The Second Chance (2006)

The Second Chance follows the spiritual journeys of two pastors, Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) and Jake Sanders (Jeff Obafemi Carr) who are from opposite ends of the social and political spectrum. These two pastors find themselves learning about true acts of Christianity while growing to understand their own flaws as Christian leaders.

The story encompasses the relationship between sister churches... one in the affluent suburbs and the other in the inner-city. We follow Pastor Jenkins from the affluent suburban who initially directs his Christianity via his checkbook instead of his heart.

As he spends a number of weeks in the depths of the challenges at the inner-city church with Pastor Sanders, Jenkins comes to learn that a hands off approach to Christianity doesn't work in the rougher parts of town. You have to get involved with the people on a personal level, to make a commitment to them and to helping them overcome their problems.

Michael W. Smith, known for his numerous Christian singles, makes his acting debut in this film. Overall, his performance is good, but there were a few moments where his presence was lacking a bit.

Carr, however, as the fiery and unapologetic inner-city Pastor Sanders, is a solid performer as his character struggles between indignant self-righteousness and trying to love one's enemies. These polar opposites, both in personalities and in obvious visual differences, makes for an enjoyable, albeit, harmless film experience.

The Second Chance is pleasantly un-preachy and is a nice Christian film that neither covers new ground nor seems stale. It would fit into a movie-of-the-week style category. It has a few thoughtful and touching moments, but is lacking a freshness of story.

A good quality Christian flick.