inspirational

I Can Only Imagine — From Song to Movie to Viral Cover and a Sequel on the Way

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

Some songs don’t just play in the background — they stay with you. They surface in quiet moments, in grief, in gratitude, in worship. “I Can Only Imagine” is one of those rare songs.

When MercyMe’s Bart Millard first wrote it, he wasn’t chasing a hit. He was processing a lifetime of pain, forgiveness, and redemption — especially the complicated relationship with his father that would ultimately shape the song’s meaning. What followed was something no one could have predicted. “I Can Only Imagine” became one of the most-played and best-selling Christian songs of all time, earning multi-platinum status and embedding itself into the lives of listeners around the world.

Years later, that song became a story on the big screen. In 2018, I Can Only Imagine arrived in theaters as a modest, faith-based independent film — and quietly became a phenomenon. Word of mouth carried it from church groups to mainstream audiences, eventually driving the film to nearly $86 million worldwide. For many viewers, it wasn’t just a movie night. It was a deeply personal experience — one that reminded them of their own journeys with faith, family, and forgiveness.

Now, that story is finding new life once again.

As anticipation builds for I Can Only Imagine 2 — opening in theaters nationwide on February 20, 2026 — the song that started it all is resonating with a new generation of listeners. And unexpectedly, that resurgence has been fueled by a familiar voice from an entirely different world.

Todd Hoffman — known to many from Gold Rush — recorded a heartfelt cover of “I Can Only Imagine” for the first film’s online promotion. There were no grand expectations. Just a simple performance, grounded in sincerity. And once again, people leaned in.

The video began spreading organically. On YouTube, it climbed past 2.7 million views, carried not by algorithms alone but by people sharing it with intention. On Facebook, the response was immediate and emotional — surpassing one million views in less than two days, and continuing on to more than 10 million plus views as friends tagged friends and families shared it with their own reflections attached. The song didn’t stay in one place; it moved through timelines, private messages, and comment sections filled with personal stories.

Instagram echoed that momentum in its own way. Clips tied to the song and the upcoming sequel sparked strong engagement, with fans stopping mid-scroll to listen, reflect, and respond. And on Twitter, the video traveled through retweets and reactions — short, simple posts that said everything a metric couldn’t: this still matters.

But the most telling response wasn’t in the numbers.

It was in the comments.

People described the cover as beautiful. Inspiring. Exactly what I needed today. Others admitted it brought them to tears, or gave them chills hearing a familiar song through a new voice. Many paired the music with their excitement for the sequel — sharing memories of what the original film meant to them and anticipation for what’s coming next.

That reaction reveals why this story endures.

I Can Only Imagine has never been just about a song or a movie. It’s about what happens when honesty meets hope — when brokenness finds grace. The original film told the story of how a painful past gave birth to a powerful message. The upcoming sequel continues that journey, carrying forward the same heart, faith, and emotional truth that audiences connected with the first time.

As I Can Only Imagine 2 prepares to open in theaters nationwide on February 20, 2026, the renewed response to the song — and to Todd Hoffman’s cover — feels less like nostalgia and more like a reminder.

Some stories don’t fade. They wait for the right moment to be heard again.

Whether through a song, a cover, or a seat in a movie theater, I Can Only Imagine continues to invite us to pause — to reflect — and to imagine something greater, together.

Dave Almgren – Two Pastors Popcorn and a Movie Podcast

It’s A Beautiful Day to Be Kind!

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

The new movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood hits theaters Friday November 22, 2019 (the Friday before Thanksgiving).  This is a must see movie for everyone that is high school age and beyond. Why you say? Because we need to be reminded what it is like to live in a world that is kind and respectful. The culture we live in today needs a fresh dose of kindness and I believe Mister Rogers delivers that message with precision in this movie.

Fred Rogers was one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century. He conveyed Gospel principles to millions, using stories instead of sermons.

In the film, Fred’s love for Jesus is made self-evident through his ability to see the inner child in everyone. He makes his friend Lloyd feel known and heard. He sees and accepts Lloyd as a child of God.

As Mark 12:31 says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
(The Holy Bible, NIV) In today’s world, we all need to be reminded of the power of love and the importance of saying, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Here are a few suggestions on how to demonstrate kindness from the Beautiful Day website:

 

  • Write a thank you note to the people in your life who have loved you into being.
  • Complete random acts of kindness in your community. Possible ideas: leave encouraging notes for others to find, post a positive review for a company, befriend someone new.
  • Offer someone a genuine compliment today.
  • Volunteer with a local nonprofit and give back to your neighborhood.
  • Coordinate a donation bin for people in need.
  • Check your road rage at the car door and practice being neighborly on the road.
  • Visit with the elderly at a nearby retirement home.
  • Participate in a neighborhood clean-up to inspire others to care for the environment.
  • Is someone moving into your neighborhood? Greet them with a knock on the door and perhaps a small housewarming gift.
  • Make an anonymous donation to a charity of your choice.
  • Host a neighborhood gathering (like a dinner party) to bless your immediate community.

