Milo Ventimiglia Shines in ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’: A Review

Following the unexpected success of the 2018 inspirational drama I Can Only Imagine, which chronicled the story behind MercyMe’s hit song, comes a sequel delving into the creation of another of the band’s powerful anthems, “Even If.” I Can Only Imagine 2, released on February 20th, attempts to recapture the magic of its predecessor, but does it succeed? A key element in its attempt is the performance of Milo Ventimiglia, known for his role in This Is Us.

A Sequel That Imagines More

The original film focused on Bart Millard’s journey to write “I Can Only Imagine,” inspired by the difficult relationship with his abusive father. That film found an audience, grossing nearly $86 million against a $7 million budget, prompting the creation of this follow-up. I Can Only Imagine 2 revisits Bart (John Michael Finley), now navigating the challenges of fame, marriage to Shannon (Sophie Skelton), and parenthood, including a teenage son, Sam (Sammy Dell), who battles type 1 diabetes.

Ventimiglia Brings Levity and Depth

Despite his success, Bart grapples with lingering emotional trauma and writer’s block. Enter singer/songwriter Tim Timmons, portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia injects much-needed levity into the film with a charismatic performance, offering a welcome contrast to Bart’s internal struggles. However, Timmons’ story takes a poignant turn as he battles cancer, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the narrative.

Ventimiglia’s portrayal is a standout, transforming his appearance with a buzz-cut, full beard, and Buddy Holly-style glasses to convincingly embody Timmons. His comedic timing and genuine warmth provide some of the film’s most engaging moments. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, the film truly comes to life during scenes featuring Ventimiglia.

A Narrative That Struggles to Find Its Footing

While I Can Only Imagine 2 attempts to explore themes of faith, family, and overcoming adversity, the screenplay, by Brent McCorkle (who also co-directed with Andrew Erwin), struggles to create a consistently compelling narrative. The film revisits Bart’s past trauma, but the continued obsession feels somewhat repetitive. The subplot involving Bart’s relationship with his son, and the son’s struggles with managing his diabetes, also feels underdeveloped.

Ultimately, the film culminates in Bart finishing the song “Even If,” a testament to maintaining faith in the face of hardship. The climax, set at a sold-out concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, provides a visually stunning finale. However, the film’s liberties with the true story of the song’s debut and Timmons’ recovery raise questions about its adherence to factual accuracy.

Final Thoughts

I Can Only Imagine 2 is a well-intentioned but ultimately uneven sequel. While Milo Ventimiglia delivers a captivating performance and Trace Adkins (returning as the band’s manager) provides some sharp comedic relief, the film struggles to overcome a somewhat laborious and predictable narrative. It may appeal to fans of the original film and MercyMe’s music, but it’s unlikely to resonate as strongly with a wider audience. The film serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of family, but its execution leaves something to be desired.

You can learn more about the film and MercyMe’s music on their official website.