New faith-based films tone down religion, amp up star power

For some filmgoers, hearing a movie described as “faith-based” makes it a must-see. But just as many others find the term a turn-off.
To reach audiences beyond the Christian churchgoers that generally propel the genre, some producers of faith-based films are ramping up the star power and tamping down the evangelical messages.
The latest example is “Miracles From Heaven,” starring Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah, which tells the true story of a 9-year-old Texas girl who inexplicably recovers from an incurable condition after surviving a 30-foot fall.
Among the film’s producers are pastor T.D. Jakes and preacher DeVon Franklin — the team behind 2014’s $100 million hit “Heaven is for Real” — who say they aim to make movies for all audiences, not just religious ones.