Jesus Revolution

At first glance, Jesus Revolution is an inspiring, heartwarming watch, but it gives a seamlessly joyful look at a movement with a harmful past, in a way that feels like a slap in the face in the year of our Lord 2023.

Although there are very frank discussions about the nature of faith, it doesn't feel as preachy or heavy-handed as a lot of these films do, which to me personally makes them off-putting.

Unfortunately, despite the interesting history, the film itself is a dry, scattered slog, neutered of all the thorny, contradictory details of the real story.

A gently told story preaching to the converts, assuming that evangelical Christianity is unassailably the answer without considering this particular form of worship may not be the answer for all.

Nothing in this evangelical film about a short-lived religious movement taking root in late Sixties Southern California... is open to chance, much less to any interpretation other than an unequivocal One.

One of the most appealing faith-based big-screen entertainments in a while, polished and persuasive without getting too preachy.

The result is a stifling, corny and sentimental narrative.

The best parts include Grammer’s low-key performance as Chuck, accepting early Lonnie’s arrival as a chance to spread God’s word, and Roumie’s portrayal of Lonnie, which hints at the darker strains in his backstory.

Greg ironing his clothes in an early scene is an apt metaphor for this movie: It’s flat and crisp and clean and totally SQUARE, man.

Makes its points but does not have the emotional impact you would expect from a movie striving to be inspirational.