Mr. Manhattan is the first of six drama movies to air on Great American Family after originally premiering on the streaming service, Great American Pure Flix.
Each Saturday through September 7, five additional Pure Flix dramas will appear on Great American Family so that linear cable viewers can access new, faith-filled content.
What Is Mr. Manhattan About?
Great American Family's website shares this plot summary:
Mason Bradley (Carlos PenaVega) makes a promise to his brother and sister-in-law to be godfather to their newborn son (and future children). Mason has exciting news of his own: he’s just been accepted to Columbia Law School, which comes as a shock to his fiancé, Dani (Alexa PenaVega). Ten years later, Mason is surrounded by big city life and consumed with the success that could come by being a partner in his company’s firm. Mason and Dani have long split up. One day, Mason receives an unimaginable call. Through a tragic accident, he has suddenly become the father of his brother’s children.
Dani has remained best friends with Mason's sister-in-law, so she loves the children, Reuben and Amanda Jane, like her own.
Even though Mason is the legal guardian, he has the option to appoint a different one, if he would rather not assume the responsibility. Dani volunteers to raise the children to provide them with the stability of their home, community, school, and friendships. Mason declines her offer.
It's not long before Mason is overwhelmed. With grueling work hours and a girlfriend, he must also find a nanny, a school, a new apartment, and carve out time to spend time with the children. He's happiest when Dani visits to spend time with him and the kids, and she gently encourages him to lean on God, saying, "If you keep trying to do everything in your own strength, you're not going to leave room for Him to do something awesome!"
Mason doesn't heed Dani's counsel and takes matters into his own hands (haven't we all done that?), which messes up everything. He realizes he missed God's timing, and with Dani's support, he finds his way back to his faith.
Mr. Manhattan Is a Tear-Jerker!
Great American Family displays a gentle heads-up at the beginning of the movie that Mr. Manhattan contains more dramatic moments than what viewers might expect, since the network typically airs light-hearted romcoms.
There are three scenes that left me sniffling and dabbing my eyes.
First, the kids have a nighttime routine they teach Mason. It includes a song, a prayer, and hugs. Mason asks Amanda Jane to pray instead of him. (Have your hanky ready!)
Second, AJ has a nightmare, and Dani rushes to sing to her, just like AJ's mom used to. It's a hymn, Have Thine Own Way, Lord. (More Kleenex required.)
Last, when Reuben battles a wave of sadness, Mason challenges him to role play. Mason pretends to be Reuben, and he asks Reuben to play his father. It ends up being a therapeutic exercise for them both. (Excuse me while I go blow my nose AGAIN.)
I love dramatic movies like Mr. Manhattan and appreciate that Great American Family is including the genre in their lineup. Romcoms are fun, but I hope dramas will regularly work their way into the mix, too.
IN THE COMMENTS, SHARE WHETHER YOU PREFER ROMCOMS, DRAMAS, OR A MIX OF BOTH ON GAF.
Mr. Manhattan Boasts a Wonderful Cast
Carlos and Alexa PenaVega are fabulously talented actors who create onscreen magic. The Christian couple has been married since 2014 and have three children, and their personal faith and family values shine through their performances.
Great American Media President and CEO, Bill Abbott, promises that more movies featuring the PenaVegas are in the works. "We are excited about a number of additional projects in development with these two enormously talented actors," Abbott states.
One of those projects will be unveiled this Christmas. Both PenaVegas will star in the Great American Family original movie, Love at the Kettle, a romcom which includes an emphasis on the good works of The Salvation Army.
Maximo Masefield, who plays Reuben, and Melodie Romano, who stars as Amanda Jane, absolutely steal the show! Both of them nail their respective roles and look completely adorable while doing it. Despite their young ages, they are naturals! Let's hope GAF will cast them again.
Francesca Barker McCormick plays the girlfriend we want out of the way so Mason can reunite with Dani, even though she is helpful and supportive of Mason throughout the entire movie. McCormick adds style and grace to her character.
There are no B-rated actors in Mr. Manhattan. The entire cast is incredible.
Final Thoughts on Review of Mr. Manhattan
Mr. Manhattan gives viewers the best of both worlds. It offers romance, but it focuses on "pushing through" the difficult seasons of life while leaning on God and seeking His guidance rather than relying on our own strength. It reminds us that chasing the next big thing isn't what's important--investing in family and relationships in a way that honors God is what matters most.
Mr. Manhattan is true to the Great American Family brand, and it's another entertainment oasis in a cultural climate that is increasingly hostile to faith and family.
If you haven't watched the movie yet, here's a peek at the trailer:
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