September 13, 2022 • 27 mins
Kirk Cameron is known for his roles in Growing Pains, Left Behind, Fireproof, and more. He discusses his latest project with the Kendrick Brother’s team to make the film “LifeMark”. In this episode, the Executive Producer and actor explained how “LifeMark” was inspired by the true life story of David, an adopted son who reconnects with his mother after his 18th birthday. LifeMark highlights the beauty of adoption, the power of choice, and why life matters.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
John Matarazzo (00:01):
Welcome to along the way. I'm John Matarazzo.
Your host and fellow traveler,thank you for joining me along
my way is I try to become morelike Jesus every day. The goal
of along the way is to identifythe moments in life that Jesus
really is walking with us andtrying to get our attention. But
just like the disciples alongthe way to amaze, we are missing
those moments that our heartsare burning within us. I want us
(00:24):
to identify these moments, learnfrom others and apply those
lessons to our lives so that wedon't miss the blessings God has
for us along the way in ourlife's journey. Since I started
working at charisma media, I'vehad the opportunity to do
podcast interviews that Iwouldn't normally consider an
along the way episode, because Iwas doing the interview for
(00:45):
charisma news or some otherformat. And I've also been
interviewed on other people'spodcasts too. Those have been
great opportunities as well asinteresting conversations, and I
want to make sure that I sharethem with you as well. I love a
good movie, and I'm excited totell you about the new Kendrick
Brothers project Lifemark, a newfilm by the same team that made
(01:07):
movies such as fireproof and warroom, I had the privilege to
view an early cut of the film,and in this special episode, I
had the honor of talking withexecutive producer and actor
Kirk Cameron. Kirk explains howLifemark was inspired by the
true story of David, an adoptedson who reconnects with his
mother after turning 18 And theawesome way that this film came
(01:30):
together. This Kendrick Brothersfilm highlights the beauty of
adoption, the power of choiceand wildlife matters. Lifemark
is already released, go toLifemark movie.com. To learn how
you can see it yourself andsupport this great film. I'll
make sure that that link is inthe show notes. I'll get to our
conversation in just a moment.
But I want to thank you forlistening to along the way. All
(01:50):
of my episodes and social linksare available at my website.
Along the way dot media. You canalso join my email list to get
updates right in your inbox. Allthe links from this episode will
be in the show notes. And nowhere's my conversation with Kirk
Cameron. Cameron, it is apleasure to have you on the
(02:12):
charisma news podcast. We'reexcited to talk about this new
movie that you are in calledLife mark. And I had the
opportunity to see a screener ofit before everybody else to gets
a chance to so I'm lucky. Butthe benefit of that is that I
get to now tell people about howgood of a movie it is and to be
able to talk to you about this.
(02:35):
So it is a pleasure to have youon the charisma news podcast.
Welcome.
Kirk Cameron (02:38):
Thanks, bro. It's great to be talking with you
too. And that just makes me feelso good. I want to I want to
know what you thought of themovie. I'm here. Let's turn this
whole interview. Okay, do youthink of the movie?
John Matarazzo (02:50):
Oh my goodness.
Well, first off, I'm a littlebit biased because I am a fan of
the Kendrick Brothers and theirwork. Going back to flywheel and
Facing the Giants andbulletproof and fire for not
bulletproof, courageous andfireproof I just mixed with a
whole bunch of movies togetheranyway. But I already liked
those things. And the message ofthis movie is really powerful,
especially whenever I found outthat it's based around a true
(03:13):
person's life and how this wholething of just adoption is such a
big deal right now becauseespecially with the the recent
overturning of Roe vs. Wade, abig critique or criticism that
people have against the churchout in the in the culture right
now is you don't care about whathappens to these kids after they
(03:33):
get born. But this movie reallyshows that you play the part of
a tremendous loving father, heand his wife wants to have a
child but can't and just theheartbreak that you guys go
through with just everythingthat happens you know, things
falling through and then all ofa sudden you get this this baby
and your life totally changes. Ireally appreciated how you guys
(03:57):
demonstrated the the love ofChrist in that scene in those
scenes and just how you raisedhim in that movie. There was
times where I was laughing andtimes where I was crying. And I
don't want to give away too muchof this movie because I want
people to go see it on Septemberthe ninth it's going to be in
theaters so you gotta go get itbut man just i i hope that it
(04:17):
gives you a good explanation ofwhat I'm feeling about this like
I really just I got all thesemessages and you could just see
the love of Christ coming in somany different ways as I was
watching it from adoption tochoosing life and just the the
friendship that was that wasdeveloped with with the main
character and his best friend. Alot of really, really good good
(04:40):
messages all throughout there.
So I know just kind ofsummarizing the movie, but I
loved it. I was telling myfamily, my parents about it. And
they can't wait to go see it.
Kirk Cameron (04:51):
John that wow.
That's music to my ears. What anencouragement as a guy who made
the movie and also the Somebodywho is an adoptive father
himself. So I'm alright, I'llstop talking about myself in the
third person. I have adoptedchildren, okay, more of my six
kids are adopted, my wife is anadopted child. So if, if you're
listening to this, and you'veyou're thinking about adoption,
(05:15):
or you're having trouble havingchildren, and you're wondering
if if adoption is right for you,if you are someone who wants to
be involved in helping youngladies who are in unplanned
pregnancies to make the choice,this is new that you want to
see, separates all of that. Andwhat I love about it to John, is
that it's based on a true story,right. So there was a little
(05:38):
documentary that somebodyintroduced to me called, I lived
on Parker Avenue. And the titlehas a bit of a twist and a
double meaning to it. I lived onParker Avenue. And it's the
story of an 18 year old girlwho, with her boyfriend show up
at an abortion clinic, she goesin for the procedure. You know,
he sold his radio for $250, tobe able to have the money for
(06:01):
the procedure. And at the lastmoment, she changes her mind,
she rolls off of the the theoperating table and she leaves.
