In my first class at the American Film Institute, our teacher told us there are only seven movie plots. It took me a few years to discover that statement is mostly true. There are many genres, and all can be woven into a plot if there’s enough talent and thought behind it.

Brothers/filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick know they want to make Christian films. Their passion and deep faith have resulted in two highly successful movies:  Courageous ($34.5 million) and Fireproof ($33.4 million).

Filmmakers and movie fans have been astonished at the response to the Kendricks’ new film, War Room. It surprised other opening films on Labor Day and is now close to the $30 million mark.

The story concerns a broken family. Things seem great at first. Elizabeth Jordan (Priscilla Shirer) and her husband Tony (T.C. Stallings) live in an upscale area, both have good jobs, and they have a lovely daughter Danielle (Alena Pitts). However, Tony has been inattentive at home lately -- even glossing over his daughter’s good news. Not only does that bother Elizabeth, she’s also worried about paying their bills because her job as a realtor is slow.

When Elizabeth meets Miss Clara (Karen Abercrombie), she finds answers to what she needs to do: make a war room for prayer.  Miss Clara has one, and it’s been a saving grace in her life. As the Jordans’ relationships deteriorate even more, Elizabeth clears out her closet and starts her prayer room.

Poor Danielle watches her parents, and it’s obvious they are not happy.  Tony runs into some serious trouble with his job. This causes even more stress on Elizabeth. She visits Miss Clara more and more soaking up her Holy Spirit and sincere advice.  “You have to do your fighting in prayer and plead with God; then get out of the way so He can do what he needs to do,” Miss Clara says.

Although the cast members are not well known, they soon may be. Shirer makes every move as Elizabeth feel authentic. Stallings is so good that he makes Tony a character you love to hate. Pitts is adorable as Danielle. She’s a great actress and conveys a lot with just a facial expression. Abercrombie comes across as the gas pedal in this story. As Miss Clara, she hollers, gets in the faces of those she wants to help -- and is definitely a child of God.

Renowned speaker Beth Moore also has her first acting role as Mandy.  “It's time for fierceness in prayer, and I cannot think of a more crucial message for a movie to convey,” Moore said. “God waits to see a generation that will take Him at His Word. Let's be that generation.”

Many things are tried to fix this family’s problems. Will that War Room be the answer?

Judging from the film’s huge box office success, it seems the Kendricks have another winner in their stable.

(Released by Sony TriStar Pictures /Affirm Films and rated “PG” for thematic elements.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.