 Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
If you are looking for a wholesome, light-hearted, moving family comedy, then you need to watch The Resurrection of Gavin Stone. Directed by Dallas Jenkins and starring Brett Dalton (Agents of Shield), Anjelah Johnson-Reyes (MadTV), Shawn Michaels (WWE), D.B. Sweeney (Two and a Half Men) and Neil Flynn (The Middle), this is one movie you want to add to your "must watch" list. Brett Dalton plays Gavin Stone, a washed up, self-centered former child star who is given community service hours to work off in a church, after trashing a hotel room. Dalton gives a believable performance as an unbeliever trying to convince the pastor of the church (D.B. Sweeney), his daughter (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes) and the members of the congregation that he is a Christian - all because he wants to play Jesus in their church play. It beats having to clean washrooms for community service (the alternative). But his lack of knowledge about Jesus and Christians in general is what makes this movie so funny. As a Christian myself I found it hilarious when he searched the internet to learn "Christian ettiquette", which ranged from how to speak Christian - "Blessings! Blessings to you!" is recited repeatedly on his first Sunday morning visit to church - to Communion and the offering - he takes a handful of communion wafers and says, "No thanks!" when the offering plate is passed. These were just a few of the many comical moments in the movie and Dalton played them admirably. My only complaint is that there should have been subtitles for when the deaf girl signs, especially at the end of the movie. The character of Stone laughs and I had no idea why. As for the standard redemption theme, it was done so well I was crying by the end. And yes there is a love interest (he falls for the pastor's daughter) and she dislikes him instantly, but as both characters grow we see not only how forgiveness works, but also grace and especially redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it! Movie has been provided courtesy of Mongrel Media and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 3/18/2017 The Case for Christ
Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
You want to see a movie that has good acting, beautiful direction, an awesome storyline and a message that is outstanding? Then you need to see The Case for Christ, based on the book by author and former journalist Lee Strobel. If you read the book then you know the struggle Lee went through when his atheist wife became a Christian. The movie stresses the fact that both Strobels went into their marriage as unbelievers but the journey to belief for Leslie Strobel (Erika Christensen) started with one event that started her thinking, "What if?" The movie expertly shows us how Leslie's journey lead to Lee (Mike Vogel) using his investigative journalism skills to prove to his wife that she was believing in a lie. So he tracks down all kinds of professional people from all over the world, from doctors, to archeologists to psychologists to ask for evidence on whether or not Jesus died on the cross. And he is overwhelmed by the evidence. While seeking answers to that Lee is also investigating an incident where a cop is shot. He breaks the news on what he thinks is an incredible scoop. I won't tell you anymore than that because I don't want to spoil it, but let's just say the director of this movie did an awesome job making the evidence for truth and why it's sometimes hard to find, quite clear. If you are wondering if Jesus is real and you need evidence to believe, go see the Case for Christ. You won't be disappointed. "Movie has been provided courtesy of Pure Flix Entertainment and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc." |
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4/14/2017
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