The Wasteland Reviewer

I Can Only Imagine 2 (2026) Written Review

How do you follow one of the best faith-based films in recent memory? Many faith-based films fall short in the quality department and focus too much on “message” to the detriment of other essential cinematic elements. But not I Can Only Imagine. This drama focused on the story of Bart who would go on to front the band MercyMe but only after a lifetime of trauma and abuse at the hands of his overbearing father. This touching and powerful true story made quite the impact. But Bart’s story did not stop with the success of that first big song. I Can Only Imagine 2 picks up years in the future. A diabetic teenage son. A marriage in strife. Writers block stalling MercyMe’s success. Another journey of faith and the influence of another musician intersect Bart’s journey in this new sequel. 

How does directors Andrew Erwin and Brent Mccorkle navigate the latest chapter in Bart’s life? For a film that is pushing two hours, the pacing of the film is quite brisk and engaging. There are a couple of sequences that feel a little long in the tooth but otherwise, Erwin and Mccorkle have crafted an engaging experience. The music goes a long way in injecting life, energy, and personality into the film. When you have a film that tells a music-infused story, you must expect some strong musical elements, and they deliver on that for sure including a powerful song at the climax of the film. The concert sequences have a strong big performance feel which makes them feel authentic. The other visuals don’t feel the most dynamic, but the film does have that modern faith-based film feel and filter to them. The film does a fine job of building emotion as there are a few standouts in the film with the final scenes packing quite the emotional punch. 

Does Mccorkle’s screenplay build from the previous film well? His writing continues consistently from his screenplay on the first film which helps with the overall feel of this sequel. There is a strong cold open that shows the flying success of MercyMe as they reach acclaim and Bart and Shannon have their first child to only find out about his diabetes. A bold leap into the future finds Bart in a distant and rough situation. Bart brings his teenage son out on this tour with them as they are forced into a new opening act, Tim Timmons (a man looking to break out). Bart’s conflict with his son is certainly the main driving force of drama and tension. The emotional depth of the film is rooted in Bart’s exploration of his past and his reconnection with his faith. The conflict with his son is a solid anchoring narrative but it honestly feels less interesting compared to the journey of Timmons. In making such a strong supporting character this time around, they do something dangerous…. they overshadow Bart’s own journey. The Timmons elements with him attempting to inspire Bart, his own grappling with mortality, and Timmons mentorship of Bart’s song all come off quite engrossing. The dialogue can feel a little too blunt at times but there is some strong messaging as well as some solid humor to lighten the mood intermittently.

Does the cast of the film elevate Mccorkle’s work? John Michael Finley does another fine job of bringing Bart to life with some strong emotion. Sophie Skelton does a fine job in supporting as well as Bart’s wife. Trace Adkins returns as MercyMe’s road manager, and he brings that same old gruff charm to the table. Sammy Dell is saddled with some serious material as Bart’s son, but the performance never really manifests into something richly emotional. But there is one not-so secret weapon this time around. Milo Ventimiglia. He is charismatic and engaging like Timmons. Honestly, he almost steals the whole film out from under Finley and the rest of the cast. It almost makes you wish that Timmons was the main character this time. Dennis Quaid (the biggest standout from last time) returns briefly as Bart’s father through some poignant flashbacks. Most of the rest of the cast are effective enough for what the film asks for. 

Does Erwin and Mccorkle deliver a satisfying and engaging sequel? Bart and MercyMe’s journeys go into some fresher territory which gives the sequel some good purpose. The execution might not quite hit the same heights as the last film, but this is still an engaging experience, nonetheless. There is plenty of emotion with dashes of music and faith to go around. The few surprises might not be so surprising but there are enough strong additions to the story that carry it forward.