She She says I'm just not readyto do this. And she hides her
pregnancy for nine months, shelives with her boyfriend, and
she delivers her son places himup for adoption. And nobody
(06:21):
hears about it at all. Then 19years later, she gets a phone
call from the adoption agencysaying that he wants to meet
her, she thinks He probablyhates her guts because she
abandoned him. That's hisperspective that she thinks and
then tell her thank you forgiving me life. And he's
(06:45):
bringing his adoptive parentswith him, because they want to
thank her for giving them a sonbecause they couldn't have
children of their own. And it'sthis beautiful story of how all
of these lives intertwine andhow God is woven all of it
together for something sobeautiful. And it is a story we
(07:05):
could not have scripted so well.
And not only that it's comingout at this perfect time in
history, where the Supreme Courthas effectively overruled Roe
versus Wade and and the nationis polarized over this issue.
Personally, I don't see how youget polarized over an issue,
(07:26):
like defending the right to lifeor human beings. But we are and
what I love about this is thisis not a pro choice movie, this
is not a movie that is is goingto find itself in a political
niche. It's, in my view, a thirdoption that everyone can come
(07:48):
see and say, Wait a minute,here's a young lady who chose
voluntarily life for her childin an extremely difficult
circumstance, we should getbehind that choice, right? And
then there were those whoactually chose that little boy
to be their son. They didn'thave to choose him. They could
have chosen somebody else, butthey chose him. And she chose
(08:12):
those adoptive parents to be hisparents. Everyone's choosing one
up we all need to a beautifullife, a whole family lives and
abundant life in Christ. Right.
It's just a beautiful picture.
And I can't wait for people tosee it on September 9.
John Matarazzo (08:30):
Amen. Amen. It is a absolutely beautiful
picture. And if you can't, I'dlike to talk about the fact that
this is a true story. This isn'tjust something that was well
written as a good screenplay.
But it is something that is areal story. I mean, it was
turned into a good into, youknow, communicated by a good
screenplay. But it's a truestory. They actually did go go
(08:51):
skydiving, they actually didsome of these things. Yeah,
those aren't just thrown intothe movie because we need to
take up time this reallyhappened.
Kirk Cameron (09:01):
And listen, and there's it's so true to life.
You're not going to believe whatI'm about to tell you. So yes,
you're talking about skydiving.
So this yes, this is this islike a four or five Kleenex
movie by the way. Just
John Matarazzo (09:12):
know. You bring the box bring the bunk spoiler
right
Kirk Cameron (09:15):
now you're gonna you're gonna get emotional.
Okay. Not only is it emotional,it has got so much action in it.
So guys, we've got skydiving,we've got high school wrestling,
we've got ATV riding, hatchetthrowing, and also cliff
(09:37):
jumping. So there's action.
There's hard, there's humor.
There is the gospel beautifullylaid out here. And as far as it
being true to life get this weactually recorded an interview
with every member of the familythat this movie is about. And we
actually transcribed dialoguedirectly Leave from their mouths
(10:01):
about how they feel about oneanother, and about the whole
process of reconciliation. Weactually interviewed them and,
and actually wrote the dialoguein the script based off of what
they really said, in real life.
And not only that, there aresome secret scenes in the movie,
where the actors who are playingthe roles are actually the real
(10:24):
biological mother, the realadoptive mother and father,
right. And the real son, the guythat the whole movie is about is
in the movie playing a secretrole. And you'll find out when
you see
John Matarazzo (10:41):
it, and I was looking for that, because I
figured this is based onsomebody that's real. Let me see
if I can, you know, watch it asDid you find it? Did you? Did
you? I did. I did. I did. I'mnot gonna say it here. Maybe
after we're done recording here
Kirk Cameron (10:56):
in this movie, and you're gonna have to go back and
watch it a second time. Or ifyou stay through to the credits
in the movie theater, we'llactually get it out to you. But
you'll have to go back to watchthe scene again, to say, oh,
yeah, that is? Oh, my gosh, lookat
John Matarazzo (11:10):
that. Right?
Yeah, I can definitely say whatI saw with the David, the real
David playing his part, therewas just something extra special
in his eyes. And you see that,yes. And that was for me, that
was a dead giveaway, because itwas so real to him. And that.
And so in a good way, it wasn'ta dead giveaway in a bad way.
(11:31):
But it was it was just enjoyableto know, like the real people
are involved in this film.
Kirk Cameron (11:36):
Yeah, they're really involved in it. And
they're going to be spending alot of time spreading the word
about life. It's coming out onSeptember 9. Something else
really important about this isto know that we are in a lot of
theaters across the country, butbecause of the timing of this,
and the subject matter theatersare filling up. And so I would
(11:58):
recommend that you get yourtickets early, you can reserve
them at your local theater byjust going to Lifemark
movie.com. And you can reserveyour tickets for one or two your
family. If you got a big grouplike a church, you want to
reserve a whole theater for or25 or more tickets, you can get
a discount, I believe, just goto Lifemark movie.com.
John Matarazzo (12:18):
That's great.
That's great. And this issomething that you do want to
bring people to go see it isenjoyable. It is a great story.
And it'll be something that youguys can talk about afterwards.
It is very good discussionafterwards. It's not just it's
not just entertaining. Yeah.
Kirk Cameron (12:33):
And what's really cool about inviting your friends
to this kind of a movie orinviting your kids is, this is a
movie that is not aboutabortion. It's not about Roe v.
