WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Points of decision and the weight of a legacy. When faced with unexpected circumstances that take us well out of our comfort zones, it becomes a sometimes arduous test of our character, fortitude, and commitment to push through and find our footing on the other side of disengagement and/or lack of belief in our ability to succeed where others have trod with ease before. Alex Shelby (Jared Withrow) encounters such a dilemma when a tragic loss causes him to become CEO of Shelby Engineering, a building contract firm struggling financially to keep up their existing commitments. More than hesitant to actually step into his initially undesired role during the company’s annual banquet, Alex slyly blends into the crowd to avoid making an appearance.
However, once this attempt no longer works to keep him from facing his new duties, issues compound via accepting a high-pressure contract that gets severely delayed when a purchase order mix-up causes incorrect materials to be delivered to the site. Traveling to the company’s New York office to settle the problem, he encounters Michelle Long (Jessica Koloian), the branch’s head of purchasing, whom he met at the banquet, but not as the new company president. The bigger rub–she is being blamed for the building material snafu. Alex, choosing spontaneously to go “covert” as a new employee at the branch, watches the situation become more complicated when he falls in love with Michelle, setting up hard choices whether to preserve a company or safeguard a budding relationship.
Next, my Mind:
This faith-based effort, brought to life by director Daniel Knudsen, carries itself with poise and an innocent, breezy tone while utilizing a timeless romantic drama formula to present its narrative that focuses on loss, commitment, love, integrity, the impact of resolve, and the weight of owning up to one’s own inner apprehensions, then overcoming them. The overall writing and execution here allows these concepts to be communicated in a way that’s entertaining and heartfelt without sinking into sappiness or melodrama, likewise able to illustrate attitudes and ideas of faith without being preachy or off-putting, which only helps widen the audience that might desire to take in the film without sacrificing the spiritual messages found within it. Clearly shot cinematography and an equally affecting soundtrack also assist in engaging the viewer.
Withrow’s smooth demeanor, charming attitude, and slick delivery all assist in making the character of Alex an easily likable “everyman” here, in spite of the elevated business position Alex inhabits, and truly, it’s believable enough to enjoy throughout, eliciting chuckles in many instances while also turning on the pathos-inducing dramatic elements when needed. Koloian’s Michelle is also portrayed with a well-played mix of whimsy and grounded purpose, not letting her become a “damsel in distress” cliché, but rather a savvy businesswoman who’s caught up in a difficult and tedious situation, all while trying to handle the pangs of newly discovered attraction and blossoming love. Koloian’s stirring emotional moments as Michelle very much impact the viewer, as its played with a deep level of sincerity. The two mesh together very well, effectively providing the nuances of their character’s respective personal stresses with their shared plight.
Excellent and appealing turns are enacted by a fantastic cast of supporting actors, including Rich & Joyce Swingle as Alex’s parents, Nathan Jacobson as one of Alex’s closest business partners Clay, Kristina Kaylen as Kayla, Michelle’s quite hilariously over-protective sister, and Mike Tremblay as Darren, the unscrupulous boss of the firm’s Manhattan office, along with additional characters from Tim Kaiser, Holly Houk, Kurt Hierholzer, and veteran soap/TV star Patricia Mauceri, all performing key satellite roles that influence the greater story. In total, “Courageous Love” is wonderfully playful, intentionally light-hearted, positive romantic drama experience, and is a film that will leave you feeling great by the finale, knowing you’ve been thoroughly, absolutely, delightfully lifted up in heart, mind, and spirit.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
