Genre: Action, Fantasy

Rating: 

I have a million good things to say about Burns Family Studios’ action-fantasy film Beyond the Mask!  It’s a cross between Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure. This combination; coupled with great acting, fantastic CGI, and a compelling script; make it a stand-out film in the genre.

Beyond the Mask centers on William Reynolds (Andrew Cheney), a British East India Trading Company assassin who seeks redemption from his past choices. It’s not an easy road to redemption, but along the way he finds love, hope, and forgiveness while saving the American colonies from a terrible fate.  John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Lord of the Rings) and Kara Killmer (Chicago Fire, Chicago Med) also star in this action-packed film.

Where to begin? I guess I’ll start with the visuals. That was the first thing that jumped out at me. Historically, Christian films have had a tendency to produce movies with a production quality that’s a decade behind whatever the secular films have had. Beyond the Mask, though, grabs you at the very beginning with its HD quality and beautiful CGI work. I instantly felt like I should be watching it up on the big screen. The beautiful set-design and costuming are the icing on the cake. I have nothing bad to say about this department and I recommend that you take a look at the trailer to see it for yourself.

One of the most exciting things about this film is the simple fact that it is both Christian and in the action-fantasy genre.  In the Christian sector, this genre has almost been completely ignored. It’s such a shame since so many hit secular movies reside in that wheelhouse. It’s also a genre that younger audiences really lean toward. That’s why I’m happy to report that Beyond the Mask really does this genre justice with a compelling storyline that is highlighted by great acting. The action sequences are well-done and in some places, it takes on a superhero movie quality that is thrilling. Being a woman, I also have to give props to the movie for having the female character get into the action as well.

In regards to the Christian element of the film, it focuses on one moral lesson: redemption through grace. It seems simple, but this simplicity allows you to really focus on that lesson without getting pulled in a million different directions.  The topic runs throughout the film and is brought up just enough to where we don’t feel that it is an afterthought.

I can’t sit here and say that this movie is for everyone, but for those of you who enjoy a good action film complete with bombs exploding, sword fights, conspiracies, and romance; this movie is for you!

What Age Group Is It For?

I would recommend this film for anyone over the age of 13. I think teens would especially love this movie, but it’s great for adults as well. It does show scenes of people dying and it has some violence, so I wouldn’t recommend it for young children.

Looking To Show It at Church?

I think this would be a great movie to show at church for a youth event such as a sleepover or movie night. The focus is on redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, but the story and visuals make it as exciting as a Hollywood Blockbuster.