Wade, it has nothing to do withthe political aspect of that
what it has to do it is it ispro family. It is pro love. It
is pro forgiveness, proreconciliation, pro life, pro,
(12:55):
abundant life, pro parents, itis it's it's got all the kind of
gospel fruit and the fruit ofthe Spirit that you want to see
and expect to see from aKendrick movie. And those are
the kinds of movies that I loveto get behind.
John Matarazzo (13:11):
Amen, amen. Now, tell me about what this felt
like for you knowing that thismovie is coming out with all the
things that have happened fromMay whenever we got the leak
about the Supreme Courtoverturning Roe v Wade. And then
when it actually happened, tellme kind of what was going on
inside of you knowing that thismovie was coming out where
you've done so much work leadingup to this. And then all of a
(13:33):
sudden, you get this extra boostof like, oh my goodness, this
message from this movie is goingto make even a bigger impact
than we originally thought.
Kirk Cameron (13:42):
So, John, I've been working on this film for
two and a half years. Yeah, letme give you a little bit of the
backstory. When I first saw thisshort documentary film, I lived
on Parker Avenue, which by theway, you can look up, it's on
YouTube, you can see it's about30 minutes long. And you'll see
how that wrecked me and made mewant to turn this into a
narrative feature film. Istarted down that road getting
(14:03):
the rights to the life story.
And I called Alex Kendrick and Isaid, Hey, Alex, I'm going to
I'm gonna spend a lot of timeand energy and money making this
movie before I do, would youjust watch this and let me know
if you think I'm crazy. Wouldthis make a good movie? And he
called me back and said, Kurt,not only do I think it would
make a good movie, I showed itto my brother Steven. And we
(14:24):
believe that this is supposed tobe our next movie, and we would
like to produce it with you. Isaid, I thought for half a
second. And I said let's do it.
And so we started producing thefilm. And we finished it over a
year and a half ago. And we'vebeen waiting because of COVID
(14:47):
and everything else to get thisfilm finished and what seemed
like an unfortunate delay of ourplans. Turns out right now to be
a divinely placed timeframe,right after the Supreme Court
ruling. And we couldn't haveever planned this, we couldn't
(15:10):
have paid for this. This appearsto be God parting the heavens,
and just pouring out His favoron this movie, which we can't do
without. That's what we've beenpraying for, especially with
this subject matter. And I thinkthat September 9, is going to
offer a solution to thispolitical divide over this issue
that is going to bring clarityand courage to everyone who sees
(15:33):
Lifemark.
John Matarazzo (15:34):
Amen. Amen. Now, you as an adoptive father, what
was it like playing an adoptivefather in this film?
Kirk Cameron (15:41):
It was a piece of cake. Yeah, it was a walk in the
park. Because I've done this for25 years, you
John Matarazzo (15:46):
have to remember the first time that you adopted
and what that was like, again,like, what was your What was
that inspiration? What were youpulling from?
Kirk Cameron (15:53):
Oh, yeah, I remember when we adopted our
son, Jack, our very first son,Chelsea and I, we, you know, we
met on the set of growing pains,we got married on the set of
growing pains, she played mygirlfriend, and we had been
married about six or seven yearsbefore we started our family. So
we're this young couple, we haveall these hopes and dreams for a
family and we adopted our firstson. And I remember holding him
(16:16):
in our arms. And it was just, itwas just magic. It was this
little gift from heaven, thislittle bundle of joy that the
stork brought us. And we tookhim home. And, and I remember
thinking back to that when wemade this movie. What's also
really cool about this movie isthat it spans 20 years of time
(16:37):
from when we adopt little Daviduntil he's old enough to go on
this trip at 20 years old. Sothere was some special effects
that were done to age S and Dages. Right, right. And it's
pretty amazing how all of thatturned out. I think the screen
or copy that you saw, probablydid not include the final D
aging special effects. So I getto play myself at 35. And then I
(17:01):
get to play him older and 55. Sothat was really cool. And, you
know, some of these talks that Ihad with my son in the movie, as
as a young adult are also talksthat I've had with my own
children or has adopted youngadult children. Like, you know,
it took a lot of courage foryour biological mother to choose
(17:25):
life. She probably hadn't evengraduated high school at that
time. Can you imagine how scarythat it must have been for her.
And yet, I'm so glad that shedid. And we were so thankful for
her. We love her, because shehelped to complete our family.
And, and yet, we want you toalways know that no matter what
you choose to do, and yourrelationships going forward with
(17:47):
your biological mom or dad,whatever that that we love you
You always be our son, andnothing will ever change that.
John Matarazzo (17:56):
That's really cool. So you, you've had those
conversations in real life, notjust as an actor. Yeah, that's
right. That's really cool.
Kirk Cameron (18:05):
That's right and cool. And so let me say this, if
you're thinking about adopting,maybe you haven't been able to
have children, or maybe you'rejust wondering, What can I do to
to contribute something positiveto the this divisive issue that
seems to be splitting our nationsince the Roe v. Wade decision,
(18:26):
and you realize that the Biblesays true religion is taking
care of and meeting the needs ofwidows and orphans in their time
of distress? Do you know howmany children there are out
there who need parents? Do youknow how many young moms are
going to be out there who willnot be having abortions, thank
(18:47):
goodness, because of a varietyof different reasons, because of
their state law because ofpeople who have talked to them
and talk to them about this notbeing a crisis, but an
opportunity to be a champion forlife. There are parents out
there who want to adoptchildren, I have people in my
immediate family who are notable to have children and they
(19:07):
want so desperately to givetheir love to a young one, and
create a family. This is a moviethat you want to see because it
it's going to it's going to giveyou hope it's going to give you
some clarity on the subject andcourage to take a step of faith.
John Matarazzo (19:23):
Well, I know that I can't wait to see it on
the big screen. And you know,I'll make sure to bring my
tissues with me Yeah, John, forsure. It's on your phone. Oh,
yeah. Oh, my computer. Yeah.
Wait, do you see it in thetheater with Dolby Surround
Sound? Oh, yeah.
It's it's gonna be great. Andthe full effects and everything
that you were talking about, youknow, the aging and D aging and
all that stuff, but I justappreciate so much.
Kirk Cameron (19:45):
Yeah, you'll be able to see my Hey, my gray hair
and wrinkles up wide.
John Matarazzo (19:51):
Oh, goodness.
I'm just so grateful that thatyou and the Kendrick Brothers
have invested so much into thisfilm with a powerful message
that is really going to givepeople hope, that maybe find
themselves in a, in a hopelesssituation when not knowing how
to deal with this unplannedpregnancy or whatever, you know,
whether it be you want to adopt,or you need to give your child
(20:13):
up for adoption, there is hopethere is a future. And here is a
tremendous outcome that Godloving families can adopt and
raise children the way that Godintended them to be. Yes. And
whether that be homeschooling,which I know you're a huge fan
of, I was homeschooled as well.
And, you know, raising up achild, and the way they should
(20:33):
go is is very important. And Ithink this movie will help
people, it'll cast vision forthat in their family's lives as
well.
Kirk Cameron (20:40):
Yeah, I mean, I'm speaking from a father who's had
a great experience withadoption, I will say that
adoption is not picture perfect.
Life's not picture perfectmarriage is not picture perfect,
right. Because we live in thisworld where we require daily
dependence upon God, we need hiswisdom, wisdom we don't have
(21:02):
without His Holy Spirit withouthis word. And adoption is
challenging, but in the best ofways, because it challenges our
selfishness, it challenges ourfoolishness. And it pushes us
down to our knees to pray and bedependent upon God. But in doing
(21:22):
so, we're able to partner withGod in bringing heaven to earth,
through the family. And I wouldencourage you to come see
Lifemark on September 9, becausethis is a picture of the gospel.
And adoption does that sobeautifully. Natural adoption is
(21:44):
a great experience. It's achallenging experience, but it
brings life into a family. Andit's a picture of spiritual
adoption, which is also achallenging experience, you have
to die to yourself to be borninto the Family of God, Jesus
said, but it brings not onlylife but eternal life and
(22:10):
abundant life into your home.
And there's a picture here ofthe gospel in Lifemark. That is,
I think, unique and differentfrom other Christian films that
sort of have a thinly veiledgospel presentation at a church
with an altar call, or, or someversion of that. This is this is
(22:33):
painting a picture in real life,of difficult choices, of
selflessness, of heartache andheartbreak, but then
reconciliation, that leads tojoy, and no regret. And, and I
just, I just love it. And I hopeeveryone will come to watch it.
John Matarazzo (22:57):
Me too. Me too.
The movie is life Mark comes outSeptember 9, go to Lifemark
movie.com. To find out where itis playing to get tickets and to
get that big group ticket of 25or more, as well. And there's
plenty of information thatyou'll be able to share and
encourage people to go share iton social media, encourage
people to come and bring afriend. And we just appreciate
(23:18):
so much Kirk that you were ableto spend some time with us here
on the charisma news, podcast.
Kirk Cameron (23:25):
Welfare. Thank you. And one last thing, John,
if I could say this. I don'tthink I'm alone in being deeply
concerned about what ishappening to our country. We
have a nation that was foundedon biblical principles. And for
generations, we have enjoyed theblessings and the fruits of what
(23:48):
our forefathers and foremothersdid by sacrificing and living
out their faith. But that's beeneroded. And if you're sitting
there going, man, what can I do?
You know, I'm going to try tovote or maybe I don't vote or
maybe I can give to my churchand maybe tithe a little more,
yes, do all those things. Butlet me say this. The church has
(24:08):
been woefully neglectful in thearea of school government in
late God's God created thefamily, for sure we love the
Church. We love that for sure,God, God's behind that. But
politics we think is so dirtyand so corrupt, that that's just
sort of a worldly thing thatJesus, you know, maybe has low
(24:28):
on the list. But I would, Iwould suggest that that
leadership in our civilgovernment is so important. God
created civil government, andit's the government that shut
down your church, wasn't it? Andit's the government that will
indoctrinate your childrenthrough public schools, isn't it
(24:48):
unless you and I, as the familyof faith, get behind people of
faith and character to take onthose leadership positions. To
redeem government so that it'llbe the blessing and the servant
to, to God's people that it'ssupposed to be. And one way that
I think you can inspire peopleto engage here in the midterm
(25:11):
elections coming up in November,is to give them a position and
and a reason to go vote for goodand godly people by watching
Lifemark, which provides asolution to this war between pro
choice and pro life and showsthem that being pro adoption,
allows people to have choice andit promotes life and abundant
(25:36):
life. Go go go support peoplewho who are about those kinds of
values. And you will begin tosee a turnaround in our country,
not only through the family,through the church, but also
through civil government.
John Matarazzo (25:52):
Amen. Amen. I'm glad I let you have that other
that last moment there. Kirk,thank you so much for being on
the charisma news podcast withus. This is a powerful
interview. Thank you.
Kirk Cameron (26:02):
Thank you, John, and thanks for all the great
work that you do. God bless you.
John Matarazzo (26:06):
God bless you.
This has been John Matarazzo forthe charisma news podcast. Thank
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(26:27):
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(26:47):
notes. I hope that you'veenjoyed this part of my journey
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(27:07):
Friday news stories for thecharisma news podcast. Go to CPN
shows.com To see the full listand latest episodes
Welcome to along the way. I'm John Matarazzo.
Your host and fellow traveler,thank you for joining me along
my way is I try to become morelike Jesus every day. The goal
of along the way is to identifythe moments in life that Jesus
really is walking with us andtrying to get our attention. But
just like the disciples alongthe way to amaze, we are missing
those moments that our heartsare burning within us. I want us
(00:24):
to identify these moments, learnfrom others and apply those
lessons to our lives so that wedon't miss the blessings God has
for us along the way in ourlife's journey. Since I started
working at charisma media, I'vehad the opportunity to do
podcast interviews that Iwouldn't normally consider an
along the way episode, because Iwas doing the interview for
(00:45):
charisma news or some otherformat. And I've also been
interviewed on other people'spodcasts too. Those have been
great opportunities as well asinteresting conversations, and I
want to make sure that I sharethem with you as well. I love a
good movie, and I'm excited totell you about the new Kendrick
Brothers project Lifemark, a newfilm by the same team that made
(01:07):
movies such as fireproof and warroom, I had the privilege to
view an early cut of the film,and in this special episode, I
had the honor of talking withexecutive producer and actor
Kirk Cameron. Kirk explains howLifemark was inspired by the
true story of David, an adoptedson who reconnects with his
mother after turning 18 And theawesome way that this film came
(01:30):
together. This Kendrick Brothersfilm highlights the beauty of
adoption, the power of choiceand wildlife matters. Lifemark
is already released, go toLifemark movie.com. To learn how
you can see it yourself andsupport this great film. I'll
make sure that that link is inthe show notes. I'll get to our
conversation in just a moment.
But I want to thank you forlistening to along the way. All
(01:50):
of my episodes and social linksare available at my website.
Along the way dot media. You canalso join my email list to get
updates right in your inbox. Allthe links from this episode will
be in the show notes. And nowhere's my conversation with Kirk
Cameron. Cameron, it is apleasure to have you on the
(02:12):
charisma news podcast. We'reexcited to talk about this new
movie that you are in calledLife mark. And I had the
opportunity to see a screener ofit before everybody else to gets
a chance to so I'm lucky. Butthe benefit of that is that I
get to now tell people about howgood of a movie it is and to be
able to talk to you about this.
(02:35):
So it is a pleasure to have youon the charisma news podcast.
Welcome.
Kirk Cameron (02:38):
Thanks, bro. It's great to be talking with you
too. And that just makes me feelso good. I want to I want to
know what you thought of themovie. I'm here. Let's turn this
whole interview. Okay, do youthink of the movie?
John Matarazzo (02:50):
Oh my goodness.
Well, first off, I'm a littlebit biased because I am a fan of
the Kendrick Brothers and theirwork. Going back to flywheel and
Facing the Giants andbulletproof and fire for not
bulletproof, courageous andfireproof I just mixed with a
whole bunch of movies togetheranyway. But I already liked
those things. And the message ofthis movie is really powerful,
especially whenever I found outthat it's based around a true
(03:13):
person's life and how this wholething of just adoption is such a
big deal right now becauseespecially with the the recent
overturning of Roe vs. Wade, abig critique or criticism that
people have against the churchout in the in the culture right
now is you don't care about whathappens to these kids after they
(03:33):
get born. But this movie reallyshows that you play the part of
a tremendous loving father, heand his wife wants to have a
child but can't and just theheartbreak that you guys go
through with just everythingthat happens you know, things
falling through and then all ofa sudden you get this this baby
and your life totally changes. Ireally appreciated how you guys
(03:57):
demonstrated the the love ofChrist in that scene in those
scenes and just how you raisedhim in that movie. There was
times where I was laughing andtimes where I was crying. And I
don't want to give away too muchof this movie because I want
people to go see it on Septemberthe ninth it's going to be in
theaters so you gotta go get itbut man just i i hope that it
(04:17):
gives you a good explanation ofwhat I'm feeling about this like
I really just I got all thesemessages and you could just see
the love of Christ coming in somany different ways as I was
watching it from adoption tochoosing life and just the the
friendship that was that wasdeveloped with with the main
character and his best friend. Alot of really, really good good
(04:40):
messages all throughout there.
So I know just kind ofsummarizing the movie, but I
loved it. I was telling myfamily, my parents about it. And
they can't wait to go see it.
Kirk Cameron (04:51):
John that wow.
That's music to my ears. What anencouragement as a guy who made
the movie and also the Somebodywho is an adoptive father
himself. So I'm alright, I'llstop talking about myself in the
third person. I have adoptedchildren, okay, more of my six
kids are adopted, my wife is anadopted child. So if, if you're
listening to this, and you'veyou're thinking about adoption,
(05:15):
or you're having trouble havingchildren, and you're wondering
if if adoption is right for you,if you are someone who wants to
be involved in helping youngladies who are in unplanned
pregnancies to make the choice,this is new that you want to
see, separates all of that. Andwhat I love about it to John, is
that it's based on a true story,right. So there was a little
(05:38):
documentary that somebodyintroduced to me called, I lived
on Parker Avenue. And the titlehas a bit of a twist and a
double meaning to it. I lived onParker Avenue. And it's the
story of an 18 year old girlwho, with her boyfriend show up
at an abortion clinic, she goesin for the procedure. You know,
he sold his radio for $250, tobe able to have the money for
(06:01):
the procedure. And at the lastmoment, she changes her mind,
she rolls off of the the theoperating table and she leaves.
She She says I'm just not readyto do this. And she hides her
pregnancy for nine months, shelives with her boyfriend, and
she delivers her son places himup for adoption. And nobody
(06:21):
hears about it at all. Then 19years later, she gets a phone
call from the adoption agencysaying that he wants to meet
her, she thinks He probablyhates her guts because she
abandoned him. That's hisperspective that she thinks and
then tell her thank you forgiving me life. And he's
(06:45):
bringing his adoptive parentswith him, because they want to
thank her for giving them a sonbecause they couldn't have
children of their own. And it'sthis beautiful story of how all
of these lives intertwine andhow God is woven all of it
together for something sobeautiful. And it is a story we
(07:05):
could not have scripted so well.
And not only that it's comingout at this perfect time in
history, where the Supreme Courthas effectively overruled Roe
versus Wade and and the nationis polarized over this issue.
Personally, I don't see how youget polarized over an issue,
(07:26):
like defending the right to lifeor human beings. But we are and
what I love about this is thisis not a pro choice movie, this
is not a movie that is is goingto find itself in a political
niche. It's, in my view, a thirdoption that everyone can come
(07:48):
see and say, Wait a minute,here's a young lady who chose
voluntarily life for her childin an extremely difficult
circumstance, we should getbehind that choice, right? And
then there were those whoactually chose that little boy
to be their son. They didn'thave to choose him. They could
have chosen somebody else, butthey chose him. And she chose
(08:12):
those adoptive parents to be hisparents. Everyone's choosing one
up we all need to a beautifullife, a whole family lives and
abundant life in Christ. Right.
It's just a beautiful picture.
And I can't wait for people tosee it on September 9.
John Matarazzo (08:30):
Amen. Amen. It is a absolutely beautiful
picture. And if you can't, I'dlike to talk about the fact that
this is a true story. This isn'tjust something that was well
written as a good screenplay.
But it is something that is areal story. I mean, it was
turned into a good into, youknow, communicated by a good
screenplay. But it's a truestory. They actually did go go
(08:51):
skydiving, they actually didsome of these things. Yeah,
those aren't just thrown intothe movie because we need to
take up time this reallyhappened.
Kirk Cameron (09:01):
And listen, and there's it's so true to life.
You're not going to believe whatI'm about to tell you. So yes,
you're talking about skydiving.
So this yes, this is this islike a four or five Kleenex
movie by the way. Just
John Matarazzo (09:12):
know. You bring the box bring the bunk spoiler
right
Kirk Cameron (09:15):
now you're gonna you're gonna get emotional.
Okay. Not only is it emotional,it has got so much action in it.
So guys, we've got skydiving,we've got high school wrestling,
we've got ATV riding, hatchetthrowing, and also cliff
(09:37):
jumping. So there's action.
There's hard, there's humor.
There is the gospel beautifullylaid out here. And as far as it
being true to life get this weactually recorded an interview
with every member of the familythat this movie is about. And we
actually transcribed dialoguedirectly Leave from their mouths
(10:01):
about how they feel about oneanother, and about the whole
process of reconciliation. Weactually interviewed them and,
and actually wrote the dialoguein the script based off of what
they really said, in real life.
And not only that, there aresome secret scenes in the movie,
where the actors who are playingthe roles are actually the real
(10:24):
biological mother, the realadoptive mother and father,
right. And the real son, the guythat the whole movie is about is
in the movie playing a secretrole. And you'll find out when
you see
John Matarazzo (10:41):
it, and I was looking for that, because I
figured this is based onsomebody that's real. Let me see
if I can, you know, watch it asDid you find it? Did you? Did
you? I did. I did. I did. I'mnot gonna say it here. Maybe
after we're done recording here
Kirk Cameron (10:56):
in this movie, and you're gonna have to go back and
watch it a second time. Or ifyou stay through to the credits
in the movie theater, we'llactually get it out to you. But
you'll have to go back to watchthe scene again, to say, oh,
yeah, that is? Oh, my gosh, lookat
John Matarazzo (11:10):
that. Right?
Yeah, I can definitely say whatI saw with the David, the real
David playing his part, therewas just something extra special
in his eyes. And you see that,yes. And that was for me, that
was a dead giveaway, because itwas so real to him. And that.
And so in a good way, it wasn'ta dead giveaway in a bad way.
(11:31):
But it was it was just enjoyableto know, like the real people
are involved in this film.
Kirk Cameron (11:36):
Yeah, they're really involved in it. And
they're going to be spending alot of time spreading the word
about life. It's coming out onSeptember 9. Something else
really important about this isto know that we are in a lot of
theaters across the country, butbecause of the timing of this,
and the subject matter theatersare filling up. And so I would
(11:58):
recommend that you get yourtickets early, you can reserve
them at your local theater byjust going to Lifemark
movie.com. And you can reserveyour tickets for one or two your
family. If you got a big grouplike a church, you want to
reserve a whole theater for or25 or more tickets, you can get
a discount, I believe, just goto Lifemark movie.com.
John Matarazzo (12:18):
That's great.
That's great. And this issomething that you do want to
bring people to go see it isenjoyable. It is a great story.
And it'll be something that youguys can talk about afterwards.
It is very good discussionafterwards. It's not just it's
not just entertaining. Yeah.
Kirk Cameron (12:33):
And what's really cool about inviting your friends
to this kind of a movie orinviting your kids is, this is a
movie that is not aboutabortion. It's not about Roe v.
Wade, it has nothing to do withthe political aspect of that
what it has to do it is it ispro family. It is pro love. It
is pro forgiveness, proreconciliation, pro life, pro,
(12:55):
abundant life, pro parents, itis it's it's got all the kind of
gospel fruit and the fruit ofthe Spirit that you want to see
and expect to see from aKendrick movie. And those are
the kinds of movies that I loveto get behind.
John Matarazzo (13:11):
Amen, amen. Now, tell me about what this felt
like for you knowing that thismovie is coming out with all the
things that have happened fromMay whenever we got the leak
about the Supreme Courtoverturning Roe v Wade. And then
when it actually happened, tellme kind of what was going on
inside of you knowing that thismovie was coming out where
you've done so much work leadingup to this. And then all of a
(13:33):
sudden, you get this extra boostof like, oh my goodness, this
message from this movie is goingto make even a bigger impact
than we originally thought.
