I've long been a fan of Indiana faith-based filmmaker George A. Johnson, creator of such engaging films as Thy Neighbor, Pulled From Darkness, and Homeless for the Holidays among others. Johnson steps back into the holiday season for his latest film, the A Christmas Carol inspired musical Carol. 

Carol had a brief theatrical release earlier in the holiday season with indie distributor Family Movie Events. The film tells the story of Solomon Lynch (Aaron Fullan, Surprised by Oxford), a self-centered and not particularly likable slacker whose Scrooge-like tendencies seem to dominate the small, struggling town of Springdale, Indiana. As one might expect, Solomon's ways attract the attention of the real Scrooge (Paul Kandarian, Pursuit of Freedom) leading to a Christmas Eve musical journey through Solomon's past (Meggie Jenny), present (Robert Amaya), and future (Sharonne Lanier). 

While the bones of this tale are familiar, rest assured that there's a few unique twists and turns along the way along with original tunes, also orchestrated by Fullan. Fullan also crafted the film's original score. 

In addition to finding its inspirational in Dickens, the film also finds its roots in James Tew's stage play. Tew is here as an executive producer alongside his wife Shannon Tew. 

Carol is a mighty ambitious film featuring what is easily Johnson's most well-known cast to date including the likes of up-and-comer Fullan, scene-stealer Kandarian, and Robert Amaya, a faith-based cinematic icon whose presence blesses any film he works in. In fact, if you're watching closely you'll see that Carol is truly a familiar affair for the Amaya family with Robert's wife Colleen also here along with Sophia and Angelina Amaya. Sharonne Lanier, a frequent presence in faith-based cinema, is also here and lights up the screen with her presence. For those familiar with Johnson's work, you'll recognize a few faces. 

Carol possesses Johnson's usual hopefulness with core messages that will resonate with faith-based moviegoers. The film's stage roots are obvious throughout - even the film's musical numbers feel as if we've walked into a community theatre production where it's the heart that draws us in. 

While the holiday season is behind us, for those who appreciate the more traditional side of faith-based cinema Carol serves up A Christmas Carol with a strong core of faith and an undeniably heartwarming family message. While I will confess I find Carol to be on the lower-end of Johnson's cinematic spectrum, I'll always make room for ambitious, faith-based, and life-affirming cinema. In the end, I have no doubt that Carol will resonate with quite a few faith-based movie-goers and may even very well become a treasured holiday tradition.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic