Movie Review: "Soul on Fire"

 Movie Review: Soul on Fire

I have always enjoyed watching movies, especially at the movie theatre. There is something about the big screen, surround sound, and shared atmosphere that makes the experience feel special compared to watching a film at home. The smell of popcorn, the excitement before the previews start, and the chance to escape into a story for a couple of hours all make it one of my favorite pastimes. Even though streaming services make movies easily accessible, nothing truly replaces the immersive experience of sitting in a theatre. Going to the movies gives me a break from daily routines, and I always look forward to the calm, focused environment where I can just sit back and enjoy the story.

On Saturday, October 18, at 4:45 p.m., I went to Cinemark Texarkana to see the film Soul on Fire. I did not want to drive to Texarkana and watch it by myself, so I decided to invite my mom to tag along with me. When we arrived, there were quite a few people in the parking lot. I assumed there probably would be, because some new horror movies had just come out that day. We purchased two adult tickets for a total of $22.10 at the front office of the theatre. We did some shopping prior to arriving, so we got to the theatre around 4:30. Before we went to our assigned theatre, we made a stop at the concession stand area. I decided on a medium cherry Icee, while my mom settled on her usual, a Dr. Pepper. We also decided to share a medium popcorn, which brought our total to $21.64. We then made our way to Theatre 5.

Although it was a Saturday afternoon and there were many cars in the parking lot, our assigned theatre was lightly attended- there were around 15 people in the auditorium (including us). The audience ranged broadly in age, from around 15 years old up to elderly moviegoers. The demographic mix suggested that this film attracted a variety of age groups rather than a single youth-targeted crowd.

I had chosen to see this movie after noticing that it was a Christian film based on a true story. The promotional materials I saw indicated its faith-based theme, which influenced my decision to go. Soul on Fire tells the remarkable true story of John O'Leary, a boy who suffers a tragic accident that leaves him with burns covering 100% of his body. With the support of his loving family, his community, and legendary St. Louis Cardinals announcer Jack Buck, John embarks on a miraculous road to recovery. His journey from near death to survival is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and it highlights the power of hope, faith, and perseverance. Eventually, John grows up to become a contractor for homes and a motivational speaker who inspires millions of people around the world to live with gratitude and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

During the movie, I noticed two particular product placements: prominently, the beer brand Budweiser appeared on screen several times, as well as the MLB St. Louis Cardinals. There are numerous scenes throughout the movie where John is at Busch Stadium, wearing Cardinal's merchandise and surrounded by it as well. These placements made much sense given that his mentor, announcer Jack Buck, was the announcer for the Cardinals at the time. The product appearances were not distracting and only helped to add to the film's authenticity, showing real aspects of the community that supported John's recovery.

In terms of theme and message, Soul on Fire focuses on faith, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. It illustrates how hope and love can help people overcome even the darkest moments. The film's message centers around gratitude and finding purpose in life after tragedy. While the production quality was clearly modest- with some scenes reflecting a lower budget in special effects- the sincerity of the story and the emotional performances helped make up for those shortcomings. In fact, I teared up several times and my mom cried for most of the movie. The film's message was heartfelt, and it successfully conveyed that faith and community can truly change lives.

Regarding the target audience, the producers seemed to be aiming at a Christian audience and anyone who appreciates uplifting, inspirational true stories. The movie's focus on faith, family, and perseverance makes it particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy stories that provide moral lessons and emotional depth. Given the size and demographic of the audience in the theatre- which included a mix of older adults and families- it appeared that the film did reach its intended audience. Everyone seemed genuinely moved, and the quiet atmosphere during the film suggested that the audience was deeply engaged and emotionally invested in John's journey.

Overall, I did feel that it was worth the price of admission. Although the production was not entirely polished (like the animated people in the crowd at the baseball game), the message resonated and the experience of seeing it in a theatre with other people added to the value. The low attendance meant the setting was more quiet and reflective, which suited the film's tone. The cost of tickets plus concessions felt justified by the experience- it wasn't a blockbuster event, but it delivered what I was looking for: meaningful content in a theatrical setting.