Until Forever

Until Forever is a Christian drama based on the true story of Michael Boyum, a 23-year-Minnesotan whose faith, coupled with the love of his girlfriend, Michelle, sustained his spirit during a lengthy battle with leukemia. While the story is essentially a tearjerker, there are a number of inspiring stops along the way. Graced with a strong, extroverted personality and desire to help others, Michael (Stephen Anthony Bailey) has the humility and charisma to persuade others to become their best selves, either through the martial arts classes he teaches or in the hospital where he's confined during chemotherapy. Visiting other patients, he lifts spirits while also keeping the medical staff upbeat. Michelle (Madison Lawlor) joins him in these good acts, while Michael's brother Matt (Jamie Anderson) suffers from depression over Michael's condition. Writer-director Michael Linn manages to keep the material moving, despite the inevitability of the outcome, especially thanks to the romance between Michelle and Michael. Recommended. (T. Keogh)