To Save a Life–Movie about Teen Suicide You Should Watch with Your Teens

I remember how hard it was being a teen when I was growing up and admit I once considered suicide. I didn’t attempt it, but I certainly considered the various ways to make it happen in my head.  A friend did try.  My dad heard about it and told me that if I ever attempted something similar, he wouldn’t be at my funeral.  Knowing I would be disappointing him to that extent was enough to keep me from doing it.  Immature, I know, but that’s where I was at that time.

I dread the idea that my children may feel that same despair.  I hate that for any teen.

That’s why I think a movie this Sunday is so important.  And I hope you catch it with your kids.

The world television premiere of To Save A Life, a GMC World Premiere Movie that offers hope to hurting teens and empowers students to make a difference, airs Sunday, the 29^th at 7pm and 9pm ET.  I watched it this morning on my own and can tell you it will give you a lot to talk about with your children–about choices they make, who they hang out with and what they believe in.  And if suicide is on their mind, maybe it’ll give you a chance to tell them they would be deeply missed, and that you are there to help them get through the sad parts.

Here’s more from about the movie: The inspirational GMC World Premiere Movie starring Randy Wayne (The Haunting of Molly Hartley, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning), Deja Kreutzberg (“As the World Turns,” “CSI Miami”), Joshua Weigel (The Butterfly Circus), Robert Bailey, Jr. (The Happening), Kim Hidalgo (Ball Don’t Lie), Sean Michael Afable (Akeelah and the Bee), Bubba Lewis (“Medium”) and Steven Crowder (“Greek”).  To Save A Life premieres on Sunday, January 29 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET. 

 To Save A Life is an inspiring story about hope and one teenager’s quest to overcome the high school caste system, a social hierarchy that has become the root of so many issues that teenagers face today.  

 Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne) is a good-natured 16 year old all-star athlete who seems to have everything going for him.  Despite trouble at home, he is self-assured and has found comfort in the insular world of American high school life from the perspective of being “the popular kid.”  Bound by his place in the high school caste system, Jake grows apart from his childhood friend Roger (Robert Bailey, Jr.), who doesn’t fit in.  When the school’s social scene drives a final wedge between them, an unexpected tragedy strikes.  Forced to come to terms with things that he has long taken for granted, Jake reflects on his priorities and begins his journey on a new path that threatens everything his world is built on- his friends, his girlfriend Amy (Deja Kreutzberg), his basketball scholarship and his reputation.  

 Written by youth pastor Jim Britts and directed by Brian Baugh, the film was produced by Nicole Franco, Steve Foster and Jim Britts, with Scott Evans serving as executive producer. Grammy award-winning Charlie Peacock serves as Music Supervisor.

 Randy Wayne (Jake Taylor) landed the role of Luke Duke in the feature film Duke’s of Hazzard 2.  He was a series regular on “Sons & Daughters”, where he played Jeff Fenton, the oldest sibling in a dysfunctional family.   He has also guest starred on “Numb3rs,” “The Closer,” and “NCIS,” among others.  In addition to being a rising TV star, Randy has appeared in numerous independent films, including The Haunting of Molly Hartley, Grizzly Park and Dream Boy. Wayne was born and raised in Moore, Oklahoma.  He lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Robert Bailey Jr.’s (Roger Dawson) film credits include M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening, with Mark Wahlberg; Tom Shadyac’s Dragonfly, with Kevin Costner; Brian De Palma’s Mission to Mars, opposite Don Cheadle and Elise Neal; and William Arntz, Betsy Chasse, and Mark Vicente’s sleeper hit What the #$*! Do We (K)now!? He played recurring roles on “The Parent ’Hood,” “Diagnosis Murder” and “Becker,” which garnered him a Young Artist Award. He was a series regular on “Wanda at Large” and has guest starred on “ER,” “The Practice,” “Touched by an Angel,” among others.

Deja Kreutzberg (Amy Briggs) starred in “As the World Turns,” playing Lia McDermott.  She guest starred in “Law & Order,” “CSI” and appeared in Goosed as the character Louise and in Sorority Row. She was born in Bridgeport, CT. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.   
 
About GMC: 
GMC is America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.”  In 2011, GMC was the second fastest growing ad supported cable network in total day households and A18-49.  GMC can be seen in over 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DISH Network on channel 188, DIRECTV on channel 338 and Verizon FiOS on channel 224.