Kirk Cameron (13:42):
So, John, I've been working on this film for
two and a half years. Yeah, letme give you a little bit of the
backstory. When I first saw thisshort documentary film, I lived
on Parker Avenue, which by theway, you can look up, it's on
YouTube, you can see it's about30 minutes long. And you'll see
how that wrecked me and made mewant to turn this into a
narrative feature film. Istarted down that road getting
(14:03):
the rights to the life story.
And I called Alex Kendrick and Isaid, Hey, Alex, I'm going to
I'm gonna spend a lot of timeand energy and money making this
movie before I do, would youjust watch this and let me know
if you think I'm crazy. Wouldthis make a good movie? And he
called me back and said, Kurt,not only do I think it would
make a good movie, I showed itto my brother Steven. And we
(14:24):
believe that this is supposed tobe our next movie, and we would
like to produce it with you. Isaid, I thought for half a
second. And I said let's do it.
And so we started producing thefilm. And we finished it over a
year and a half ago. And we'vebeen waiting because of COVID
(14:47):
and everything else to get thisfilm finished and what seemed
like an unfortunate delay of ourplans. Turns out right now to be
a divinely placed timeframe,right after the Supreme Court
ruling. And we couldn't haveever planned this, we couldn't
(15:10):
have paid for this. This appearsto be God parting the heavens,
and just pouring out His favoron this movie, which we can't do
without. That's what we've beenpraying for, especially with
this subject matter. And I thinkthat September 9, is going to
offer a solution to thispolitical divide over this issue
that is going to bring clarityand courage to everyone who sees
(15:33):
Lifemark.
John Matarazzo (15:34):
Amen. Amen. Now, you as an adoptive father, what
was it like playing an adoptivefather in this film?
Kirk Cameron (15:41):
It was a piece of cake. Yeah, it was a walk in the
park. Because I've done this for25 years, you
John Matarazzo (15:46):
have to remember the first time that you adopted
and what that was like, again,like, what was your What was
that inspiration? What were youpulling from?
Kirk Cameron (15:53):
Oh, yeah, I remember when we adopted our
son, Jack, our very first son,Chelsea and I, we, you know, we
met on the set of growing pains,we got married on the set of
growing pains, she played mygirlfriend, and we had been
married about six or seven yearsbefore we started our family. So
we're this young couple, we haveall these hopes and dreams for a
family and we adopted our firstson. And I remember holding him
(16:16):
in our arms. And it was just, itwas just magic. It was this
little gift from heaven, thislittle bundle of joy that the
stork brought us. And we tookhim home. And, and I remember
thinking back to that when wemade this movie. What's also
really cool about this movie isthat it spans 20 years of time
(16:37):
from when we adopt little Daviduntil he's old enough to go on
this trip at 20 years old. Sothere was some special effects
that were done to age S and Dages. Right, right. And it's
pretty amazing how all of thatturned out. I think the screen
or copy that you saw, probablydid not include the final D
aging special effects. So I getto play myself at 35. And then I
(17:01):
get to play him older and 55. Sothat was really cool. And, you
know, some of these talks that Ihad with my son in the movie, as
as a young adult are also talksthat I've had with my own
children or has adopted youngadult children. Like, you know,
it took a lot of courage foryour biological mother to choose
(17:25):
life. She probably hadn't evengraduated high school at that
time. Can you imagine how scarythat it must have been for her.
And yet, I'm so glad that shedid. And we were so thankful for
her. We love her, because shehelped to complete our family.
And, and yet, we want you toalways know that no matter what
you choose to do, and yourrelationships going forward with
(17:47):
your biological mom or dad,whatever that that we love you
You always be our son, andnothing will ever change that.
John Matarazzo (17:56):
That's really cool. So you, you've had those
conversations in real life, notjust as an actor. Yeah, that's
right. That's really cool.
Kirk Cameron (18:05):
That's right and cool. And so let me say this, if
you're thinking about adopting,maybe you haven't been able to
have children, or maybe you'rejust wondering, What can I do to
to contribute something positiveto the this divisive issue that
seems to be splitting our nationsince the Roe v. Wade decision,
(18:26):
and you realize that the Biblesays true religion is taking
care of and meeting the needs ofwidows and orphans in their time
of distress? Do you know howmany children there are out
there who need parents? Do youknow how many young moms are
going to be out there who willnot be having abortions, thank
(18:47):
goodness, because of a varietyof different reasons, because of
their state law because ofpeople who have talked to them
and talk to them about this notbeing a crisis, but an
opportunity to be a champion forlife. There are parents out
there who want to adoptchildren, I have people in my
immediate family who are notable to have children and they
(19:07):
want so desperately to givetheir love to a young one, and
create a family. This is a moviethat you want to see because it
it's going to it's going to giveyou hope it's going to give you
some clarity on the subject andcourage to take a step of faith.
John Matarazzo (19:23):
Well, I know that I can't wait to see it on
the big screen. And you know,I'll make sure to bring my
tissues with me Yeah, John, forsure. It's on your phone. Oh,
yeah. Oh, my computer. Yeah.
Wait, do you see it in thetheater with Dolby Surround
Sound? Oh, yeah.
It's it's gonna be great. Andthe full effects and everything
that you were talking about, youknow, the aging and D aging and
all that stuff, but I justappreciate so much.
Kirk Cameron (19:45):
Yeah, you'll be able to see my Hey, my gray hair
and wrinkles up wide.
John Matarazzo (19:51):
Oh, goodness.
