Mainstream films that do well at the box office often turn out sequels of the same movie in order to bring in more fans and revenue. Filmmakers of Christian box office successes are also heading in this direction -- as with Pure Flix’s God’s Not Dead 2. And why not?  God’s Not Dead brought in $60+ million at the box office and became the highest grossing indie faith film of 2014.

God’s Not Dead 2 again takes place in a school and focuses on the division of religion in public places and freedom of speech. Melissa Joan Hart plays Grace Wesley, a teacher at Martin Luther King High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. When Brooke Thawley (Hayley Orrantia) asks Grace about the similarities between Jesus’ teachings and those of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. King in History class, Grace gives a detailed answer that includes a comment about Jesus.

After someone reports to Principal Kinny (Robin Givens) that Grace is speaking about religion, the school accuses her of violating the law of “separation of church and state.” A demand is made that she apologize to her class.  Grace is stunned at this action since she’s dedicated and passionate about teaching real history. She’s also a woman not afraid to stand up for her faith, so she refuses to apologize and ends up in court. 

The jury is chosen, including jury member Rev. Dave (David A.R. White, actor, producer and Pure Flix founding partner). Eagerly awaiting his chance to pounce on the beautiful blonde teacher on trial is attorney Pete Kane (Ray Wise).  And even though Brooke made the decision she did because she was suffering from her brother’s suicide, attorney Kane -- who has no love of Christians -- convinces her family to file the lawsuit.

However, Grace comes fully charged to the examination chair in the courtroom, mostly due to the emotional and spiritual support of her grandfather (Pat Boone) who lives with her. Grace says she would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God.

Grace’s union-appointed attorney, Tom Endler (Jesse Metcalfe), doesn’t give her much hope when first meeting her. He tells Grace right away that he’s a nonbeliever. But she has little choice at this point.

The trial reveals a realization of each character in this plot, including what they believe and what they come to believe. Script co-writer Cary Solomon said this film seems about a half-step ahead of the headlines today.

“It’s this whole idea that in society, and especially in schools, people are being told they can’t talk about Jesus,” he said. “Yet even atheist scholars will admit the historical personage of Jesus absolutely existed.”

The three main actors of this film were not only immersed into their characters, but wholeheartedly got what the film is really about.

“I read this script before I knew about the first film and learned it was a sequel,” Hart said. “I wanted to know if this one would stand on its own. Because it has its own story and objective, it’s really original. I was excited to be a part of it. Grace’s love of teaching, her dedication to her students and her passion for truth all come from the same place: her dedication to Christ.”

Metcalfe said about the film, “Christianity is still the dominant religion in the United States of America, and I don’t think there is enough faith-based content out there and obviously everyone deserves to be represented in their beliefs. I think the movie is very uplifting specifically for my character. Tom states early in the story that he’s a nonbeliever, but as he opens his mind and starts to discover his own personal faith during the course of the plot he definitely understands the Christian experience. I think it’s a movie about faith and people raising their faith and strength in what they believe and doing it in a respectful way.”

Robin Givens found her role as the principal -- who had to tattle on Grace several times -- very hard to embrace because of her own faith.

“I think I had a rough job with this character because I came to this with my own life of God and faith,” she said. “I can’t imagine not believing and getting through life. So many things have not made sense to me; and bad things happen and tragedy happens and it’s mind-boggling. In many respects God has been the only father I have known in my life. To play a character who had to walk this line between a rock and a hard spot wasn’t easy. I think in my heart she does believe that she has to keep the rules going, still, I just wanted to shout, ‘Go Grace go.’”

A subplot in the film features White as Rev. Dave who mentors Martin (Paul Kwo) in his beliefs of Christianity. Martin’s father becomes outraged at his son for embracing religion. A scene in the film between them comes across as extremely powerful and yet joyously enlightening.

This story offers realistic and emotional moments that many in the world are experiencing every day. To reveal it in such a passionate, heartfelt and moving scenario will touch many who see it.  God’s Not Dead 2 opens on April 1. Ironically, that’s National Atheist Day.

(Released by Pure Flix Entertainment,  and rated “PG” for some thematic elements.)

Review also posted at  www.reviewexpress.com.