For Greater Glory

As generic as the title, this historical drama spares no cliche in depicting Mexico's Cristero War of the late 1920.

You'll be forgiven (on earth if not in heaven) should you find yourself humming "Onward, Christian Soldiers" as you exit the theatre.

It's the stuff of real life, and of high drama, but Dean Wright's directorial debut translates little of that latter quality to the screen.

"For Greater Glory" is at times so heavy-handed that the movie itself seems at war. Unfortunately, the enemy is not just a repressive administration, but the audience.

Despite enough good intentions to pave a four-lane highway, the ardently sincere but dramatically unfocused For Greater Glory plays like a multipart miniseries that has been hacked down to feature length.

This historical drama about the little-known Cristero War in 1920s Mexico is more educational than involving.

In terms of technical skill and storytelling ability, it falls flat before getting a chance to get on its feet.

Dean Wright's film confirms that there isn't a film that truly depicts the Revolution yet. [Full Review in Spanish]

If these events seem to fit a little too neatly into modern narrative, seem almost too ready-made for current controversies... a few minutes' worth of research confirms the essential truth of the story.

For Greater Glory will move the audience and perhaps inspire them.