Frances Chung Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Celia A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Phillida Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Staci Frederick Blistering performances.

infoalwaysacritic 6/10 Faith-based films have, in my experience, been hit-or-miss, though lately there have been several more "watchable" offerings; The Resurrection of Gavin Stone happens to be one of them.Brett Dalton plays Gavin Stone, a washed up child-star turned hollywood bad-boy who is sentenced to 200 hours of community service at a church in his hometown. Rather than doing maintenance, he convinces the church to let him play Jesus in its annual production. Along the way he is introduced to some humourous stereotypes of christianity and a jaded love interest with a painful history. Part humour, and part drama, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is heartfelt for people who have a history in the church, though maybe a little stinging to those who've had a bad experience in a church.Your experience of this film will largely depend on what you bring into it. If you come to it looking for another offering of Brett Dalton, you're likely in for a disappointment - not a failing in hiaas acting, but because the script will only be understood by a specific audience. Neil Flynn plays a role you've probably seen him in before, DB Sweeney is largely in the background and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes does a reasonable job in her role.To people unfamiliar with christian stereotypes, a large portion of the script will fall flat. Many of the jokes reference names of songs, hymns and in some cases the writers tried to break the stereotypical expectation of a church service. If this is your type of humour, then you'll find plenty of laughter to supplement the impending transformation of its main character.Gavin Stone is a self-absorbed and selfish man, but wouldn't likely be perceived as such by people outside of a pious church. The film leaves the audience to imagine this side of his character by repeatedly referencing a set of incriminating pictures and a vague description of partying with a catapult. When Gavin's crisis of purpose comes, you get a very quick glimpse into his prior life, this and another character's own faith journey may bear some relatable points to christians who share a common history, and that can be heart-felt. One notable scene wherein Gavin participates in helping someone in need was enhanced by my knowledge that the cars program and many like it truly exist. Overall the film is enjoyable and reasonably acted for members of a church or on their own faith-journey to enjoy. It is doubtful that this one would have a large appeal outside of the church.

rsricksherwood This is one of the best and enjoyable Christian movies that I have seen in a long time applying an 'everyday life' theme - well done guys! This film gives a very good and heavy example of someone who - yes he lied about his believe in Jesus - but Jesus changed his life through the believers in the play. Great chemistry in the Spirit with everyone. Kudos to the play and excellent story line and I pray that the Lord opens more opportunities for this group. What's next?

diggler_inc It is easy to see that this is a very low budget film that comes with some of the faults that low budget films have. If you can accept that and watch it with an open mind, you will enjoy it.The story is predictable and the bad boy isn't really that bad, but this is a Christian film.Acting is excellent and it was refreshing to see a movie that is about human relationships instead of the formulamatic nonsense that you see in most movies these days.

bhaskellof6 We are a family that LOVES movies! Christian movies typically can be somewhat cheesy in the portrayal of real people and real actions- But we love the message of love and faith they portray but so often the acting just seems not realistic. This movie was real, genuine and totally enjoyable! The actors and actresses in the film were like real people who are believers and live life as people who are trying, not with perfection to portray Jesus's message of mercy and grace. And I love the heart of the pastor portrayed in this movie, leading and guiding his flock with love and wisdom, not a dim wit. I urge everyone to take the time not just to go see the Resurrection of Gavin Stone, but to share with others on all the social media you can. Spread the word! It is a blessing and joy to share the blessings in your life, this film was definitely one of the many blessed moments in mine. It is hard to write much more without spoiling any of the plot.... so go watch it for yourselves. Thank you Vertical Church Productions and the others who invested and took the time to portray a view of real Christians in a way that is genuine and sincere.