The Wager (2007 film)

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The Wager is a 2007 American Christian drama film directed by Judson Pearce Morgan and based on Bill Myers’s novel. The cast includes Randy Travis as Michael Steele, with Jude Ciccolella, Candace Cameron Bure, Nancy Stafford, Nancy Valen, Kelly Overton, Bronson Pinchot, and Doug Jones. Billy DaMota handled casting. The story follows Michael Steele, a rising Hollywood actor who, after a career peak and an Oscar nomination, sees his life unravel due to gossip and turmoil, jeopardizing his marriage and career. He must find the courage to change and do what’s right. The film was produced by Blazing Sun Productions and distributed by Pure Flix Enterprise. Cinematography was by Todd Barron, and editing by Judson Pearce Morgan and Marcos Soriano. The Wager was released theatrically in June 2007, later shown to churches through Outreach Cinema, and Pure Flix released the DVD on May 13. It was among 14 Christian films featured at the 2008 Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival. Critical reception was mixed: Christianity Today’s Brett McCracken gave it 1/2 out of 4 stars, calling it not a good film but noting a legitimate effort as a Christian movie. Movieguide Magazine praised the production and execution, acknowledging some script weaknesses but concluding that the movie “works.”