Pilgrim's Progress

I read Pilgrims Progress when I gave my heart to Jesus 16 years ago. It helped me understand so many things at the time. Recently I came across the DVD in the Christian Bookstore and purchased it this evening. I just finished watching it and though it isn't the quality of a multi million dollar movie I felt it was well done with the telling of the story and the examples given. It has brought me closer to Jesus this evening. I suppose the person watching will see what the heart is willing to see or what they allow Jesus to show them through this movie. May God bless everyone who watches Pilgrims Progress. Thank you for making it!

I had read the book prior to watching this movie, so I had an idea of what to expect coming into this. Considering Bunyon wrote this in the 1600s, trying to write a screenplay so that today's society can follow can be a bit daunting. Even the Left Behind series would run parallel with this in how it was made; I liked both! While I also recognize that this is a low budget film, we (moviegoers) have been spoiled with the progress in cinematic technology and expect everything to be along the lines of LOTR, NARNIA, MATRIX, and such movies. Some would call this a cheesy, poorly made movie... I say this was well done, and I'm thoroughly satisfied with purchasing this DVD and look forward to sharing it with others. It still conveyed Bunyon's and, more importantly, God's message.

In peace, with hope through Christ...

Writer, Producer and Director Danny Carrales has again demonstrated that Christian movies are getting better and better. This is an example of an independent film that has a "big budget" look. The acting is very good, which is usually the first sign of a low budget movie. Carrales has the ability to be very creative and resourceful with what he has to work with, as he has done in his other films such as, "The Gathering," and "Escape from Hell." In this case, he delivers a very dramatic, well told rendition of the John Bunyan classic. The cinematography and special effects are wonderful. This thought-provoking story is powerful and is sure to draw emotion. If you haven't read the story lately or not at all, this film is definitely worth checking out. I highly recommend it.

If you are a fan of the original Pilgrim's Progress book then you may find this movie to be one of the best film adaptations of the book. Books use different methods to tell a story than films do. So, you will find small differences between the two but it is very true to the original story. The director does a great job of allowing you to experience the story from the book in the form of a film. I wouldn't say this film competes with the book but rather that it is a companion to it.

I'm done with the review but since I must write 10 sentences, let me offer a warning about people that seem to enjoy being critical of other people's work. The negative nature of such reviews should cause one to question the maturity of the people submitting a review as well as the quality of their work (don't think that doesn't matter - it always matters).

A great filmmaker was once asked who his favorite filmmaker was to which he responded "anyone that finishes a film." Those are words from a person who truly knows what he is talking about.

This is an excellent adaptation of Pilgrim's Progress. Very true to the book, but with a modern twist. I showed it to my 4th graders after having read the book and they loved it! They even applauded the movie, something I have never seen before. The acting was good and there was enough action without being over done or tacky. Even the 'scary' scenes with Apollyon were not too scary, or too trite. This is the best movie for Pilgrim's Progress that I have ever seen. I loved it and it is also a great choice for families. The movie really portrays the meaning and message of the book. I would definitely recommend this movie, it is a great choice!