{"id":14087,"date":"2025-07-25T15:23:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T22:23:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=14087"},"modified":"2025-07-25T15:23:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T22:23:45","slug":"what-if-everything-you-want-in-a-faith-based-family-movie-wholesome-story-relatable-characters-and-familiar-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2025\/what-if-everything-you-want-in-a-faith-based-family-movie-wholesome-story-relatable-characters-and-familiar-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"What If\u2026 * Everything You Want In A Faith-Based Family Movie &#8212; Wholesome Story, Relatable Characters, And Familiar Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-14088\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-_-Poster-1.jpg?resize=121%2C215&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"121\" height=\"215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-_-Poster-1.jpg?resize=169%2C300&amp;ssl=1 169w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-_-Poster-1.jpg?w=394&amp;ssl=1 394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 121px) 100vw, 121px\" \/> Dallas Jenkins, creator of <em>The Chosen<\/em>, proudly reintroduces his heartfelt family film <em>What If\u2026.<\/em> Still popular after its release 15 years ago, this faith-filled classic was inspired by Dallas Jenkins\u2019s favorite film, <em>It\u2019s a Wonderful Life<\/em> and follows Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), a businessman who abandoned his faith. One day, Ben wakes up living the life he was destined for \u2014 married to his college sweetheart (Kristy Swanson) and serving as a small-town pastor. Featuring memorable performances by John Ratzenberger and Debby Ryan, the film blends humor, heart, and powerful family themes. To mark its 15th anniversary, Jenkins reunites with Sorbo, Swanson, Ratzenberger, and producer Michael Scott to reflect on its lasting impact in a special feature shown after the film. Don\u2019t miss this opportunity to experience What If\u2019s inspiring message on the big screen, inviting audiences to reflect on their own \u201cwhat if\u201d moments and find hope through faith.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, \u201c<em>What If\u2026 <\/em>is everything you would want in a faith-based family movie.\u00a0 A wholesome story, relatable characters, and familiar issues make it clear that, even though this film was released in 2010, it is relevant to our lives today.\u201d Jude A. adds, \u201cI like <em>What If<\/em> \u2026 because of its faith-based storyline, the bond of love and nature, the blends of humor, a heartfelt relationship, and a powerful family theme.\u201d See their full reviews and interview with lead, Kevin Sorbo, below.<\/p>\n<p>What If\u2026<br \/>\nBy Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_LWA8WZEOB8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14090 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-BTS-2.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-BTS-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-BTS-2.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/>What If\u2026 <\/em>is everything you would want in a faith-based family movie.\u00a0 A wholesome story, relatable characters, and familiar issues make it clear that, even though this film was released in 2010, it is relevant to our lives today.<\/p>\n<p>The storyline tells the tale of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo) who has lived the wildly successful life of a business executive. He loves his life, or seems to, until God and an angel named Mike (John Ratzenberger) decide to flip the script on Ben\u2019s current situation. What follows is Ben\u2019s chance to understand that money isn\u2019t everything, and to catch a glimpse of what his life could have been if he had answered God\u2019s call.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fun5hHOZI3M?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-14096\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-4.jpg?resize=250%2C141&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-4.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-4.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>I love how wholesome everything is in this film &#8212; no hidden messaging or polarized viewpoints, just an honest, pure, family friendly movie.\u00a0 Kevin Sorbo portrays all the different emotions of Ben Walker as his entire life is turned upside down, with laughable results. \u00a0From asking Mike the Angel about what just happened and what he is doing here, to learning how to become a father and husband, Ben has his hands full, and Kevin Sorbo delivers that beautifully. His new family made up of his wife Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and their two daughters Kimberly (Debby Ryan) and Megan (Taylor Groothuis) add to the chemistry and eventfulness of his newfound life.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-14095 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-3.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-3.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-3.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/>The contrasts between the big city of Ben\u2019s old life and the small town of his new reality further strengthen the point that status isn\u2019t always needed to be happy. My favorite part of this film is all of Ben\u2019s interactions with Mike. This angel has a wonderful sense of humor, and he uses all of it on Ben by deflecting his accusations with kindness and laughter. Eventually, even Ben learns to enjoy his comments and puns.<\/p>\n<p>This film\u2019s message is to appreciate your second chances. Before Ben\u2019s meeting with God and Mike, he was only interested in making money, and lots of it. Now that he\u2019s been given a second chance to see the true meaning of life, and what he has been missing, he will never be the same man he was before.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>What If\u2026 <\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film returns to theaters for its 15<sup>th<\/sup> anniversary on August 5 and 7, 2025 as special screenings via Fathom Events.