Carman Ministries Productions and Sparrow Communications Group have teamed up to bring us an action-packed, long-form feature presentation based on R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion Of Truth), the album. This project integrates music video and live-action adventure.
First, I have to admit that R.I.O.T., the album, isn't my all-time Carman favorite, but the video is a definite hit with me and my family. The drama is well-written and well-acted. The concept video shows creativity and technical skill that support the story well. There are four music numbers from the album: "Step Of Faith," which is performed in a country-western motif with Ricky Skaggs as guest singer; "No Monsters," which is a typical "Carman fights the big bad demons" number with a young actor portraying Carman as a child; "God Is Exalted," which is a fun video, set on an airplane to Heaven; and the title track set in a "sweat shop," about being released from our bondage.
The storyline centers around a Chicago cop and his partner/brother-in-law. The lead character, Vic Rizzo, is played by Carman, and his sidekick, "O'bie" O'Brien, is played by Sam Jones. Rizzo is a widower with two small children and Uncle O'bie helps to raise them. After a violent run-in with a gang of juveniles, the two disconcerted officers decide to move their careers and the two children to a seemingly quiet rural setting in Oklahoma to remove the youngsters from the evils of the big city. However, six years later, they find that big city crime has followed them to their community of Broken Arrow. The two officers once again become disheartened as Rizzo's son gets attacked and held hostage by gang members terrorizing his school. Rizzo engineers his escape and the arrest of the gang members. R.I.O.T. The Movie, Part 1 ends with threats of vengeance and retaliation. In previews of R.I.O.T. The Movie, Part 2, Rizzo is shown once again having to fight this seemingly never-ending war on gangster crime.
The video isn't exactly a "cliff-hanger," but I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen. The action is believable; Carman's simple martial arts skills are effective but not show-offish. There are good morals, Biblical values, and instruction laced throughout the story. Bo Hopkins lends a solid performance to the film as the veteran Chicago Police Lieutenant who counsels Rizzo and O'Brien about running from fear and problems-the overall message of the picture.
I would recommend this video for families and for youth groups to view and discuss. It is not just entertainment, but can be used as a tool for youth workers in planning group discussions. My teen and preteen sons both enjoyed it. It is relevant to the times, and is presented in a contemporary style that should capture young people's attention. If you are a Carman fan, or if you are looking for an avenue to open up discussions among your youth about choices, right-from-wrong, and trust in God, then I think you will enjoy R.I.O.T. The Movie, Part 1.
