Flywheel (2003)
Sherwood Pictures
Official Website

Product Release Date: 11/13/07
Length/Run Time: 114min

Cast: Alex Kendrick, Janet Lee Dapper
Produced By: Alex Kendrick
Directed By: Alex Kendrick

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Film Rating:


DVD Rating:


DVD DETAILS
Genre: Drama, Faith-Based
Studio: Sherwood Pictures
CC: English (US)
Sub: Spanish

DVD FEATURES
- The Making of Flywheel
- Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers
- Sneak Preview of Fireproof
- Outtakes
- Deleted Scenes
- New Bible Study Clips

Most people know about Facing The Giants and especially Fireproof, but not many are aware of the movie Flywheel. It's Sherwood Pictures first project and so unknown that I've seen people mistake it for being made after Facing The Giants and comment on its drop in production quality. However, Flywheel was made in 2003 and released soon after on DVD and did relatively well until Provident Films picked it up for even wider distribution after Facing The Giants was released. Everytime a new Sherwood film is released, a new wave of people find Flywheel.

The film is an excellent example of ultra low-budget filmmaking, and in some ways it shows. This isn't the most beautiful looking film in the world, and for sound it isn't a speaker testing reference disc. However the film has heart, and a story that will resonate with its viewer. I find it to be my favorite Sherwood film, not just for the story itself, but for what the film represents. It's a must have for the Christian filmmaker. With over 200,000 units sold to date, let it be a motivator to give you some juice when you think things are too hard or impossible to end in success. Make sure you pick this thing up!

Special Features: Flywheel has a good list of features for those interested. The Commentary and Making-Of features are excellent, making this disc worth the purchase.

The Making of Flywheel - This is a great documentary. This film is a low-budget gem, so there is much to be said on how it was made and what it took to get to completion. You get to see how all the little puzzle pieces fit together, and how the Lord brought this entire film to where you see it now. I wont say anything more, watch this. If it isn't inspiring, then there is something wrong with you!

Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers - This commentary is another favorite of mine, and the Kendricks once again manage to make it very entertaining, and resourceful. Flywheel is a low-budget movie, so there are always funny little stories that go behind how something was done. Someone used to using smaller budgets, active locations for shooting, volunteers, etc. will find this commentary amusing. Many things are joked about that I find relatable, problems to be exact. This also includes some good spiritual truth that coensides with the story. This is worth your time.

Sneak Preview of Fireproof - Not that this would be of much value now that Fireproof is released, but this is still a humorous little preview from the Kendrick Brothers. You can tell how funny these two must be whenever they're around each other.

Outtakes - Outtakes on a film like this are plenty, and hilarious. The lack of professional actors working on the film means more mistakes, and more mistakes means more bloopers! These are worth a look :)

Deleted Scenes - Deleted scenes are a good way to see other ideas the filmmakers had. It's just a further insight into the story.

Bible Study Clips - This is wonderful for Pastors, Youth Leaders, etc. that want to use the film for sermons, bible studies, sunday school, or whatever else they want! Certain clips from the film are available to play on command to tie into your lesson. Not many Christian films do this and I wish more did. Don't just give people a film they can use, give it to them in this manner as well so they can use it easier to reach people. This film would be excellent, especially for mens groups and men who are married or with children.