The Investigator (II) (2013) User Reviews (12)

starsI'LL SLAP YOUR FACE OFF YOUR HEAD

[nogodnomasters · 5/10 · 25 November 2018]

This is a story inspired by the lives of Rich and Ray Romano and a Josh McDowell book. Ray (David Sanborn) is a movie star who envies his brother Rich (Wade Williams) who is a policeman and helps people. Unfortunately Wade Williams is not much of an actor. Rich envies Ray who went after his dream, as Rich's first choice was to play center field for the Yankees.

Rich has a bad month where his wife (Nicole Abisinio) loses her child and he is forced to retire. Rich denounces God in front of his brother, showing off some really bad acting skills. As God closes a door, he opens a window and Rich, with the help of Ray, scores a job as a baseball coach and government teacher at a Christian school. Here he coaches a team, deals with students and has a courtroom investigation scene on whether or not Jesus existed...all carefully crafted and aimed at the doubting high school teen. It should be good enough to keep them in belief at least until college or prom night.

The film is formula. Wade Wilson was absolutely lousy in this role, looking like a deer in the headlights. In fact he looked that way so much, they put it on the DVD cover. I found the plot cringe worthy and I think I could have written a better Jesus debate. The use of the JFK assassination report as evidence of a government lie should have been left out as it lacked the proper insight,

Could have been better. Rich Romano plays a bit part as Officer Romano.

Did I mention Wade Wilson really sucked?

Inspiring, challenging, reflects Christian values eventually

[vchimpanzee · 4 December 2018]

This is not a squeaky clean G-rated family film. It had a TV-14 rating when I saw it, and a symbol in the end credits show it to be appropriate for viewers over the age of 12. While it teaches Christian values, it also has plenty of content that shows people not living by those values. Remember, something happened that forced James to retire, and in flashbacks, we see more of what made James' job difficult.

About halfway through the movie, though, if one were to investigate whether James was teaching at a Christian school, the facts shown in the movie up to that point would not prove it.

Wade Williams does a fine job of acting. He demands respect and obedience, but he shows that he cares. And James is far from perfect. This is more of a challenge than being the ideal teacher and coach.

Kevin White also does a good job, showing Genaro to be much more than a nerd. Mostly, though, he is still funny.

Several of the actors playing baseball players also do a good job.

I also want to single out the performance of the announcer at the last game shown in the movie. He seems biased toward the other team but has a lot of enthusiasm.

This is a worthwhile effort and a film which inspires and challenges.

The Investigator

[MacGart · 1/10 · 30 October 2014]

I was really looking forward to this movie and was highly disappointed. The only plus about it was that it wasn't full of violence or blood and gore. I am glad we only rented it on Amazon for 3.99 instead of paying theater prices for a family of three. Although it is based on a true story I find most of it highly unbelievable. Some of the minor actors were remarkable but unfortunately the lead actor (Wade Williams)was unremarkable. The word "campy" comes to mind. The only other movie I have seen him in was Killer Cop (2002)which was horrible. His acting wasn't great in that movie either but at least it was more believable. Perhaps a better.lead.actor would have made this movie more believable and easier to watch, but I think even with a superb lead actor this movie would then only deserve five stars.

Awful

[brianjohnson-20043 · 1/10 · 21 October 2018]

I was watching a bit of this show and was appalled by how terrible it was. I'm a fan of baseball and the process of investigating what is and isn't good justification for beleif. This show seems to have an awful grasp of both.

The failure to understand an argument from ignorance is very apparent here. The show also seems to find straw-manning and emotional appeals to be convinceing evidence as opposed to tangible proof. I get so sick of theists asserting God is a viable option just because they can straw man poor arguments and poor understandings of atheists. There are an infinite number of unfalsifiable propositions for unknown questions. Anything that one believes must be justified with evidence which can make the claims seem more or less likely true depending on how useful the evidence is. Atheists inability to disprove theism is not a special truth which gives credit to theist claims. No one can disprove that the universe is 1 second old if one accepts a presupposition that everything older than one second is an illusion. We find that one second old universe presuppositions inevdient, but so is any presupposition of the supernatural. There is no way of demonstrating which of two presuppositions is more likely to true. And there is no proof either is true. They could both be false. This is the nature of the uselessness if unfalsifiable claims. No matter how much one wants to accept one it's a foolish guilible exercise to take one seriously.

The show should be cancelled or they should take a basic logic class and take a stance toward actually taking their interests seriously.

Skeptical police sergeant..now teaches high school..challenged to...investigate a.n ancient murder

[acheapmom · 8/10 · 4 May 2015]

He has been shot at...seen much death...as a police sergeant investigating homicides. Now, after mandatory early retirement from the force, he takes a job teaching at a local high school. Sgt. Buonacore will teach his students about American justice.

