The Gospel (2005)

The Gospel

This was a well done film and the music as well as the story is on the mark. I think that this is a good family film and has a wonderful message. I don't think you will make a mistake by getting this film. April 17, 2008

The music makes it worthwhile

The movie itself is a fairly bland, formulaic thing: a modern telling of The Prodigal Son, the tale centers on Bishop Taylor's (Clifton Powell) son, David (Boris Kodjoe), returning home and re-winning favor. Meanwhile, the Bishop's close-like-a-son right-hand man, Reverend Charles Frank (Idris Elba), stews over these developments. [In the interim, David was out putting together an Usher-styled R&B career, shepherded by a manager played by Omar Gooding.]

The acting is very uneven - there are some novices. A pro like Elba (who's earned major chops in The Wire - The Complete First Season and Sometimes in April)) simply blows the doors off the others whenever he's on screen. Plus, Kodjoe is clearly lip-synching. Here's there simply because he looks great doing it. Behind the scenes, credit goes to Atlanta-area singer Greg Kirkland (he's in the credits).

The music is worth three stars alone. The DVD extra of Yolanda Adams' full take at 'Victory' is worth the price of rental. She and her background chorus, as well the choreography, are outstanding. November 26, 2007

Not Overly Dramatized

The Gospel. Many have reviewed it as a let down. That it was hyped up to be more than it was. I'll admit, to a certain degree, I'd have to agree. But the thing that stood out to me above all, was that it was real...

There was no pretention, over-dramatization, or uneccesary actions just to make it more "marketable". What it showed was real people dealing with real issues in a real way. It showed different choices and the consequences of those choices. It showed reconciliation as well. It showed that no matter what you've been through - God will always be there to help you back to him - and may use unusual ways with which to do it.

If you're looking for a showstopping, bonanza of entertainment, this may not be it, but if you're looking for intriquing story and a peek at real-life ministry and issues, then this is a definate must-see! October 1, 2007

So how often do we get a decent Christain film?

I'm not sure where the 1-3 star crowd is coming from on this one. Nit-picking this film is missing the point. In an age where Hollywood is cranking out banal trash by the truckload and torture-porn flicks are released on Christmas, this was a refreshing and uplifting change of pace. Yes, it wasn't big-budget. Yes, it wasn't A-list actors. Yes, it was a prodigal son story....SO WHAT??!! At least it was a story, about real (flawed) people struggling through life making choices (not alwasy good ones)and trying to walk their faith. No one is a villan and no one is a hero....it was as much a slice of contemporary life as you will ever get in a movie. And yes, it was a good film deviod of vapid garbage and filthy language....the whole family can watch it and learn something from it about being human and doing what is right instead of what is easy or glamorous. So set aside your big budget expectations and ENJOY! July 30, 2007

get it for the music

The story was not all to my liking, but I found the characters likable, so I cared about what happened. But I bought the movie for the music. If you like good gospel or worship music, see this movie. The story was not satisfying, but the music was the real story. June 14, 2007

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