Root of the Problem Review: A Wholesome Film With Good Characters And Meaningful Messages

Release date: July 14, 2020
Running time: 95 minutes
Starring: Claire Rankin, Sergio Di Zio, Chantal Perron 

Paul Cambell (Di Zio)'s family is a typical suburban family.  One spouse, two kids, nice house, it seems like they have everything going for them.  However, Paul is obsessed with money and is always afraid that they will not have enough to cover their life, leading him to cut corners and maximize profits on everything.  However, when his family inherits a real-life money tree, Paul thinks he has a one-way ticket to easy street.  But he loses sight of the things that matter most in life and becomes more distant and secretive with his wife and children.  Now, the family will be tested and must search within their hearts to find the answers and discover that it is better to give than receive.

Root of the Problem is fueled by Di Zio's great performance.  He is likeable, charismatic, and a smooth talker as Paul.  He is forced to play lots of roles and display a range of emotions, and Di Zio handles it effortlessly.  He is the strongest member of the cast, although Rankin as his wife Grace and Pete Seadon as their pastor provide other strong characters in this film.  The movie has a light-hearted, bright film style and story telling.  Even when things are going poorly for Paul, the film stays mostly positive and never makes it feel like it will dwell into too dark territory.  And the film's story, although relatively straightforward, does provide for some interesting twists and important lessons.  The main lesson that easy money won't always give you happiness is not hidden at all, and should provide good life lessons for those watching the film.  

Root of the Problem is a faith-forward film that does not flaunt religion all over the place.  I appreciated the fact that it told a story that can appeal to those who go to church and those who don't even though the family was religious and their religion was a main part of the movie.  There are some scenes of prayer and conversations with a pastor, but the lessons given were fairly universal and the prayer scene did not dominate the film like in some faith-forward movies.  Overall, this movie can appeal outside of a core Christian audience.  It has a very ABC Family type of vibe, albeit with better production values and overall more entertaining story.  As I have said, the lessons that Root of the Problem teaches are important ones but thinly veiled.  The story does not try to complicate or obfuscate the overall meaning.  Some of the emotional scenes towards the end seemed a little heavy handed, but there were some comedic parts throughout that had me genuinely smiling.  The film also feels like it went on a little too long; there was a natural ending partway through that then leads to another thread.  And the overall ending itself seemed a little extreme.  But all that being said, this film was an enjoyable parable about money that should appeal to a wide audience. 

Root of the Problem is a wholesome family film that has good characters, entertaining performances by the leads, and important, albeit thinly veiled, messages.

Rent it.

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