<\/p>\n<p><em>What If<\/em> \u2026<br \/>\nBy Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_UvLDigToB8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14093 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-1.jpg?resize=113%2C170&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"113\" height=\"170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-1.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-1.jpg?w=466&amp;ssl=1 466w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px\" \/>I like <em>What If<\/em> \u2026 because of its faith-based storyline, the bond of love and nature, the blends of humor, a heartfelt relationship, and a powerful family theme.<\/p>\n<p>The storyline is about a businessman who abandons his faith in exchange for worldly possessions. He gets a chance to see what his life would be like if he had followed his faith.<\/p>\n<p>I like how love is displayed in such a powerful way. I like that Ben (Kevin Sorbo) and Wendy\u2019s (Kristy Swanson) love is unbreakable, and they stick together as one big happy family. I did not like how Ben was stubborn and rude with God and how he brags about himself \u2013 he comes across as too prideful and arrogant. I do like how he shows kindness to the receptionist in the hospital. The main characters are Ben Walker, Wendy, Kimberly (Debby Ryan), Megan (Taylor Groothuis), and Mike the angel (John Ratzenberger).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-14098\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-6.jpg?resize=250%2C141&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-6.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-Still-6.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>Ben Walker is in an accident and wakes up in a dream and starts living the life he was destined for.\u00a0 He marries a girl named Wendy and becomes a lead pastor at a small-town church.\u00a0 There are many funny scenes, like one where the angel hits Ben too close to his eyes and then he teleports.\u00a0 Also, at times Ben talks and no one understands what he says, not even his wife. This movie has a lot of sad moments \u2013 three scenes made me cry. The costumes are ok, although I did not like Mike&#8217;s old rusted costume, but I love Ben&#8217;s nice suit. I love the graphics because the quality is crisp although it\u2019s an old movie. I like the office where he proposes, the house, especially the bedroom with the green decor.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14089 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-BTS-1.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-BTS-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WI-BTS-1.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/>And lastly I like the church, when the congregation is speechless after Ben\u2019s speech. I also love the music, but the audio has some issues.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message is that you should always put God first in everything you do, no matter what, whether you are rich or poor, wise or fool; you should always follow the plan and the purpose that God has predestined for you.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>What If\u2026 <\/em>4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film returns to theaters for its 15<sup>th<\/sup> anniversary on August 5 and 7, 2025, via Fathom Events.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I7vv8IUOWbY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, proudly reintroduces his heartfelt family film What If\u2026. Still popular after its release 15 years ago, this faith-filled classic was inspired by Dallas Jenkins\u2019s favorite film, It\u2019s a Wonderful Life and follows Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), a businessman who abandoned his faith. One day, Ben wakes up living the life he was destined for \u2014 married to his college sweetheart (Kristy Swanson) and serving as a small-town pastor. Featuring memorable performances by John Ratzenberger and Debby Ryan, the film blends humor, heart, and powerful family themes. To mark its 15th anniversary, Jenkins reunites with Sorbo, Swanson, Ratzenberger, and producer Michael Scott to reflect on its lasting impact in a special feature shown after the film. Don\u2019t miss this opportunity to experience What If\u2019s inspiring message on the big screen, inviting audiences to reflect on their own \u201cwhat if\u201d moments and find hope through faith.<br \/>\nKIDS FIRST! Film Critic Braedyn M. comments, \u201cWhat If\u2026 is everything you would want in a faith-based family movie.  A wholesome story, relatable characters, and familiar issues make it clear that, even though this film was released in 2010, it is relevant to our lives today.\u201d Jude A. adds, \u201cI like What If \u2026 because of its faith-based storyline, the bond of love and nature, the blends of humor, a heartfelt relationship, and a powerful family theme.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[9427,9421,1783,1634,2373,9425,4374,9415,203,9417,9418,9429,1207,5705,32,1668,2359,9426,1458,9413,9414,1166,9423,9422,9424,9419,9416,9428,9420],"class_list":["post-14087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-best-christian-movies","tag-bible-study","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-christian-movie","tag-christian-movies","tag-clean-streaming","tag-dallas-jenkins","tag-debby-ryan","tag-faith","tag-faith-based-films","tag-faith-based-movies","tag-faith-based","tag-family","tag-family-entertainment","tag-family-movies","tag-film","tag-inspiration","tag-inspirational-movies","tag-john-ratzenberger","tag-kevin-sorbo","tag-kristy-swanson","tag-movie-reviews","tag-pure-flix","tag-pure-flix-movies","tag-pureflix","tag-reunion","tag-taylor-groothuis","tag-the-chosen","tag-what-if"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3Fd","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14087"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14087\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14100,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14087\/revisions\/14100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}