“One Stop Away” is one inspiring movie! Marrick Smith does an excellent job portraying Richard Bondanella, a teacher at Monsignor Farrell High School. He has a literary background but too soft a touch — his class regularly interrupts him with jokes and insults, and they shoot water guns at one another. Yet, despite the need to toughen up, Richard is a goodhearted man and close friends with Ken (James Boland), a young man who is struggling for his life, as he battles cancer. His younger brother, Paul (William Harden), attends the school. Although Richard promises to look after Paul, he fails to do so. His lack of assertion causes him problems. He even has a girlfriend who wants to marry him, but he doesn’t feel the same way.
This film is a realistic look at high school kids and the problems they face, along with some bad behavior. Mostly, it is a movie about having faith and maturing, something that Richard finally does after a tragic event. A certain teacher isn’t afraid to tell him what he needs to do, and Richard chooses to take the advice. Richard finds himself attracted to his teacher, and he becomes more decisive and assertive. For anyone who has ever experienced growth in an area of life that was important, this movie will touch some chords. Emerson’s comment is quoted: “Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up.” We are pleased to award “One Stop Away” our Dove Approved Seal for ages 12-plus.