I Can Only Imagine 2
Sequel follows MercyMe's Bart Millard dealing with fame and family struggles
The brief
This faith-based sequel trades the underdog charm of the original for a more predictable "fame corrupts, family heals" arc that feels like Christian rock's answer to A Star Is Born. J. Michael Finley brings genuine warmth to Bart's mid-life crisis, but the pacing drags through familiar beats of tour montages and strained phone calls home. The father-son dynamic has real emotional weight when it isn't drowning in on-the-nose dialogue about priorities and forgiveness. Perfect for fans of the first film or anyone who found The Passion of the Christ too intense but still wants their drama served with a side of contemporary Christian music.
The verdict
If you loved the first film and don't mind familiar faith-based storytelling about balancing success with family values, this delivers genuine warmth and emotional weight in its father-son relationship. If you're looking for fresh takes on the music industry drama or get impatient with predictable beats and heavy-handed dialogue about priorities, you'll find this sequel more tedious than inspiring.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Christian families seeking uplifting content
- 👥 Fans of contemporary Christian music
- ⚠️ Those seeking non-religious drama may find it preachy
Heads up
- Family dysfunction and strained relationships (moderate)
- Themes of past trauma affecting present (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Brent McCorkle
- Cast
- J. Michael Finley, Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton, Arielle Kebbel, Sammy Dell, Trace Adkins, Dennis Quaid
Official synopsis
After the breakout success of the song "I Can Only Imagine," MercyMe's Bart Millard is living the dream—sold-out
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Walk the Line (2005)
Both explore music stars balancing fame with fractured family relationships.
Total runtime: 1h 50m + 2h 16m = 4h 6m
