The sequel to the surprise 2018 hit I Can Only Imagine arrives in theaters this Friday, February 20th, attempting to recapture the inspirational spark of the original. I Can Only Imagine 2 revisits the world of the Christian band MercyMe, this time focusing on the story behind their 2017 song “Even If.”
The first film detailed how bandleader Bart Millard penned the title track following the death of his abusive father, culminating in a reconciliation before the elder Millard’s passing. That film’s unexpected success – grossing nearly $86 million against a $7 million budget – prompted a follow-up, though critics are questioning whether another installment was truly necessary.
John Michael Finley reprises his role as Bart Millard, now navigating the challenges of fame and family life. He’s married to Shannon (played by Sophie Skelton, taking over the role from Madeline Carroll) and raising several children, including 17-year-old Sam (Sammy Dell), who is living with type 1 diabetes and pursuing his own musical aspirations. The band embarks on a national tour with Sam in tow, a decision driven by Shannon’s desire for Bart to closely monitor his son’s health.
Despite achieving musical success, Bart finds himself grappling with lingering trauma from his childhood and a creative block. Flashbacks featuring Dennis Quaid as his father offer glimpses into the past, while his relationship with Sam is strained by a perceived lack of attention and Sam’s sometimes-careless approach to managing his diabetes.
A potential catalyst for change arrives in the form of singer-songwriter Tim Timmons, portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia. Timmons joins the tour as an opening act, bringing a much-needed dose of levity to Bart’s burdened state. However, his own battle with cancer soon casts a shadow over the proceedings.
The film’s narrative, penned by Brent McCorkle, who also co-directed with Andrew Erwin, struggles to find compelling footing. The continued focus on Bart’s strained relationship with his deceased father feels somewhat repetitive, given the resolution achieved in the first film. Similarly, the storyline involving Sam’s health challenges and Bart’s attempts to be a more attentive father are hampered by Sam’s age and a sense of personal responsibility for his own well-being.
The story pivots towards Timmons, who enlists Bart’s help in completing a song he’s been working on before a health crisis lands him in the hospital. This prompts Bart to finish the song, a message of faith and gratitude in the face of adversity. The film culminates with Bart premiering “Even If” at a sold-out concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, inviting Sam to join him onstage.
While the film attempts to weave a narrative of hope and resilience, it’s not without its inaccuracies. The band did not actually debut “Even If” at Red Rocks, but the venue’s visual grandeur proved too appealing to resist. Timmons was diagnosed with cancer a decade prior to the events depicted, diminishing the impact of his sudden illness. However, as one reviewer noted, strict adherence to facts isn’t always a priority in music-themed dramas.
Critics have largely been unimpressed, with The Hollywood Reporter calling for audiences to “stop imagining already,” and labeling the sequel a “cash grab.” However, some praise has been directed towards Ventimiglia’s comedic performance and Trace Adkins’ return as the band’s pragmatic manager. I Can Only Imagine 2 appears to rely heavily on the goodwill generated by its predecessor, offering a familiar formula of faith, family, and overcoming adversity.
