"Riverdale" star KJ Apa shows a new side in "I Still Believe". He fights for his great love, played by Britt Robertson.
As the red-haired Archie Andrews, fans of the "Riverdale" series have known and loved actor KJ Apa (23) since 2017. From August 13, 2020, the native New Zealander will switch from the TV screen to the big screen – and that with his natural, dark head of hair . In the drama "I Still Believe" KJ Apa once again proves his musical talent and fights with full commitment and deeply rooted faith for great love.
That's what "I Still Believe" is about
A new chapter in life begins for Jeremy Camp (KJ Apa). He's going to college and wants to get started as a musician. When he met Jean-Luc La Joie (Nathan Parsons), his musical dream began to take shape. He also falls head over heels in love with Melissa (Britt Robertson), who struggles with her feelings because of Jean-Luc. When Melissa finally receives a devastating diagnosis, Jeremy doesn't leave her side. Is there no hope at all? Both draw strength from Jeremy's music. But will their love withstand this stroke of fate to the bitter end?
KJ Apa wins the heart of Britt Robertson
"I Still Believe" by the directors Andrew (41) and Jon (38) Erwin is based on the true life story of the American songwriter Jeremy Camp (42, "Stay"). The film thrives on the chemistry between KJ Apa and the female lead actress Britt Robertson (30), who know series junkies from "Life Unexpected – Suddenly Family", "The Secret Circle", "Under the Dome" or "Girlboss". She was also seen in the Nicholas Sparks film "No Place Without You" (2015) or in "A World Beyond" (2015) alongside George Clooney (59).
KJ Apa's filmography, however, shows only a few projects besides "Riverdale". Including "The Hate U Give" (2018) and the Netflix film "The Last Summer" (2019). For Apa and Robertson "I Still Believe" is the second joint film project. They already stood together in front of the camera in "Bailey – A Friend for Life" (2017). The love story between Jeremy and Melissa in "I Still Believe" is taken from the two actors and fevered with them – in the hope of a happy ending.
While KJ Apa in "Riverdale" almost blows women's hearts, as Jeremy Camp he has to use his charm and musical skills to win the heart of Britt Robertson. In addition, the two characters are characterized by a deep faith. Die-hard fans know that KJ Apa can sing thanks to "Riverdale" and he is known to be part of a band. The 23 year old sang the songs in "I Still Believe" himself. The songs are mostly ballads with a lot of feeling. That should bring more fan hearts to melt.
Country star Shania Twain (54, "That Don't Impress Me Much") and Gary Sinise (65, "CSI: NY") can be seen in mini supporting roles – but that almost disappears in the film.
Conclusion
"I Still Believe" is primarily a plea for belief in God. That may not suit everyone's taste. The film is also a mix of relationship drama, struggle for survival and the career path of an aspiring musician, which makes the plot a bit too broad and sometimes vague. Less is sometimes more. But fans of KJ Apa get their money's worth. You experience the "Riverdale" star fighting for love in which he shows great feelings and perseverance.