Fireproof is a 2008 American drama film from Samuel Goldwyn Films and Sherwood Pictures. Stephen Kendrick co-wrote the film with his brother, while serving as a producer. The supporting cast is made up of volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, where the Kendrick brothers serve as associate pastors. The film features Kirk Cameron as the film's lead actor, portraying Caleb Holt. It was the highest grossing independent film of 2008.^[3]

On May 21, 2008, Sherwood Pictures announced that the film would open in theaters on September 26, 2008.^[4] It was given an MPAA rating of PG for "thematic material and some peril."^[5] The Making of Fireproof special aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network prior to the movie's release, following a special airing of Sherwood Pictures' second theatrical release, Facing the Giants.^[6]

Plot

Fireproof is the story of firefighter Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) who lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. But, after seven years of marriage to his wife, Catherine (Erin Bethea), their own relationship is failing. Neither one understands the pressures the other faces.^[7] Caleb claims that Catherine is too sensitive and, "doesn't show me respect," whereas she tells her hospital co-workers that he is, "so insensitive," and that, "he doesn't listen to me," and, "doesn't understand my needs." Caleb's addiction to Internet pornography is what sets the marriage over the edge, however, as well as his plan to use his investments for buying a fishing boat rather than a common goal with his wife.^[8] As they prepare to file for divorce, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day test called, "The Love Dare." Caleb starts it, but more for his father's sake than for his marriage.

When Caleb discovers the book’s daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.

Even though he wants to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and time again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?" When his father tells him that this is the love God shows to people, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And, with God's help, Caleb begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. But, he is unsure if it's too late to "fireproof" his marriage.^[7]

Marriage views

See also: Fireproof My Marriage and The Love Dare

Fireproof is partnered with Fireproof My Marriage, a Christian organization created to strengthen and heal marriages.^[12] The Love Dare, a book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, is a major topic in the film, being one of the main points of the plot. Alex Kendrick said in an interview that this film would be "a drama/romance about marriage. Our goal is to reinforce God's intention for marriage."^[13]

Fireproof has been endorsed by many Christian marriage-oriented organizations, including FamilyLife,^[14] The Marriage CoMission, The Association of Marriage and Family Ministries,^[15] Marriage Alive Communications and MarriageToday.

Christian groups

The movie has received extremely positive reviews from Christian groups. Mitch Temple of Focus on the Family said that, "This brilliantly produced film radiates messages of authentic determination, faith and hope, even for those of us who have felt like giving up on our marriages." Michael Foust of the Baptist Press said: "I walked into the theater without any expectations, but walked out after the closing credits believing I had just seen perhaps the most convicting and inspiring film I had ever viewed. Fireproof isn't just a great Christian movie. It's a great movie. Period."