 

It’s a beautiful day to be kind! Let’s put the fruit of the spirit into practice everyday and not just during the holidays. 

Thanks for your time.

Dave Almgren – Faith and Family Films

Here is the official synopsis from the Sony / Affirm Web site.

Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about kindness, love and forgiven

Check out the official trailer for the movie;

 

Here is the Heart of the Story video for some back story on the film;

 

 

Resources:

Here are some resources you can use to bring the message of neighborly love to your church and community! http://resources.abeautifulday.movie/

When The Game Stands Tall

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

 

When The Game Stands Tall

When The Game Stands Tall is in production in New Orleans and is slated to hit theaters in the Fall of 2014 (Sony Affirm Films). I have to say that I am excited to see this movie because of the lead actor (Jim Caviezel) who plays the coach in the movie.  Jim is a good actor and I really have enjoyed his film work over the years. I always remember the movie “Frequency” and loved the story and the father son relationship in Frequency.  Anyway – back to “When The Game Stands Tall.”  As I read the description for the film I am enthusiastic about the film because it is a sports film that in the end is not about sports. Sports is the vehicle that was used by the coach to teach the lessons of life to the high school kids in his care. It’s not about winning – but rather putting forth your best effort. Teaching about values, life and loss. The real stuff that happens in life and the game of footballs help high schooler’s prepare to navigate thru their journey.

So based upon what I see so far . . .

I am marking my calendar to see “When The Game Stands Tall” August 22,  2014!

Here is the Films Description:
When The Game Stands Tall – which tells the true story of legendary De La Salle High School football Coach Bob Ladouceur, (Caviezel), and his assistant coach Terry Eidson, (Chiklis), who took the Concord California Spartans prep team from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak from 1992 to 2003 that shattered all records for consecutive victories in any American sport. Known as “Coach Lad”, Ladouceur had little experience coaching football when he was hired at De La Salle, but through his unyielding focus on character-building, faith, responsibility and commitment, created one of the country’s greatest football dynasties.

Inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame and widely considered the greatest prep football coach of all time, Ladouceur’s spectacular achievements during his 34 years with the De La Salle Spartans include a historic 12-year, 151-game run of consecutive wins, 20 undefeated seasons, seven national titles, five CIF Bowl championships, 17 state championships and 28 CIF North Coast titles. When Ladouceur retired in January 2013, he was the all-time winningest coach in California having amassed one of the highest-winning percentage of any coach (.934 percent) with his 399-25-3 record.

“On the surface, it appears that these players just won a lot of football games, but what makes this story so special is that this is a coach who placed little value on winning, instead focusing his players on giving ‘a perfect effort’ in life,” said producer David Zelon. “Underneath it is a resounding testimonial about how much more kids can achieve when they are challenged with responsibility and commitment.”

Here is a trailer for When The Game Stands Tall:

42 is a Must See Movie!!

| Faith and Family Flicks News and Notes

ImageThis past week I had the chance to preview the new film called “42”. This is the story about Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. This is a film that engages and inspires you well beyond the credits.  I say this because of the multiple layers in the movie and the fact that the movie is based upon a true story. The acting was superb and allowed you to become invested in the characters. The film is cut well, has high production value and the story keeps you engaged throughout the entire 128 minutes. This film is part love story, a lesson in over coming adversity, an inspirational story and a history lesson that leaves you thinking beyond the credits about the man, his mission and commitment to do things right.

I have to say I have followed baseball over the years and have been very familiar with Jackie Robinson and his life in baseball. Or at least I thought I did . . . But there are a few things that I learned from this film regarding the era, Jackie, his life and his convictions.

42 is a must see movie that will inspire you to do what is right. Challenge you to stand up for what you believe in and motivate you to stay the course.   Jackie Robinson is truly an American legend who changed baseball and also challenge the nation to make a change in the right direction regarding race.  I overheard some younger people in the audience that stated “who is Jackie Robinson?” I would imagine there are many from younger generations that are being introduced to Jackie and his story for the very first time. Mr Robinson is the kind of hero that we need today. Thank you Warner Brothers for telling the story and thank you Jackie for your example and staying the course!!

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About the movie:
“42” based on a true story of two men-Jackie Robinson, the baseball great who broke the Major League color barrier, and Branch Rickey, the iconic Brooklyn Dodger GM who brought Robinson to the team. Their brave stand against racism forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. “Your enemy will be out in force, but you cannot meet him on his own low ground”……..”I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back.”- Branch Rickey

Cast:
Harrison Ford (Branch Rickey), Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson), Nicole Beharie (Rachel Robinson), Christopher Meloni (Leo Durocher), Lucas Black (Pee Wee Reese)

Release Date:
4/12/2013

Rating:
PG-13

Running Time:
128 minutes