The Wager (2007 film)

Synopsis

An actor at the pinnacle of his Hollywood career finds himself buckling to temptation after he accepts the lead in a classic tale of good versus evil. Michael Steele (Randy Travis) has just been nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. In the wake of that announcement, Michael is cast in what may be the role of a lifetime.

He's set to play the lead in an incredible story of monumental conflict, but will all of the swirling gossip around Michael cause him to stumble on the path of righteousness? His marriage is in jeopardy and his career is on the line. This man who has always tried to do the right thing must find the courage and conviction needed to set his life straight.

Cast

Release

The Wager was released theatrically on June 27, 2007. It was released to churches by Outreach Cinema, a Christian group that organizes showings of faith-based film at churches nationwide. Christian distribution company Pure Flix Entertainment released the film to DVD on May 13. The Wager was one of 14 Christian films featured at the 2008 Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival. It was also featured at the REAL LIFE Film Festival.

Reception

Brett McCracken of Christianity Today gave the film 1/2 out of 4 stars, saying, "Quite simply, and across the board, The Wager is not a good film. But as a "Christian" film, with its low budget and artistic limitations, it at least gives a good try..." Movieguide Magazine said, "The Wager is produced well. The camerawork, the editing, and the direction capture your attention... The script loses its focus two or three times and could have been fixed ahead of time... Overall, however, the movie works very well and the filmmakers should be commended."