Grace Unplugged

Grace Unplugged

Rated PG and Released in Grand Rapids 10/11/13

Reviewed 10/18/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Cindy

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

This is one of those films that the acting wasn't the highest class and it almost felt like a TV movie, but Cindy and I both still really liked it. A good message for all and a PG rating opens up this film to the whole family. It is nice to have family options like this, so I encourage others to support this by seeing Grace Unplugged.

Only child Grace Trey (AJ Michalka) is 18 and lives in Alabama with her conservative Christian parents. Her father, former pop star Johnny Trey (James Denton), is the helicopter parent of the two and is pushing Grace away with his overbearing ways. Michele Trey (Shawnee Smith) is a pretty low key mother and wife and I can't help but wish her to speak up more and intervene.

Grace and her father sing in the praise band together at church and both are talented. They keep butting heads on the direction of the music and the viewer can quickly see where this is headed. While mom and dad are pushing her to go to college in the Fall, Grace yearns for more. Leaving her bubble world for the first time is not a roadblock for the stubborn teen. She heads to California hell-bent on one goal...making it big. She connects with her dad's former manager Mossy Mostin, played by talented Kevin Pollak. He quickly becomes her new, yet permissive father figure. Her parents track her down but Grace is not going anywhere. Innocence in Hollywood, we can all predict where this can head fast. Although I'm sure the portrayal is a pretty tame version of the industry. Grace Unplugged is a story of parents letting go and trusting God as it is in His hands. But for the rebellious teen you are not off the hook. In Grace's case, following your dream is one thing, but making compromises and concessions that go against what you believe eventually catches up sooner or later. There is a little twist in the end that is probably the best scene of the movie. I think parents will be especially touched by Grace Unplugged and I suggest bringing a Kleenex or two for the criers. For the most part, know what you are seeing and enjoy this film.

QUIET Rating system: 2 ½ Js

Quality: Jj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  JJJj