good - the
camera work and sound are clear and the
music is good, albeit a little overpowering
at times. As for the acting… let’s just say
that this is typically where most microbudget movies come unstuck. For the most
part, the acting in In His Steps is just fine,
especially when you consider that, again,
this is a micro-budget movie ($22,000
folks!).
However, it’s the story that really drives
this movie. The screenplay by Zack
Lawrence is superbly written, bringing
home the heart and spirit of the original