Bart Millard and Amy Grant star in a scene from the movie "I Can Only Imagine." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. (CNS/Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions)

By Catholic News Service

Dennis Quaid brings his formidable talent to bear in this faith-driven drama, playing an abusive father whose conversion to evangelical Christianity inspired his son (John Michael Finley) to write the eponymous 2001 song, an unprecedented chart-topper that became popular even with nonbelievers.

Essentially a biography of Finley’s real-life counterpart, Bart Millard, directors and brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin’s film, which Jon Erwin co-wrote with Brent McCorkle, also traces his on-again, off-again romance with a friend from childhood (Madeline Carroll) and his struggle to achieve musical success under the guidance of his group’s dedicated manager (Trace Adkins). While its primary appeal will be to religious pop fans who, like the protagonist, would be star-struck on meeting genre icons Amy Grant (Nicole DuPort) and Michael W. Smith (Jake B. Miller), the movie offers uplifting entertainment that parents and teens can share without worry.

Mature themes, including marital discord and the physical abuse of a child. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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