I'm just so grateful that thatyou and the Kendrick Brothers
have invested so much into thisfilm with a powerful message
that is really going to givepeople hope, that maybe find
themselves in a, in a hopelesssituation when not knowing how
to deal with this unplannedpregnancy or whatever, you know,
whether it be you want to adopt,or you need to give your child
(20:13):
up for adoption, there is hopethere is a future. And here is a
tremendous outcome that Godloving families can adopt and
raise children the way that Godintended them to be. Yes. And
whether that be homeschooling,which I know you're a huge fan
of, I was homeschooled as well.
And, you know, raising up achild, and the way they should
(20:33):
go is is very important. And Ithink this movie will help
people, it'll cast vision forthat in their family's lives as
well.
Kirk Cameron (20:40):
Yeah, I mean, I'm speaking from a father who's had
a great experience withadoption, I will say that
adoption is not picture perfect.
Life's not picture perfectmarriage is not picture perfect,
right. Because we live in thisworld where we require daily
dependence upon God, we need hiswisdom, wisdom we don't have
(21:02):
without His Holy Spirit withouthis word. And adoption is
challenging, but in the best ofways, because it challenges our
selfishness, it challenges ourfoolishness. And it pushes us
down to our knees to pray and bedependent upon God. But in doing
(21:22):
so, we're able to partner withGod in bringing heaven to earth,
through the family. And I wouldencourage you to come see
Lifemark on September 9, becausethis is a picture of the gospel.
And adoption does that sobeautifully. Natural adoption is
(21:44):
a great experience. It's achallenging experience, but it
brings life into a family. Andit's a picture of spiritual
adoption, which is also achallenging experience, you have
to die to yourself to be borninto the Family of God, Jesus
said, but it brings not onlylife but eternal life and
(22:10):
abundant life into your home.
And there's a picture here ofthe gospel in Lifemark. That is,
I think, unique and differentfrom other Christian films that
sort of have a thinly veiledgospel presentation at a church
with an altar call, or, or someversion of that. This is this is
(22:33):
painting a picture in real life,of difficult choices, of
selflessness, of heartache andheartbreak, but then
reconciliation, that leads tojoy, and no regret. And, and I
just, I just love it. And I hopeeveryone will come to watch it.
John Matarazzo (22:57):
Me too. Me too.
The movie is life Mark comes outSeptember 9, go to Lifemark
movie.com. To find out where itis playing to get tickets and to
get that big group ticket of 25or more, as well. And there's
plenty of information thatyou'll be able to share and
encourage people to go share iton social media, encourage
people to come and bring afriend. And we just appreciate
(23:18):
so much Kirk that you were ableto spend some time with us here
on the charisma news, podcast.
Kirk Cameron (23:25):
Welfare. Thank you. And one last thing, John,
if I could say this. I don'tthink I'm alone in being deeply
concerned about what ishappening to our country. We
have a nation that was foundedon biblical principles. And for
generations, we have enjoyed theblessings and the fruits of what
(23:48):
our forefathers and foremothersdid by sacrificing and living
out their faith. But that's beeneroded. And if you're sitting
there going, man, what can I do?
You know, I'm going to try tovote or maybe I don't vote or
maybe I can give to my churchand maybe tithe a little more,
yes, do all those things. Butlet me say this. The church has
(24:08):
been woefully neglectful in thearea of school government in
late God's God created thefamily, for sure we love the
Church. We love that for sure,God, God's behind that. But
politics we think is so dirtyand so corrupt, that that's just
sort of a worldly thing thatJesus, you know, maybe has low
(24:28):
on the list. But I would, Iwould suggest that that
leadership in our civilgovernment is so important. God
created civil government, andit's the government that shut
down your church, wasn't it? Andit's the government that will
indoctrinate your childrenthrough public schools, isn't it
(24:48):
unless you and I, as the familyof faith, get behind people of
faith and character to take onthose leadership positions. To
redeem government so that it'llbe the blessing and the servant
to, to God's people that it'ssupposed to be. And one way that
I think you can inspire peopleto engage here in the midterm
(25:11):
elections coming up in November,is to give them a position and
and a reason to go vote for goodand godly people by watching
Lifemark, which provides asolution to this war between pro
choice and pro life and showsthem that being pro adoption,
allows people to have choice andit promotes life and abundant
(25:36):
life. Go go go support peoplewho who are about those kinds of
values. And you will begin tosee a turnaround in our country,
not only through the family,through the church, but also
through civil government.
John Matarazzo (25:52):
Amen. Amen. I'm glad I let you have that other
that last moment there. Kirk,thank you so much for being on
the charisma news podcast withus. This is a powerful
interview. Thank you.
Kirk Cameron (26:02):
Thank you, John, and thanks for all the great
work that you do. God bless you.
John Matarazzo (26:06):
God bless you.
This has been John Matarazzo forthe charisma news podcast. Thank
you for listening to thisepisode of along the way. If
you've enjoyed joining me alongmy way, please share this with a
friend who you think will beencouraged by this podcast.
Also, please rate and reviewalong the way on iTunes that
helps more people discover alongthe way. And please subscribe to
(26:27):
this podcast wherever you'relistening. You can follow me on
Facebook, Instagram and throughmy website along the way dot
media. On my website, you cansign up to receive newsletter
updates whenever I put out a newepisode, so you don't miss one.
If you want to help support mein this podcast, I have a
Patreon page. The link to becomea supporter is also in my show
(26:47):
notes. I hope that you'veenjoyed this part of my journey
and may you realize when Jesusis walking with you along your
way. Along the way is honored tobe part of the charisma Podcast
Network. You can find tons ofspirit filled content from our
vast catalogue of podcasts,including my Monday through
(27:07):
Friday news stories for thecharisma news podcast. Go to CPN
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