The world is your classroom...
From Growing Pains to growing faith, award-winning actor Kirk Cameron has always projected a casual confidence that compels many and, if we're being honest, repels others. Twice nominated for Golden Globe Awards for his work as Mike Seaver in the late 80s and early 90s, the now 51-year-old Cameron these days garners more attention for his life as an evangelical Christian than for his on-screen performances. Married to former Growing Pains castmate Chelsea Noble since 1991, the couple now has six children and are well known in evangelical circles and beyond for their evangelical faith and their dedication to homeschooling.
Kirk Cameron Presents The Homeschool Awakening is a Fathom Event scheduled for June 13th & 14th in theaters nationwide and continues Cameron's uncompromising advocacy for homeschooling as the best option for children.
If you already know you don't agree with Cameron, The Homeschool Awakening isn't going to change your mind.
If you do agree with Cameron? The Homeschool Awakening is most certainly for you.
With The Homeschool Awakening, Cameron dives into the adventures of dynamic American families on a mission to, as Cameron puts it, put fun and faith back into learning. There's no denying that Cameron feels strongly that parents have a primary responsibility for what goes into their children's hearts and minds, a key motivation for Cameron's firm belief in the necessity and vitality of homeschooling. The Homeschool Awakening explores the ins, outs, and honest answers to homeschooling’s most frequently asked questions.
Vibrantly written and directed by longtime Cameron collaborator Caleb Price, The Homeschool Awakening weaves together conversations and testimonials by a handful of of families who were, almost without exception, intimidated by the idea of homeschooling but who ultimately embraced the challenges and embraced it as an opportunity to offer their children the world as a classroom.
The discussions had in The Homeschool Awakening will likely be familiar for anyone who has experienced homeschooling from such questions as "Don't the children get lonely?" and "Am I qualified to teach my child?" to the practical, and at times financial, concerns around having one parent dedicate themselves to adopting a teaching role in their children's lives. As one would expect, Cameron is unwavering in his enthusiasm for homeschooling and also unwavering in his belief that nearly all of these questions and challenges can be effectively addressed.
The families presented throughout The Homeschool Awakening are uniformly engaging and influential in their discussions around homeschooling, though one can't help but wish that Cameron had broadened his message outside Ventura, California, a California city with a median annual household income just under $90,000. There are important issues around homeschooling that aren't effectively addressed in The Homeschool Awakening, though it's important to note that Cameron is clearly aiming the film at those who already lean toward embracing his views on homeschooling. Indeed, The Homeschool Awakening is an uncompromising faith-based film with Cameron firmly advocating for both faith and family being essential ingredients in the education of American children.
Lensing by Price with Joshua Stutzman is pristine and energizing throughout The Homeschool Awakening and one could easily see The Homeschool Awakening having a much longer life after its theatrical run. While Cameron's naysayers won't be convinced, The Homeschool Awakening ultimately isn't for them and it's easy to believe that anyone who has been on the fence with homeschooling may very well find Cameron and his ensemble's enthusiasm and discussions influential enough to sway them into the world of homeschooling.
While it's hard not to wish that The Homeschool Awakening had gone even deeper in its discussions, Kirk Cameron Presents The Homeschool Awakening is an enthusiastic introduction into homeschooling that answers the questions, addresses the myths, and encourages a nationwide awakening toward homeschooling for families nationwide.
Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic
