As an author who has done video editing, been behind the camera, and hails from an academically rigorous theological background, I watch movies from an analytical standpoint and evaluate these elements: characterization, writing/dialogue, plot, acting, theological fidelity, editing and authenticity.Based on these elements, in my opinion Lauren LaStrada and Shane Hagedorn were the biggest standouts of Wild Faith, the 2018 International Christian Film Festival runner-up for best movie award. They were so good it makes me want to see which movie won, for comparison.Lauren LaStrada and Shane Hagedorn knocked it out of the park. I can see why Lauren won Best Actress, she's so good it makes me want to be a producer just so I can give her a star vehicle.Shane Hagedorn played the perfect long-suffering man, suffering unjustly at the hands of a sanctimonious church.He showed a stalwart man brimming with intestinal fortitude, who didn't let himself be baited by friend, foe, or even family. Their portrayals were flawless. I particularly loved Melissa Anschutz as the native American tracker and look forward to checking out her other movies. I think she, like Shane and Lauren, have very bright careers ahead of them. I was also really intrigued by Christine Marie's portrayal of a dubious circus woman, and thought she had a very interesting performance (and was heartened by her character's true colors at the end).I despised the deceitful sheriff character, the misguided pastor, and was glad that character repented at the end. I had special enmity for the main bad guy, so my strong visceral reaction to them told me the characters were well-written (thanks to DJ Perry, writer), and that their acting was good.This movie is theologically sound, and I appreciated that. It could have been a movie about today's America. In many ways.

I absolutely loved this movie from begging to end! I was able to see it the 1st day it released. Kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Definitely one the best films I have seen in awhile, very well done!

Excellent film dealing with the aftermath of our horrific Civil War. Great writing that brings these people to life in Wild Michigan.

This look into post-Civil War Michigan tells the story of a veteran, a woman of color and the mood of the period. It will anger you, it will move you and it will excite you! Shane Hagedorn and Lauren Lastrada are casting at its finest. The dynamic between them, the complimenting cast and Jesse Low's superb direction, transforming Michigan today into an incredible painting of the past, bring the viewer in and makes him or her part of that moment. 10 bright shining stars!