Resurrection of Gavin Stone movie review

The Karl and June Morning show on Moody Radio Chicago (90.1 FM in Chicago

) has Juni’s Movies on Fridays (which helps Christians consider hat movies to watch), and co-host Juni Felix invited me to write up a review of the movie, so here it is. It’s not a detailed analysis like my childhood friend Devin Faraci would write, but something to consider, and feel free to comment about.

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is a movie that stars Brett Dalton (Agent Ward from Marvels’ Agents of SHIELD on ABC), and centers on the former child star gone bad that finds his way to Jesus through community service at a church . Some people might find this ironically relevant, as the key to this plot is a celebrity pretending to be a Christian in order to get a leading role.

Dalton and co-lead Anjelah Johnson-Reyes  are excellent in their roles, extremely real people.   The movie is co-produced by Vertical Films and WWE (YES, the wrestling entertainment company) and includes former wrestler Shawn Michaels as well as character actor DB Sweeney.

I think it’s a fun family film. Gavin Stone’s temptations are not really graphic , and definitely doesn’t glorify the “sinful” lifestyle. But there are plenty of laughs and beautifully shot.

I believe the movie is also a good critique of Christians, showing how we can look goofy to people, or worse, judgmental and can ignore the value in “sinful” people when we focus on just one thing. It doesn’t show Christians as perfect – at all, but hopefully stirs some thoughts about what it means to follow Jesus …and not just for the “unsaved”.  This should spark some great conversations with your family about what is really important in life.

I am kind of disappointed that it only made a little over $2 million (which was approximately its budget). I understand that it’s not a must-see-in-a-theater movie like Marvel movies or the upcoming Wonder Woman film, but it is certainly worth watching.

Oh, and for Chicago people, you will love the little references dropped in here and there. 

Resurrection of Gavin Stone is available digitally, and just released on DVD. 

Paul Blart 2 - movie review

If you saw the commercials, and were like my wife, you probably rolled your eyes, and said to yourself (or out loud to anyone who seemed remotely interested in “Paul Blart Mall Cop 2”), I am never going to watch this movie

But if you like the 3 Stooges-type of humor, you’ll love this movie. I am actually a big fan of Kevin James’ family films, like “Here Comes the Boom” and the original “Paul Blart”.  This one does not disappoint.

Now, is this a movie that will change your destiny or alter your philosophical outlook on life? Probably not.

But is it worth a Redbox rental? Most certainly! Worth buying? Definitely at least maybe. If you’ve got children, this is a great movie to reinforce helpful thoughts in their head.

What I like about this movie is that they provide some great life lessons. Without (hopefully) spoiling it, I let me share some great messages.

The first is to take pride in what you do, even if others mock it. Mall security is often looked down on as “cop wanna-be’s” or a job that one does until they find something better. But Paul inspires his fellow mall security to think that “Security is a mission, not an intermission.”  And with that perspective everyone can benefit.

Another is to listen to your parents, no matter what crazy things they ask of you. (And yes, I am well aware of abuse  - but this lesson is assuming your parents are people who truly love and care about you) Those things may seem insane and/or embarrassing at the time, but you l eventually see the fruit of their requests.

The “objectionable” or “questionable” things (other than the quality of humor) are few, but let me list a few for those concerned. 1) Paul Blart gets his moment to shine due to the extreme drunkenness of a very minor character. Definitely doesn’t glorify alcohol, but it’s there.  2) Lots of slapstick violence (including a death that moves the plot) 3) Pauls self delusion of hi attractiveness to women . But with actual parental guidance, like the PG rating suggests, will ensure your children will come away form the movie with minimal psychological damage .

SIDENOTE/Tangent: Fans of “Here Comes the Boom” will enjoy cameos/supporting roles of several actors from that movie.  Also, check the official website at http://www.paulblart-movie.com/

 
I am looking forward to the next Kevin James family film.

In addition to writing serious (and not-so-serious thoughts on More2Ignore.com, he is als the President of Do-Gooder Consulting (www.do-gooder.us) . He also writes a blog for Do-Gooder as well (at blog.do-gooder.us) , providing insight on issues such as college financial aid, and marketing your organization on the web)