Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 07/03/23

Sounds like a hit. Sources tell Deadline: From out of nowhere, Angel Studios’ Sound of Freedom movie about Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent who left the department after he was frustrated with the U.S. rescue efforts with trafficked children in third world countries, is racking up $7.2M in ticket presales before its July 4th opening at 2,626 theaters.

IMHO: The tides they are a-changin’ as movies and television shows from outside the Hollywood bubble continue to gain traction with audiences. Of course, to maintain the momentum the completed projects actually have to hold up. Faith-based projects that come off as dramatized Sunday sermons just aren’t going to cut it. The stories and characters have to resonate. Fortunately, in the case of Sound of Freedom (rated PG-13), everything comes together to tell a gripping mature story that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats while shedding light on an important issue that does not get enough attention in the establishment media.

Based on the true story of the aforementioned Tim Ballard, Sound of Freedom recounts the riveting true story of the federal agent’s off-the-grid cross-border quest to rescue the still-captive sister of a trafficked boy he liberated in a domestic raid. Jim Caviezel certainly brings the passion for the subject he expressed to me in our recent conversation and delivers a bravado performance as the compassionate justice-seeking hero of the story. He’s backed up by a strong supporting cast too, particularly Bill Camp as the former criminal who is moved to help Ballard pull off his dangerous mission. Mira Sovino, as Ballard’s wife, is, as always, fine in her supportive role but the Academy Award-winner is surprisingly, but also understandably, not given much to do since the little time spent showing Ballard’s home life is only there to help give a sense of all the he risks losing – beyond just his career.

The taut script by Rod Barr and Alejandro Monteverde (who also directed) is masterful in combining suspense and action while still delivering a powerful message about the scourge of child trafficking. My one quibble, which is one I would apply to a lot of newer films, is I don’t why so many movies these days undermine their action sequences with somber, downbeat music that undermines the adrenaline rush a good action scene is supposed to provoke. I know in this particular film the subject matter underlying the story is very serious – and the film, rightfully, treats it as such – but I still think the music should enhance what you’re seeing on screen not work against it.

The Bottom Line: Sound of Freedom successfully balances its important message with heart-pounding drama and suspense that will thrill audiences while educating them about the harsh reality of worldwide child sex trafficking. Highly recommended.
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Gallup Poll: At 39%, the share of U.S. adults who are “extremely proud” to be American is essentially unchanged from last year’s 38% record low. The combined 67% of Americans who are now extremely or “very proud” (28%) also aligns with the historically subdued 65% reading one year ago. Another 22% of U.S. adults currently say they are “moderately proud,” while 7% are “only a little” and 4% “not at all.”

Like that recent survey showing a sharp rise in depressive thoughts among America’s youth, it’s hardly surprising. Americans, no matter their age, aren’t immune to the steady diet of media that tends to present their country and its history in the most negative light possible. The relentless America shaming is bound to take a toll on the national psyche – but surrendering to the seemingly coordinated assault on our common national identity is neither good for our individual mental health or the health of the nation. While it’s essential to acknowledge America’s past and present failings, its equally important not to be defeated by them – and to move forward with a sense of purpose, confidence and, yes, gratitude.

The Fourth of July is a great day to celebrate and appreciate America – but given the onslaught of negativity that has been heaped upon our country in recent years, it may not be quite enough. After all, other causes and groups set aside entire months to celebrate themselves. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but June was LGBT Pride Month. Before that, May was celebrated as Asian Pacific Heritage Month. April was Arab American Heritage Month. March was Irish-American Heritage Month and Women’s History Month. February was, of course, Black History Month. You get the idea.

How about we give the same sort of love to America. We can call it Freedom Season. Starting on the last Monday of May with Memorial Day honoring American military killed in service of the country, we can move onto celebrating the signing of Declaration of Independence and the birth of our country on July 4th. In between we can pay homage to some notable milestones of American progress, including June 4th (when, in 1919, Congress passed the 19th Amendment acknowledging the right of women to vote), June 19th (aka Juneteenth celebrating how blacks and whites fought together to successfully end the scourge of slavery in America) and July 2nd (when, in 1964, LBJ signed the historic Civil Rights Act outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin). Freedom Season would be a time for us to come together to remind ourselves (hopefully with the help of the media) of the essential goodness of a country that is constantly striving and, over time, succeeding at becoming a more perfect union.

Happy Freedom Season, everyone!

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.