Joshua

Sans four letter words and violence, this movie is enjoyable family entertainment. Its message is not only "Christian" in nature, but also reflects back to those times in the first half of the twentieth century when we were able to walk the streets in safety, never lock our doors, and actually know our next door neighbor and the entire neighborhood for that matter. While it is predictable, the movie still holds one's interest from beginning to end. Don't look for the technical flubs or the adaptation of Joseph Girzone's book, and don't scoff at the ecumenicism, because the movie stands on its own. It is only based on the book and was scripted well. Just enjoy the sense of community and love. Tony Goldwyn is commendable in the role of Joshua and Academy Award Winner F Murray Abraham is notable as the skeptical and fear driven parish priest. The characters forming the community of Auburn display those neighborly times spoken of earlier in this review. Academy Award Nominee Giancarlo Giannini as the Pope is warm and genuine even in his short appearance on the screen. So, get the kids, mom and dad and grandma and grandpa (and the neighbors) into the living room and enjoy this movie together.

Well, I'm very glad that I didn't look at the IMDB entry before I made the decision whether or not I should watch it. I wouldn't have watched it. The movie was nice for a lazy Sunday morning. The message was uplifting and should be to any viewer, regardless of his/her religious affiliation. A stranger comes into town and turns it upside down by being helpful, polite, friendly and courteous. He teaches various characters lessons that are appropriate to the listener. And he seems to have some sort of otherworldly power. The message, that the community would be a much better place if people would drop their prejudices, stop being so selfish, and help one another, is one that all people, regardless of religion, color, nationality, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or whatever difference one may chose to emphasize.

To bring myself to my point, I'm a non-Christian, and I felt this movie was entertaining, educational, uplifting, and had some valuable things to say. It would be really too bad if the fact that it has been labeled a "Christian" movie, caused non-Christians to ignore it, or dismiss the lessons taught as Christian propaganda. I, for one, am glad I took the time to watch it, but not because of the "Christian" message, but because of the message of love. If it hadn't been for the comments made here, I would not have considered it a Christian move, but a movie about Good.

So, for you non-Christians out there, Don't ignore this movie. It's got a great message. There are other explanations for the things that happen in this movie, but the core message, that of community and love, is important for all.

The purpose of the film is clear: portray what Jesus would be like if he was doing his ministry today. How Joshua treated the people around him, how he lived his life, the miracles, how he spoke to blasphemers, his enemies, and everything, it was a great portrait of what we know and imagine Jesus to be like.

The film crossed all of the denominational boundaries - reaching to evangelists, revivalists, Catholics, and others - with the message of God's love. And the film did a great job of using Tony to portray what Jesus' love would be like today.

What you can take away from this film is a glimpse of what a Christian should be and should portray. As a Christian, your goal is to be more Christ-like. One of Christ's main teachings was love and he demonstrated that in his ministry. This movie gives you a glimpse of one of what an outward appearance, evidence, of a Christian should be. I mean, doesn't make sense that a Christian should be nice, friendly, loving, helpful, and show humility?

I think the movie did a great job showing that. As for the miracles of the movie - they were similar to stuff from the gospels. Take that with a grain of salt. This movie isn't about the second coming of Jesus or retelling the Jesus story. It's a fantasical conjecture to the question of "what if Jesus came to earth again to reiterate His message and work? what would that be like?"

This movie isn't supposed to be deep or evoke something like the Passion. This movie is supposed to make you stop and evaluate, take stock of yourself - to invoke in your heart. If the movie stirred your heart, then you should seek to find out more about this Jesus.

As for the music - according to the first commenter who is clearly not a believer - the music is secondary. The movie featured Third Day, a pretty well-known CCM music band. The music served its purpose.

Whoever the first commenter was, he/she missed the point of the movie entirely. He/she might not even be a believer, or is a believer who is so caught up with him/herself that he/she has no idea what he/she is talking about. The first commenter used the word blaspheme - stop using such big words, you're giving yourself a headache!

Don't miss this film. Let the message speak to your heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film,It carries a message of love and hope.

It's the story of a simple carpenter and his unconditional love for all people no matter their race, colour or creed.

It was well acted by good actors and when F Murray Abraham said "Oh my Lord", a shiver went up my spine as it did when Joshua said "Peter, do you not know me?" to the Pope.

A nice wholesome film for christians and non-christians alike.

It's not about what church you go to, it's not about doing good or

doing bad, it's not about who likes you or how 'important' you are.

It's all about love. We love others because God first loved us.

That's the message this movie portrays as Joshua comes in this

completely hypothetical portrayal of Christ coming to modern,

small town America. He reminds the townspeople in plain, simple

ways what it means to truly care for people. It's not trying to be a

prophetic second coming film, only a fictional story designed to

prove a point.

Maybe the film's a little idealistic, maybe it's a little corny in a

couple places. Who cares? I felt better after watching this movie

than I have after any movie in a while. It's a nice change from the

normal film of today's market which glorifies hatred and revenge.

8 of 10