To Save a Life (2010)

30% of critics liked it
(20 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(12,414 ratings)

Advertised by its distributor as a successor to such theatrically released religious dramas as Facing the Giants (2006) and Fireproof (2008) -- though it came from a completely different production team -- this inspirational saga recounts the story of Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne), a well-rounded,… More Advertised by its distributor as a successor to such theatrically released religious dramas as Facing the Giants (2006) and Fireproof (2008) -- though it came from a completely different production team -- this inspirational saga recounts the story of Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne), a well-rounded, Middle American teen who seems to have everything going for him, his world in perfect balance. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes in the form of a childhood friend's death, Jake suddenly begins to question everything he had long taken for granted, and he's soon forced to make a decision that will permanently change his future. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr.
Directed By: Brian Baugh
Written By: Jim Britts
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 22, 2010 Wide
On DVD: Aug 3, 2010
Studio: IDP/Samuel goldwyn Films

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
One of the biggest problems in most Christian genre movies is their lack of edge, a reluctance on the part of the filmmakers to show ugly reality.
Ian Buckwalter, NPR
Miles ahead in terms of production values and an avoidance of overt proselytizing. It'll likely be an enormous hit with the evangelical communities at which it's targeted. That doesn't save it from being an utter failure outside that narrow context.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
To Save a Life would be bland and boring even as a half-hour after-school special.
Andy Webster, New York Times
But forget the lame performances and arch, preachy sentiment; the movie's sham hip-hop and spurious alternative music alone should keep teenagers away. Thank goodness.
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
This is a deftly acted, generally absorbing cautionary tale with wider allure than its faith-based label may imply.
Andrew Barker, Variety
Hints at becoming a thoughtful portrait of a teen's spiritual crisis, then abandons all narrative integrity to hit its church-mandated marks.
Brian Orndorf, DVDTalk.com
Takes two solid hours to make its trite points on faith and personal salvation, growing more unbearable as it goes.
Nell Minow, Beliefnet
One of its strengths is its willingness to engage candidly and open-heartedly with the real issues that confront teenagers, giving it some heft and credibility.
Danny Minton, Fort Bend Sun
I can see this being a positive influence for many who watch it and for some it could possibly even make a huge difference, and you don't get that from many movies these days.
Todd Hertz, Christianity Today
Will the vague messages get across? Will viewers take anything out other than a missive to be kind and inclusive? Some certainly will. Some won't.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
What's worthy about "To Save A Life" comes purely from its nutritional value, and if a teenager becomes a more empathetic person as a result of seeing it, then it's worth it for him. A lot of his friends, though, might be too bored to get to the redemptio
Linda Cook, Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)
This faith-based movie wasn't meant to vie for an Academy Award. It's a think piece for adolescents, church groups and counselors.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
As far as proselytizing Christian films go, this one is better than most, even if it's rather like an after-school special drawn out to inordinate length.
Christopher Smith, Bangor Daily News (Maine)
One of the problems with Christian films is that they can come off as very preachy. "To Save a Life" doesn't necessarily tone down its religious overtones, but it does try to make the religious aspects as organic as possible.
S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Message-heavy teen drama with iffy behavior, dark themes.
Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru
Inspirational, genuinely heartfelt and captivating. It's a profound, tender and uplifting journey toward enlightenment and compassion.
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
Writer Jim Britts and director Brian Baugh know what they want to say but ultimately fall short of delivering the full-blooded drama they're after. And at two hours the film is way too long.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
A well-meaning but ineptly made message movie.

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Brad W

My cousin says this is her favorite movie ever, to me it was a way to spend the afternoon. As a christian, I enjoyed the way they respect God and he changes his faith, but it took a wild turn and was pretty intense and depressing, it could've been so much more.
Cynthia S

Great movie for anyone with a teenager.
Douglas W C

I sat down to watch this with my wife. What started out just a little boring kept just kept getting more and more better. Extremely realistic movie, not at all preachy. Just shows what a change in somebody's life can really be. We are all connected yet not really responsible for… More
I sat down to watch this with my wife. What started out just a little boring kept just kept getting more and more better. Extremely realistic movie, not at all preachy. Just shows what a change in somebody's life can really be. We are all connected yet not really responsible for each others behavior, but God does what us each to have a positive effect on others. Especially our friends. Direction was okay but the acting and writing was the best I've seen in a low budget film. I highly recommend this movie to any family with teenagers that have open minds and a godly heart.
Bradley W

My cousin says this is her favorite movie ever, to me it was a way to spend the afternoon. As a christian, I enjoyed the way they respect God and he changes his faith, but it took a wild turn and was pretty intense and depressing, it could've been so much more.
Dillon L

Cliched characters, messy direction, predicatable script, sloppy acting and annoying religous themes make it unenjoyable for people outside its targeted audience.
Max G

A Christianity-related teen drama that speaks to the youth and adults alike in these times of guns at school, teen suicide, cutting, beer pong, teen pregnancy, and other pressures that kids are dealing with right now. Highly recommended.
nefnie l

When I got this movie, I honestly didn't realize it was a Christian movie. I almost just sent it back, but I decided to try a few minutes of it. I'm not a religious person, but I felt the message was very good; without being too preachy. I wish there were messages like… More
When I got this movie, I honestly didn't realize it was a Christian movie. I almost just sent it back, but I decided to try a few minutes of it. I'm not a religious person, but I felt the message was very good; without being too preachy. I wish there were messages like these in films without a religious base, as I feel that could potentially lose the interest of people who need to see it most. It does have a somehwat after-school special feel to it. It all gets wrapped up in a fairly nice package, which loses some of the realism it strives for throughout the movie.
Movee C

Highly religious overtones, unconvincing actors, and a vague plot equals a failed film without the hope of a resurrection.
Daisy M

To save a life was a Christian Movie, and no one should be shy from watching it because of that. It dealt with real life teenage issues Different lifestyles was very clearly portrayed, and it was clear that the lifestyle the lead character was living was wrong, I don't know if… More
To save a life was a Christian Movie, and no one should be shy from watching it because of that. It dealt with real life teenage issues Different lifestyles was very clearly portrayed, and it was clear that the lifestyle the lead character was living was wrong, I don't know if most people in the world have a decent understanding of what Christians believe is right and wrong. The youth pastor who helped him out did not condemn him, but acted as Jesus would have, love him and accepted him and helped him to find a better of life, a life of purpose for God. I guess the whole point was based to wake up followers up and other people to not sit and watch others who are hurt and feeling alone, but to go out and be someone's friend.