War Room

In 1953, the Ladies' Home Journal inaugurated its trademark column “Can This Marriage Be Saved?”—in which troubled couples related their problems and a marriage counselor suggested solutions. But I don't recall any therapist suggesting that a psychologically abused wife pray in a closet as a remedy. Aimed at churchgoers, this proselytizing tale revolves around Elizabeth “Liz” Jordan (Priscilla Shirer), wife of Tony (T.C. Stallings), mother to 10-year-old Danielle (Alena Pitts), and a part-time realtor. A pharmaceuticals rep who is often on the road, Tony has control issues at home, criticizing Danielle for jumping rope instead of playing baseball, refusing to help Liz's sister out financially, and escaping to the gym. When Liz meets prospective client Clara (Karen Abercrombie), a friendship develops, with elderly Clara questioning unhappy Liz about her religious beliefs, and urging her to make a commitment to Jesus. Pious Clara shows Liz her “war room,” a closet she uses for praying, referring to Matthew 6:6, which is often translated, “When you pray, go into your inner room.” Somewhat skeptical at first, Liz does create her own clothes closet “war room” after becoming aware that Tony is on the brink of betraying her with a co-worker. In the end, filmmaker Alex Kendrick's War Room is a lethargically-paced, heavy-handed effort. An optional purchase, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Alex Kendrick and producer Stephen Kendrick, deleted scenes (11 min.), a “making-of” featurette (11 min.), the behind-the-scenes segments “From Auditioning to Acting” (8 min.), “The Church On Its Knees” (8 min.), “Molly Bruno: Modern Day Miss Clara” (8 min.), “The Heart” (6 min.), “A Pastor's Call to Prayer” (3 min.), “Investing in the Next Generation” (3 min.), and “War Room in 60 Seconds.” Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bloopers and outtakes (6 min.), the production segments “Behind-the-Scenes: Color Grading” (4 min.) and “The Art of Jumping Rope” (3 min.), and the “Warrior” music video by Steven Curtis Chapman. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)