Movie Review: The Theory of Everything

By Donald James Parker

I find it interesting (and also a little disturbing) when the director of a movie plays one of the lead roles.  I wonder how someone can do that successfully, since it is almost impossible to be objective about one's own performance. David DeVos seems to pull it off okay in this movie.  However, I think Victor Lundin steals the show as a mentally impaired, sweet-and-sour old man who is searching for the theory of everything–which will scientifically prove the existence of God.  Frances Black portrays the wife very nicely in her film debut.   David's real wife, Stephanie, was a co-producer of the movie.  Both children in the movie were David and Stephanie's real-life daughters. The oldest child reminded me of the middle daughter on Full House. One reviewer said that the actors acted naturally, giving the appearance of not acting at all.  In my estimation, being real should always be the goal of an actor, so in that regard this movie could be considered successful.

An interesting story almost has to bring an element of tension to the table. There is definite conflict in this movie between individuals.  More important, perhaps, was the inner conflict in the hearts, minds, and spirits of the main characters.  Some of the conflict was resolved through application of God's word and some wasn't. That's realistic. Problems stacked on top of problems describing the life some of us lead.  They don't always disappear, and if they do, the resolution is not normally an overnight process.  There are a few action scenes which stirred the heart, but for the most part the story deals with the cerebral nature of faith, relationships, and business.   

The basic theme of this movie is faith.  It is a message to those who can't believe without seeing.  Also involved is the idea of returning to one's faith that has been put on a shelf.  We see that happen with the husband as he takes his concentration off his business and focuses on God and family.  I was hoping for more science to be presented in this flick, due to the name, but the theory of everything involved mostly mathematics and some scientific terminology that went way over my head, leaving me wondering if that material was bogus.  One of the pleasant aspects of the film was watching the wife support her husband in trying to establish a relationship with his father.  Their marriage starts recovering from the doldrums when they come together as a team in their mission of mercy.

There were a few scenes shot from inside and outside an airplane.  I found this an interesting diversion.  Other than that, the cinematography was adequate, but nothing unusual. That pretty much describes the movie as well.  I had difficulty finding the ending believable and not pondering the consequences of what was done.  Despite the shortcomings, I'd still recommend this as an interesting film.  On a five star rating system, I'd give it almost a 3.75.  It probably won't be something you'll want to watch multiple times, but it was certainly worth the ride once.

As a counter-weight here, David Mackey of Christian and Family Film Reviews listed this as one of his least favorite films, which he wouldn't recommend to anyone.   That brings up the topic of differences in taste and the rating system.  In Christian films, you also have to consider the testimony aspect.  I recently watched a movie that I thought was horrible.  Several people have given their hearts to God after watching it.  I lent it to a co-worker who said it was pretty cool.  Remember to take all reviews with a grain of salt.  One man's treasure is another man's junk.

About the author:  Donald James Parker is a novelist and computer programmer who resides in Puyallup, Washington.  Check out his website at www.donaldjamesparker.com?tcp.

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