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Sequel Fails to Replicate Original's Magic
17 Feb
Summary
- Sequel struggles to create compelling narrative from MercyMe's hits.
- Film's plot relies on a contrived reconciliation and dubious health recovery.
- Unnecessary follow-up smacks of a cash grab, failing to impress.
The follow-up to the 2018 hit "I Can Only Imagine," titled "I Can Only Imagine 2," explores the backstory of another MercyMe song, "Even If." It centers on lead singer Bart Millard, who, despite career success, grapples with memories of his abusive father and a tense relationship with his son, Sam, who has type 1 diabetes. The narrative attempts to explore Bart's writer's block and his struggles to be a better father.
Adding a charismatic but ill opening act, Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia), brings some much-needed levity, though his character's ongoing battle with cancer adds dramatic weight. However, the script, co-directed by Brent McCorkle and Andrew Erwin, struggles to weave these elements into a cohesive and engaging story. The film concludes with Bart reconciling with Sam and performing "Even If" at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
The film takes liberties with facts, such as the timeline of Timmons' cancer diagnosis and the location of the song's premiere. Despite strong performances from Ventimiglia and Trace Adkins, the sequel is deemed laborious, dull, and ultimately an unnecessary cash grab that fails to justify its existence.