He must rebuild the school's weak baseball team, earn students' respect, and rise to his students' challenge to investigate the 2000 year old murder of Jesus Christ.

he is surprised to learn...there is a lot of evidence...outside of the Bible itself ...concerning this ancient crime. This story is entertaining. it avoids much of the over sentimentality in some faith based films.

inspired by true events in the life of a police brother of actor Ray Romano...

excellent movie based on true events

[vonna-05624 · 8/10 · 14 June 2017]

I think everyone can relate to a story like this. We all have trials and struggles. This is a wonderful true story of how faith interweaves into life events.....and how life events can cause us to doubt God's goodness. I loved it and thought Rich Romano did a fantastic job. Well worth watching. Very uplifting. I am not sure why the reviews are not as good as they should be but I am happy that Rich Romano took a risk and made this movie.

A Diamond in the Rough

[djp-54931 · 9/10 · 23 February 2017]

What a surprise to find out The Investigator was written by Ray Romano's brother and based on his life! I thought his script for this story was cleverly put together. Although I'm a sports fan, I think the baseball tangent perhaps was emphasized a bit more than needed and there should have been more footage of the investigation. That concept is not new; both Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell eloquently documented their investigations on the topic of Jesus Christ. However seeing a class full of screw offs transform into keenly focused and highly motivated historical detectives was precious. The acting was solid. The sports action was fairly realistic (something you don't see much). And the cinematography didn't scream "low budget production". I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I highly recommend it.

Excellent Movie

[lindaj030658 · 10/10 · 15 September 2013]

The Investigator is an excellent movie that everyone should see....and bring your children too. It is a movie of real hope and inspiration. It is a real life story about a cop that looses hope as result of "life" and then finds inspiration through teaching at a school. Don't want to give to much away! There are many real life lessons that everyone can take and learn from. It is a mainstream film although it is categorized as a Christian film. Don't let that sway you one way or another. It is about "REAL LIFE" no matter your beliefs, religion, political stance, etc. It is nice to be able to see a film that has a positive message during a time in our lives that has a lot of challenges and obstacles. Thumbs up to screen play writer, Rich Romano, the producer, Nicole and all the cast, crew, etc. I highly recommend this movie. Kudo's to all.

Everyone can relate to this movie

[debbieitms · 10/10 · 17 September 2013]

If you have ever been challenged by life. If you have ever asked the questions Why me? If you have ever asked the questions;

Where am I going? or What is my place in this world? Then you will relate well to the story and the characters in this movie. This movie will inspire you and touch your heart. The humor in the movie incited laughter throughout the audience several times while watching the film. Baseball fans will especially enjoy this movie! A great movie for teens, educators, parents and anyone who is facing the struggles of life. A highly recommended film that already has positively impacted many people who have watched this film.

uplifting family friendly film

[gatorever · 10/10 · 14 September 2013]

my husband and two teenagers attended the st petersburg screening of this amazing film and were all so inspired and moved by the story and the incredible acting. what a blessing to finally have a movie in the theaters that im not uncomfortable viewing with my kids! having the opportunity to meet the director and the producer made the experience all the more meaningful. and although this is a 'Christian' film - the well-portrayed sports sequences make it appealing to a much wider audience than just the religious right. i would highly recommend this movie to anyone who considers themselves a Christian or for families who want true family entertainment.

A take on how you should never lose faith.

[ricardodeleon-21 · 10/10 · 13 September 2013]

At first glance, The Investigator seems like a light-hearted film surrounding a detective (Wade Williams) and his family - but underneath lies a film outlining love, hope, and why we so blindly put faith into not only God, but everything in life. Williams takes the role of Ray Romano's brother and runs with it, creating a whole new persona that by the end of the film, you feel as if you know the gentlemen on a person level. It is a film filled with laughs, tears, and heartache that you can't help but hope that everything turns out fine for these individuals. The supporting cast also shines with up and comers Carlos Garriga as Stephen, the lovable but chunky nerd, and Nicole Abisinio as the loving and caring wife of Williams. It is worth the watch, as well a keeper once it releases on DVD.

Excellent Christian-based film

[jakeh · 10/10 · 26 September 2014]

I throughly enjoyed this film and it makes a good companion to "God Is Dead," (also an excellent faith-based movie in this genre-type). The acting is well done as is the writing. The storyline is believable (it is from a true story) and flows smoothly while raising and answering questions about Christianity and Jesus Christ. In addition, "The Investigator" shows how a life change can work to the good in ones life if one only has faith. If you enjoyed "God Is Dead," then you most certainly will like this film. It's good to see more Christian-themed films entering the market. God knows we need them, especially at this time of world trials and tribulations. Linda's review, above, is excellent and I can't improve on her review with mine, but it's my two cents worth...