When the life of mega film star, Michael Steele (Randy Travis), is destroyed right before the most important day of his life, his faith is put to the ultimate test.
William J. (billystan3) from AUBURN, NY Reviewed on 9/18/2014...
Randy Travis in a very emotionally moving family friendly film. I give it four out of Five stars for its message and family friendliness.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Misty G. (MCarter584) from DICKSON, TN Reviewed on 3/21/2011...
This was a great movie about "everything happens for a reason."
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Christy R. from PETERSBURG, KY Reviewed on 9/29/2008...
I was hoping that this would be a good uplifting Christian movie but I was seriously let down. First the acting was horrible. The only actors which contributed anything were his agent and sister in the movie. With Randy Travis' acting being so bad it was hard to imagine that his character was a favorite for an academy award in the movie. The "film" which is being shot is also seriously cheesy so this also makes it extremely difficult to embrace the academy award bit. The movie is disjointed and the whole living the Sermon on the Mount is just not there, maybe the book fleshed it out more. The director also tries too hard to make every shot "cool and edgy". It's fine every now and then, but gets seriously annoying after a while. I would skip the movie, there's not much to gain from watching it. Go for "Second Chance" over this, at least your time wouldn't be wasted and you would actually get something to apply in your walk with God.
"A Christian film starring Randy Travis (country western/gospel singer), Nancy Stafford (Matlock) and Candace Cameron Bure (Full House)
Michael Steel (Randy Travis) is a hot commodity in Hollywood. He's been nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award and is riding high. This nomination is a 'big deal' for Michael as he's experienced a great deal of prejudice for his faith as a Christian.
Michael's faith is tested in the days before the Academy Award presentation. His wife has filed for divorce because she feels neglected, the director of his current film demands he shoot a scene that is in opposition to his belief of right and wrong (and one that has been covered in his contract), the female star (Candace Cameron Bure) of the film makes untrue allegations involving her relationship with Michael, and a journalist with an axe to grind reports a story about Michael and a young child.
With his life falling apart, Michael seeks advice and refuge with his sister Annie (Nancy Stafford). Through her words and her actions she helps guide him through the valley of misery he's entered into.
While Michael faces the most important event of his life, he also must make a choice that will change his life forever. It's the fight of all fights with Satan.
The Wager is a 'message' film. It's a story about good vs. evil from the perspective of a follower of Christ. There are no easy answers to the questions asked, and while the story has a satisfactory ending, there is always the unasked question for the viewer: what would you do if?
The Wager isn't a film that is going to be popular in our secular society and that's too bad. It is, however, one that people who want something wholesome with a values message will find appealing.
It's wonderful to have films available for people who don't want what is usually served up in movie theaters.
Armchair Interviews says: Wager is one of those films."
The Wager
NoWireHangers | Sweden | 05/17/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Randy Travis plays Michael Steele, an Oscar nominated movie star with some personal problems. He doesn't get along with the director of the movie he's working on, his wife has just handed him divorce papers, and soon, another scandal hits him, shattering his image.
Based on the a book by Bill Myers, "The Wager" is a Christian themed film, although this theme is not as overt as in some other Christian movies. Because of this, it may appeal to a wider non-Christian audience but may also disappoint some Christian viewers expecting a clear evangelical message. The story itself is quite ordinary. It's not bad but also not very inspired or interesting.
"The Wager" is a watchable movie and a decent way to kill 80 minutes but it's not great or worth spending a lot of money on."
Who is being showcased in this movie?
Duane Waller | 01/03/2010
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I found the plot-line in this movie confusingly unrealistic. We have a Christian man who is collaborating with a degenerate manager, working for some kind of Oscar trophy within a realm of the movie industry, which has its niche in illicit sex and violence. These should be our first two clues that we are not in Kansas anymore!
Next we find that he is in the middle of reaping a harvest of years of this same kind of bad sowing. For example: He is a "yes-man" for his degenerate movie director who expects him to perform sexually on camera, and his wife is leaving him because he has continuously allowed his movie career to destroy their relationship.
Next he puts his hands on a scantily-dressed self-absorbed unbeliever actress and doesn't have a clue that his body language is automatically interpreted as sexual.
Now on top of all of that, we are supposed perceive him as a devout Christian who is trying to keep Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5?
I think I understand the fundamental reasoning of "being IN the world and not OF it". However, the plot-line and especially the show-casing are just so cheesy, I'm concerned that the movie actually sends a message that is more detrimental than beneficial to the non-Christian audience.
Movies that we love include all of "The Bible Collection", "The Love Dare", "Facing the Giants", "End of the Spear" and "Faith like Potatoes"?
We watched about 20 minutes of this one and gave up on it. "
A safe bet
Joyce Handzo | Clifton, NJ United States | 08/23/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"As a compelling mixture of the biblical book of Job and the Sermon on the Mount, The Wager is a good story, with many surprising twists and relevant insights. The novel, written by Bill Myers, is a powerful tale of trials and triumphs. However, when the printed story moved to DVD, some of the intensity was lost in the media conversion. While still a riveting tale, it could have had more impact if the actors showed a greater emotional involvement in the volatile situations.
Michael Steel (Randy Travis) is about to make cinema history as the first Christian actor nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Yet, God has cast him in a different starring role. When Satan claims that no one can live the Sermon on the Mount in today's society, Michael gets the lead role in this supernatural drama. In the space of ten tension-filled days, his life gets bombarded from every possible angle. From his personal life to his marriage to his career, Michael has to hold on to his faith in the middle of a furious spiritual battle.
Fans of Randy Travis will enjoy seeing this singer in an acting role. Also of interest was the character, Cassandra, played by Candace Cameron Bure of "Full House" fame. Her role of seductress stayed within the boundaries of good taste and allowed viewers to understand the temptation without having it splashed across the screen. And that's where the movie shines. Tastefully produced and staying true to the theme of the novel, this film has the potential to present a life dedicated to the cause of the Christ regardless of the casualties the world may throw.
As a contemporary parable with a purpose, The Wager is a safe bet.
Joyce Handzo (courtesy In the Library Reviews)"
Unimpressed
Reborn22 | Charlotte, N.C. | 10/21/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I was quite dissapointed with this movie. It was disjointed and lacked plot. There wasn't really any resolution of the character either. I got the feeling that the people who made this movie didn't really want to take the time to tweek and refine the movie's script etc... Quite sad for me, as a christian I would expect better."