With all that teenagers face these days, sometimes I think we stand back and just hope they will be able to navigate through the various conflicts and trials that are thrown at them, and that they will somehow make it safely into adulthood. Is there something more, something better, something that transforms a life from merely a life into a life that is life changing?

This film takes us on a journey through the life of Jake Taylor. Jake is a star high school basketball player, from an affluent family, who is dating the most popular girl, and who is about to attain his life’s dream of going to college on a basketball scholarship. That’s all on the surface, underneath in the reality of life, Jake’s life is unraveling. Staggered and bewildered by his best friend’s suicide he begins to look at life differently. More importantly, he begins to look at people around him and his own life differently

To Save A Life came out in 2009. At first glance this might appear to be a movie about teen suicide prevention and awareness. Some critics have labeled it merely a Christian sermon and quickly dismissed it. Others might see this film as an over the top and unrealistic depiction of teen life meant to unnecessarily frighten us. Suicide is a major theme in the movie but to miss the message of lives transformed would be a shame. As far as this being a Christian movie, I would argue that that assertion too is wrong. The movie tries to be a Christian film, and it does succeed in introducing the thought that all life is precious to God and that He has a purpose for each and every life. The producers clearly are encouraging each viewer to have a personal relationship with God so that each one might live a fulfilling life. The problem stands that the film quite awkwardly avoids telling the viewer the path to the fulfilling relationship with God. It seems that for some reason they were unable to just say it, even though the story was begging for it through many different scenes. So I will tell you, Jesus said, “I am the Way and Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me”.

As far as the film appearing unrealistic, it is true that Jake faces the pressures of drinking, drugs, premarital sex, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, suicide, a friend who cuts himself, his parents divorce, bullying, broken friendships and the loss of his dreams. It is true that all of this crammed into one film can seem a bit like piling on. But before you make that assertion and dismiss this film as unrealistic, spend some time talking to teenagers about these issues, then judge for yourself.

To Save A Life was well filmed and the acting was surprisingly refreshing. It does, on some occasions show itself to be a lower budget film, but I guarantee that is not what you will remember after watching it. Much of the writing was well done, including some well-placed humor. This movie is rated PG-13. This was done I’m sure on purpose by the producers. They were clearly trying to convey the horror of suicide, the pervasiveness of the “party life” and the ugly side of drug and alcohol abuse. A few token profanities are thrown in just enough to try to add some realism without becoming overly offensive.

I have done my best to not give away too much of the film’s story. However, the overall theme of the movie is clear. God has a blueprint for every teenager’s life. Letting God change your life can transform it from being merely lived to powerfully fulfilling. The message of this movie for our teenagers today is that they can change the world. They can save a life, first their own and after that they can help save others.

Please e-mail me your comments at jm_hoard@hotmail.com.