God's Waiting List

This was a weird film. Weird because on the one hand it's so hopelessly and shamelessly simplistic and moralistic, yet on the other hand, when it's presumably supposed to be showing us why one should turn to religion as an answer to one's problems, it shows Christianity in such a farcical manner that if I turned on halfway through I would genuinely think it was lampooning the very type of film it's trying to be! Maybe it's because I'm atheist, but the stereotypical Christian characters and acts of God were hilarious! Not to mention the oh-so-predictable fall-from-grace of the "sinners".

Well anyway, I found it quite funny - but not enough to make it so-bad-it's-good.

Edgy feel for a movie. Really enjoyed that "God's Waiting List" - didn't hide the sorrow of the story. Story line that linked the characters by happiness and tragedy - everything you find in real life. Loved the character's realness about being torn between choices and like most people getting caught up in the cycle of 'bad' choices until they hit rock bottom. When you hit rock bottom - there is no where else to go. Which I felt was demonstrated with the end scene with Solomon's character. Some really deep moments for the character Rachel. LOVED the fight scene when Rachel leaves Solomon. Thought that scene did justice to Nian Aster's acting ability and depth as an actress. Duane Adler's directing is always wonderful - and it showed in the Chinese checkers scene. The humor in that scene was great. Really enjoyed the film.

The musical score from the films original composer Vincent Gillioz was emotionally moving. However while the movie is entertaining and engaging up to a point, it collapses into an almost sophomoric message movie, good as an after-school PAX TV special, but not good for an educated film going audience. Confussion sets in quickly if this is a movie about hope or an anti-drug message movie or a flick about honesty?

Became slightly perturbed by the condescension of the spoken dialogue as if the audience were all naive simpleton's incapable of following a complex story line with only subtly being offered. On a positive note, the acting by Roger Guenveur Smith and Nicki Micheaux were simply excellent. The LA Echo Park locations were gritty and real, reminiscent of "To Live and Die in LA". Small nuances like where Solomon's business were located in...the subtleness of the location and the decor said a lot about his past capital financing concerns.

While can't recommend this flick to family or friends, as they may give queer looks as a Bible thumping Jesus freak, it is worth checking out in the privacy of your own viewing.

This relationship based plot led me through so many emotions...spiritual in the sense that I evaluated my faith in God and mankind and family related emotions came to fore in that I remembered how important it was and is to communicate your inner most thoughts of your childhood with your siblings so as to grow in understanding the very confusing interaction between parents as they raise their children...the honesty portrayed in this film showed how siblings can grow or cease to grow closer in trust. Although somewhat sad, God's Waiting List left me feeling hopeful and lifted in faith. The diversity in the paths the siblings chose prompted me to question why and how they remained so close throughout their problematic childhood...I concluded they remained devoted out of pure love and survival...and ultimate trust which was compromised. Such is reality...so goes the relative consequence of individual choice. I loved it!

A powerful story made more impressive with its strong acting writing and directing. Strories about God and faith can find themselves walking a fine line. Being either too preachy or too mocking. This movie has found the perfect balance. God's Waiting List is one of those films which not only exists as entertainment but is also thought provoking. You are caught up in these characters because of how real they feel. Nobody is bad, they're just a victim of their circumstances. You are always rooting for all of them to succeed. The film also has some wonderful humor. Kudos to director Dwayne Adler and writer, co-star Nian Aster for creating such a strong film. With so many shallow films being released these days, it's nice to see them reaching to achieve more. Keep and eye on these two.