Flywheel (2003), NR, 2 hr

Flywheel

Year: 2003

Franchise: Kendrick Brothers Films

Franchise #: 1 (The original Kendrick Brothers film, made before they formed their own studio)

MPAA Rating: Not Rated (equivalent to TV-PG)

Total Runtime: 120 minutes

Tagline: “In every man’s life, there’s a turning point.”

Main Cast

Alex Kendrick as Jay Austin

Janet Lee Dapper as Judy Austin

Roger Breland as Judge Sawyer

Lisa Arnold as Patty Baker

Tracy Goode as Bernie Meyers

Walter Burnett as John Austin

Reviews

Synopsis

Jay Austin is a used car dealer—and a dishonest one at that. He’s good at manipulating his customers, cutting corners, and maximizing profit at any cost. But beneath his confident exterior, Jay’s marriage is falling apart, and his conscience is crumbling. When he finally surrenders his life to Christ, he decides to live and run his business with integrity—even when it costs him everything. And that's where the real story begins.

Overview

Flywheel was made on a shoestring budget by a church (Sherwood Baptist in Albany, Georgia) and a handful of volunteers—but what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in heart. This movie is raw, real, and honest. It's not trying to be Hollywood. It's about a man who’s deeply flawed, learning to become the man God wants him to be. It’s basically the seed that grew into the entire Kendrick Brothers film ministry. If you want to see where it all started, this is the one.

Family Friendliness

This one’s safe for the whole family. No violence, language, or inappropriate content—just some tension, arguments, and business-related dishonesty. It’s a clean film that promotes honesty, faith, and restoration. Younger kids might get bored, but it’s ideal for family movie night with older kids or teens.

Christian Perspective

This film is a full-on redemption story. Jay starts as a selfish, arrogant businessman, but Christ completely transforms his character, his marriage, and his purpose. The gospel is clear and central, and the film portrays repentance, restitution, humility, and spiritual rebirth in a practical and relatable way. You can tell it was made by a church for a ministry purpose—it's preaching a message, but it does so through genuine storytelling.

Critics Ratings

My Rating: 7/10 – Simple production, strong heart, deeply convicting

Dove Foundation: Family Approved for All Ages

IMDb: 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: Audience ~75%

Metacritic: Not rated

Notable Scenes

Jay’s Surrender to Christ

An emotional moment when he realizes how broken he truly is and gives his life to God.

The Restitution Scenes

After his conversion, Jay starts giving back the money he stole through dishonest sales. Some customers are shocked. Others are moved to tears.

Bible Study with His Family

A quiet but powerful scene showing the shift from dysfunction to spiritual unity.

Turning Down the Deal

Jay walks away from a major financial opportunity when it would’ve required compromising his faith.

The Flywheel Metaphor

The broken car part becomes a symbol of how Jay’s life only begins to work when the missing piece—Christ—is restored.