Do you have to choose between a good movie and an inspirational one?

I watched fireproof. i heard a lot about it and I wanted to see for myself.
To my own surprise, I liked it a lot.
Of course this is not the greatest movie ever, but I really really liked the style, the plot and the message. That was a good reflection of reality, with surprises, touching moments and the characters have some depth. (I said some).
I've read this very good review, and I agree with most of what he says.
I was surprised that the movie didn't seem pushy at all to me. It's obviously a "christian" movie, but I don't see why it's more shocking than a "mystery" movie. I think it's a genre of its own. The mystery movie involve a mystery to solve, the christian movie involve a value to defend.
I think fireproof does an excellent job in defending marriage. It's quite realistic. I see how a husband and wife can slowly drift away without even seeing it happen. And when they are apart they are "naturally" driven to divorce. It seems like a logical conclusion.

I see it all around everyday. Lately we received a new resident who has many problems. One of them is his relationship with his wife. They have only 4 years of marriage but they decided to divorce. When he picked up the papers he realized that was not going to be that easy (NY state laws doesn't allow divorce for irreconcilable differences). He was wondering why it's so difficult to get a divorce when it's so easy to get into a marriage...
I can't but agree with that. How come there is no preparation to marriage by the state? Only the church provides counseling and workshop... At least a list of recommended workshops and books would probably save some marriage.
During our marriage preparation I realized I had a communication problem. The preparation helped me express my feelings, and with some work on both parts I can safely say that we don't have big problems anymore.

Back to fireproof, the movie was partly criticized for mixing a conversion with the process of saving the marriage. And why not? I mean this is a fiction. And I think they're doing a very nice job at comparing the husband, complaining about his wife indifference, with God's love, rejected. I don't think it was that awful or repellent to non-believers. I think it explains very clearly the christian take on the world.

This being said I wouldn't call it the best movie of all times, but I really enjoyed it and it did its job to encourage me as a wife.

The website of the movie also promotes a book with tips to resuscitate your marriage. And why not? I mean every single movie comes out with side products, like Mc Donalds toys and books, so why not a fireproof book of advices?
And if it can help some couples.. all the better!

I mean come on people, stop critizing beyond reason. You can complain about the poor acting of some characters, or about the previsibility, but don't complain that the movie conveys a message, every movie does!
You don't want to hear it? Then don't watch it!
(for example I have no interest in watching facing the giants, or Marley and me.. )

One more review on the movie, which sounds a very fair one to me.
Have you seen Fireproof? What did you think of it?
(I've seen it on megavideo, but I'd gladly go to a theater!)

Also if you're looking for marriage tips I would recommend reading Chapman's the 5 languages of love, and trying out this website.