One of its strengths is its willingness to engage candidly and open-heartedly with the real issues that confront teenagers, giving it some heft and credibility.

Miles ahead in terms of production values and an avoidance of overt proselytizing. It'll likely be an enormous hit with the evangelical communities at which it's targeted. That doesn't save it from being an utter failure outside that narrow context.

To Save a Life would be bland and boring even as a half-hour after-school special.

It does accomplish its mission of presenting a heartfelt and well thought out story through the eyes of faith.