The Gathering

I highly recommend The Gathering for Christians and non-Christians. The story is compelling and sends a strong message. Further, it serves to provoke conversation and inquiry from viewers regarding the detailed meanings of end-time events and salvation. It is refreshing to see the actions and the plan of God, working thru his people on the silver screen. It was convicting to see Christians, not made to look stupid or compromised (as often the case), but portrayed in realistic everyday situations, holding fast to the `profession' of their faith --Hebrews 10:23. We witness the character Michael, responding to an environment that is no longer even self-conscious of its deliberate anti-Christian bias. A very post-Christian environment indeed. Film media by its very nature, often bases reality on what can be seen and envisioned. The `visions and dreams' segments of the film where at times esoteric, and dramatic. This could have been somewhat de-emphasized by the use of more detailed scriptural reference, with dialogue between the characters stemming from from that foundation. That being said, it is a blessing to see the fruits of long hard work to make the movie. The Gathering is an excellent family film, which can be used as a evangelical tool as well. Tell friends and family about this film.

This movie is perfect for Christains and non-Christains alike. I saw this movie over 5 years ago and have been looking for it ever since. It depicts the end times and of a young man that has visions of the rapture. I can only imagine if I were in the shoes of the main character trying to convince my friends and family of what was about to happen and of the seriousness of making the wrong decision. This movie is an eye opener for everyone who watches it. It is perfect for bible study groups as well. It can bring out discussions about what our responsibility is to the world to get to word out of the seriousness of our decision of either to follow Jesus or not. This movie is definitely worthy of all genres and is guaranteed not to disappoint.

The Gathering is as plain and as generic as a rapture film can get. There is nothing clever in it at all. Its a very dull and horribly made film. Its involves multiple characters getting a glimpse of the Biblical rapture. It has one family being divided over the couples faith. This comes off as very troubling and mean spirited. I dont get the appeal of films like this. Its a poorly written film to scare people into joining a certain religion. Most of the characters just argue back and fourth and the outcome is just so incredibly predictable. Also it has visions of the future but nothing really new or interiting happens then either. It also contains a atheist professor much like another awful faith film called Gods Not Dead. Another film series like this is Left Behind. I like to try out faith films but I think they are far better with a positive look on life. This is just a way to freak people out. Its so glum. Another very generic rapture film with two sequels and a even worse remake. Its as plain and dull as a film can get. Is there anything positive I can say about The Gathering? No I can not. Its a depressing propaganda film. Besides its just a scare film.

Those who are familiar with the LEFT BEHIND series should find this one well worth the time. Michael Carrey, a successful marketing executive catches a glimpse of the near future, namely the Rapture of Christians into Heaven. His wife and mother-in-law also get a preview of the Tribulation period following the Rapture. Carrey tries to warn his unbelieving loved ones of the soon return of Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Filmed on a limited budget, it's a well paced story, one of those movies that doesn't need big-name stars or spectacular special effects to get it's point across. Highly recommended.

Rating: ***** out of *****

Being involved with independent films myself as an actor and writer - I know the quality of both is not always that good - so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that - in my opinion both were very good in this film. And it had some decent visual effects thrown in as well.

I found that at the end of the film I was not wanting it to end. I was hoping it would continue and I could see what else happened in the lives of the characters - but I understand why the writers wanted it to end as it did.

To me the actors were very believable in their roles. I enjoyed this film very much.