What If...

In the 2010 family-friendly movie, What If..., starring Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson, and John Ratzenberger, the story revolves around the concept of examining life's decisions from a different perspective. What if the path not taken, the choice not made, the door left unopened were to suddenly become the reality of your existence? It’s an exploration of the ageless question of ‘what if’ that uses a unique combination of faith, humor, and heart in an attempt to deepen our understanding of life’s challenges and opportunities.

The movie narrative is centered around the main protagonist, Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), a successful businessman. Fifteen years ago, Ben chose a high-powered investment banking career over his college sweetheart, Wendy (Kristy Swanson) and their shared calling towards ministry. This decision projected him into a materialistic and career-oriented life, thriving in the corporate world, far removed from the life he once envisioned.

Ben attributes his successes to the decisions he made years ago, and he believes he has everything he needs. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters an angelic visitation in the guise of a jovial tow-truck driver, Mike (John Ratzenberger), during a routine trip. This unexpected meeting leads to a "supernatural" episode where Ben wakes up in an alternate reality where his 'what ifs' come to life.

In this new life, Ben is living the life he would have had if he had followed a different path. He's happily married to Wendy, they have two daughters, and he's the new pastor in town. Initially, the new world seems foreign and uncomfortable to Ben, who has no memory of this life. This alternate reality presents Ben with a chance to experience the life he missed out on, one filled with love, caring, community and faith, far from his corporate, ambitious existence.

It's a powerful confrontation for Ben, who must grapple with the shocking transformation and the resultant questions about choices, love, family, and faith. Above all, it highlights the importance of making the right choices and living a meaningful life. Will he stick with the comfortable existence he’s always known or will he embrace this newfound path that could be more fulfilling?

What If... is directed by Dallas Jenkins and presents an earnest, amusing yet profound exploration of life's choices and their consequences. It is undergirded by a strong Christian message that sparks contemplation about how different life can be when guided by faith and the difference one can make when heeding a higher calling.

Kevin Sorbo, famous for his role in the hit series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, portrays Ben Walker's character in an engaging way, displaying not only the rigidity of his corporate controlled exterior but also the vulnerability and the confusion of his new life. Kristy Swanson embodies Wendy with an endearing mix of strength, warmth and faith that beautifully contrasts Ben’s hard-hearted ambition. John Ratzenberger’s portrayal of Mike, the sage tow truck driver, is equally compelling, adding an element of wisdom and humor that adds gravitas to the film’s message.

What If... is more than just a tale about second chances or reversed fates. It's a content-rich film that challenges viewers to evaluate the trajectory of their lives and their priorities. It's a well-wrought film that offers compelling performances and a compelling message, wrapped in humor and warm sentimentality.

The film portrays a journey of character growth and transformation, juxtaposing materialism and ambition with family, love, and faith. It encourages its audience to evaluate their choices and consider the path they've chosen and, perhaps, the path they’ve dismissed. It does so with genuine humor, charm, and warmth, taking viewers on a journey that is both thought-provoking and touching.

The heartfelt performances by the cast, the relatable story, and the resonating theme of retrospection and redemption make What If... a poignant viewing experience sure to leave audiences in deep contemplation about their own 'what ifs'.

In essence, What If... is a story about a life unexplored, about choices and paths that could have been but were left untaken, and it presents it in an engaging, heartfelt manner. Enjoy this heartwarming film that will make you laugh, make you cry, and even make you think about the choices you've made in your own life.