There’s been a sharp decline in Christian movie production over the past five years. On one hand, this shouldn’t shock anyone—Hollywood despises Jesus Christ with a venom that poisons 90% of its output, churning out films openly hostile to biblical truth.

Another nail in the coffin was Sony’s acquisition of Pure Flix. Back in 2018, Pure Flix had finally hit its stride, delivering 4–5 solid Christian films a year with improving quality and consistent output. But after the sale a few years ago, that pipeline collapsed. What was once 5–10 movies annually dwindled to maybe one decent release every blue moon.

The bigger betrayal? The recent wave of so-called “Christian” movies goes out of its way to erase Christ. Directors and studios either refuse to mention Him or dodge anything resembling Scripture—utterly defeating the purpose of the genre. This is what happens when you try to make faith-based films for secular audiences: you water down the gospel until it’s indistinguishable from a Hallmark movie.

Enter Soul on Fire—a film about the inspirational true story of a boy who survived a horrific burn accident and grew up to become a powerful public speaker and motivator. But that’s where the depth ends. In the sun-drenched suburbs of 1980s St. Louis, nine-year-old John O’Leary (James McCracken), a curious and energetic kid, triggers a backyard garage explosion while experimenting with gasoline and fireworks.

Flames engulf him, scorching 100% of his body. Rushed to the burn unit, doctors give him no chance: third-degree burns, organ failure, a child’s body in total collapse. As John fights for every breath through excruciating treatments and isolation, his family becomes his fortress. His stoic father Denny (John Corbett), a factory worker, balances grueling shifts with bedside vigils. His compassionate mother Susan (Stéphanie Szostak) clings to prayer, holding his bandaged hands through the agony.

His spirited sister sneaks in comic books and stories of adventure, refusing to let despair win. Siblings Craig and Dana add their quiet strength, while the wider community—neighbors, classmates, church members—rallies with meals, fundraisers, and relentless prayer.

Two key figures emerge: gruff but big-hearted Nurse Roy (DeVon Franklin), whose tough-love care keeps John grounded, and St. Louis Cardinals legend Jack Buck (William H. Macy), who visits the boy’s bedside, delivers pep talks, and even gives him shout-outs during games—sparks of light in a world of pain. Through John’s young eyes, filtered by fragile faith and unbreakable family love, the sterile hospital ward becomes a crucible of resilience. Every breath is a miracle. Every visitor, a lifeline.

Soul on Fire is a true story about John O’Leary—and while it weaves in Christian themes, it stops short of being a Christian movie. The film beautifully highlights how ordinary people doing small, heartfelt acts—acts that likely felt insignificant in the moment—can change everything. A sister smuggling comics. A teacher writing letters. A nurse adjusting bandages with care.

A neighbor dropping off a casserole. A stranger praying in the waiting room. Individually, these gestures seem minor. But together? They form a tidal wave of grace that saves a life. That saved boy grows into a man whose transformation ripples outward, inspiring thousands through his speaking career. Soul on Fire is a powerful reminder: you don’t need fame, wealth, or superpowers to make a difference. Everyday kindness, courage, and presence—when offered sincerely—can alter destinies.

The film presents this truth in a deeply human, relatable way. But here’s the letdown: outside the central survival story, the film is tame. After the explosive first 15 minutes, the drama flatlines. There’s no escalating conflict, no deeper spiritual exploration, no real tension beyond “will he live?” For viewers unfamiliar with John O’Leary’s real-life work, the movie is pleasant—good, even—but never great.

It has a low ceiling because it refuses to dig beneath the surface. Soul on Fire is a testimony to one man’s rise from ashes, but it feels hollow at its core. Why? Because it avoids the very thing that could’ve elevated it: an unapologetic, scripturally grounded encounter with Christ. The faith is implied, never declared. The miracles are acknowledged, never attributed. The transformation is celebrated, never contextualized within the greater story of redemption through Jesus.

This isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a symptom of a genre in crisis. Christian films keep sanding off their edges to avoid offending secular gatekeepers, only to end up with stories that inspire without converting, uplift without challenging, and entertain without transforming. Soul on Fire is a well-acted, beautifully shot, earnestly told story. It will warm your heart and maybe even move you to tears. But it won’t lead you to the cross. And for a film wearing the “Christian” label—even loosely—that’s a failure.

3/5

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