Chains - This movie is about breaking chains. The chains from our past, and the chains of our innate nature.The past can hold you in check. It can arrest you from being all that God intends you to be. Past failure, hurt, addiction, sorrow, anger, even affluence... also, Our innate nature draws us to things that have no profit in the long game. Selfishness, pride, greed, sensuality, revenge,,, This movie shows two people who have firmly decided that those past roads do not lead to the future they want; nor is it what God intends for them to experience. Each decides to make a change in their behavior "in the present" to walk a new road "into the future". Together with The Lord's help, they can see the light in a dark world. The light of faith, hope, and love that will last a lifetime.A lifetime God intends, free from the chains... Where He has paid the price to free us from those chains.

So I had the impression that the film had a decent start, but nope. Here's a film that will toy with your emotions and manage to creep you out at the same time!The way Clay was throughout the film was similar to a self-loathing "I hate myself for doing this" emo kid. For the soundtrack they might as well have had Hawthorne Heights playing in the background. Especially the song "Ohio Is For Lovers". What do you know, it took place in Ohio!At one point in the film you find out that Clay hadn't gone to church in a while, because of the supposed hypocrisy though Clay is the epitome of hypocrite. The cringe in this film is real. Majority of the characters in the film are so full of themselves, it would make someone want to induce vomiting.Even though, Clay was the most full of himself, yet he stood out due to him hating himself. The only somewhat bearable character in this film was Amber... maybe... I will admit, the story line did seem kind of realistic, except for the ending. 1: Who would get engaged in a grocery store, with sand all over the floor like a psychopath? Oh yeah... Clay and Amber. 2: I'm surprised she continued to pursue him, even after looking in his bible that had pictures of him and his ex. Kind of weird dude. 3: Only a psychopath would make him/her self read a "steps" book to find out if they're suitable with one another.Anyone know that song Hammer Smashed Face by Cannibal Corpse? That's how I feel about this film.

It's not very often that we find a story that is full of charm and romance, while still remaining passionately chaste. It's a rather Old Fashioned notion to expect that from a film in this day and age but Rik Swartzwelder managed it quite confidently. The ideals and beliefs in this film may not be for everyone, in fact, many would choose to scoff it off. But I found OF to be raw and real enough to make us pause and ponder on its possibilities. The pace of the movie is a quiet stroll, with just the right measure of melodies and sceneries to accompany us. The landscape is breathtaking and cinematography, beautifully captured!There were brief instances where a scene or two seemed a tad contrived but not enough to impose on the overall flow of the film. The main characters are both credible and charming together. They easily convince you to invest in them and leave you curious about what their future holds. To me, that in itself says the movie accomplished its purpose. It persuaded me to take a slice of the story and characters back with me and left me feeling hopeful that it is possible to hold out for these Old Fashioned ideas. A delightful film!

While the title may be "Old Fashioned", the message of this excellent film is anything but! Courageously challenging the typical dating paradigm, it's story and message is decidedly contemporary. It's a message so needed in a time when vast numbers of people are searching for fulfilling, lasting, happy, intimate relationships! Something about the way we're "doing" dating isn't working, and "Old Fashioned" beautifully portrays of an engaging, funny, and truly intimate romance between two in a way I've not seen portrayed before. It's entertaining, heart-warming, relatable,funny while still having a much deeper undertone. It's something to which teens, adults and even those in the "second half" of life can relate (and watch without reservation).Two people with pasts they're trying to outrun, end up running into each other an into a deeper definition and understanding of grace and letting go of that which holds them (and us) back from fully embracing love and life and forgiveness. It's a beautiful illustration of how God romances all of us with grace and how He not only takes us, but wants us, just as we are.