Emily Parker reviews the film.

Melissa Joan Hart and Jesse Metcalfe in God's Not Dead 2

"People seem to forget that in this day and age, the most basic human right of all is the right to believe," Walter Wesley, God's Not Dead 2.

The UK premiere of God's Not Dead 2 at the Open Door Cinema, Crystal Palace, was buzzing with excitement and anticipation as everyone took to their seats to watch the feature. Before the start of the film, a selection of the clients of Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre took to the stage to share their stories, stories that could have been taken straight out of the film. Attendees on the stage included, Olive Jones, Celestine Mba, Gary MacFarlene and Richard Page. As the movie was played cheers of agreement were heard throughout the cinema and there didn't seem to be anyone who was uninspired by the end.

Returning as director from the original movie, God's Not Dead, Harold Cronk takes us from the college classroom to the public square, telling the story of a high school teacher (Melissa Joan Hart) who is asked a question in class about Jesus. The response she gives, lands her in the midst of a court case and a ruling, which has the potential to end her career.

Christian Legal Centre client Aisling Hubert (left), God’s Not Dead 2 actors Michelle LaFache and Paul Kwo (centre), and Abort67 pro life campaigner and graduate of Christian Concern’s Wilberforce Academy Ruth Rawlins (right)

A few familiar faces reprise their roles from the first film, Amy, Martin, Reverend Dave, Reverend Jude, as well as music group, Newsboys, whose song Guilty features in the film and lyrically sums up the storyline incredibly well. Other songs accompanying the film include music from MercyMe, Hawk Nelson and the catchy Sound of the Saints from Audio Adrenaline.

There have been many Christian films that have been described by reviewers as 'cheesy' and 'cringe worthy'. In God's Not Dead 2 there are the occasional scenes that do come across as slightly corny, but when Melissa Joan Hart and Jesse Metcalfe, (who plays the lawyer), take to the screen, they are both exceptional in their roles.

Many sequels don't live up to the original, but thankfully that isn't the case with God's Not Dead 2. Cronk directs the cast well and the storyline is unique and one which the viewers will find easy to relate to. There are a few light hearted moments too, from Pat Boone, David A.R. White and Benjamin A. Onyango, who bring a selection of lovely, heart-warming moments. Although a sequel, this film stands alone in its own right and could easily be enjoyed without seeing the original.

Standing Counsel to the Christian Legal Centre Paul Diamond (centre), Christian Legal Centre clients Andrew McClintock (left), and Richard Page (right)

In its opening weekend, the film grossed $7.6 million (less than the original's opening of $8.6 million), finishing fourth at the box office.

One could ask whether people in the UK will be able to relate to a film that is so heavily based on American culture. The answer is yes, definitely, as the storyline relates to many situations happening in different spheres of influence in the UK as well. This film gives a flavour of what some Christians are beginning to experience in the Western Church.

This is a film for those who find it challenging to know what to say and what not to say, in a country where expression of faith is being increasingly challenged. For Christians, the message of the film leaves you with the challenging question: "When the time comes, will you speak up and stand by your belief in Jesus?"