Clearly intended for the burgeoning Christian-film market, the 2003 TV-movie Flywheel is an earnest drama that gets its redemptive message across without any subtlety whatsoever. The story revolves around an unprincipled character named Jay Austin (Alex Kendrick, also the film's writer and director), proprietor of a used car lot in Albany, GA. Although Jay professes to be a Christian, he's also a chronic liar and manipulator who'll make a buck any way he can. After his business and family life go sour, Jay finally turns to the Lord for help in making things right. The ensuing transformation isn't entirely credible, owing to facile plotting and less-than-convincing performances, but it's presented forcefully and with obvious sincerity, making this low-budget production (from the director of Facing the Giants) likely to please its target audience. A strong optional purchase. (E. Hulse)
Flywheel
Sony, 114 min., not rated, DVD: $19.95, Nov. 13 Volume 23, Issue 1
Flywheel
Star Ratings
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