The Encounter

First of all, we watched "The Encounter" without knowing what it was about. We were basically just looking for a film to watch before we fell asleep, something not too challenging. This film was excellent. It held our attention the entire time. The acting was superb, not cheesy with bad sound and worse dialogue like some of the other Christian movies we've watched in the past. The film gracefully and unashamedly tackles some of the really hard questions Christians face with answers that are refreshingly genuine. We were left with lots of food for thought, and afterward we had a very lively discussion about several of the points raised in the film. We shared it with one of our adult children, who was intrigued and plans to watch it as well. I would wholeheartedly recommend this film for all age groups. Finally, it was also very funny in some parts. We laughed out loud, and you will too.

The premise is intriguing, but from the beginning,this was clearly Hallmark card territory.

We're introduced to some stock characters: the Couple That Have Grown Apart, the Sad But Tough Runway, the Materialistic Businessman, the Woman Who Settles for Less.

Spooky music tells us that something is afoot as the rain pummels them in their cars (except for the runaway, who is hitch-hiking). A washed-out bridge leaves them stranded together in a diner run by none other than Jesus.

Jesus freaks them out by serving only water to drink, but food is another matter. Cue Arlo Guthrie: You can get anything you want at Jesus's restaurant. Jesus knows what you want, both on the plate and out of life. He preaches Joel Olstein Lite. The characters exchange dialog out of a "How To Witness to Unbelievers" comic book.

That's where I lost interest and stopped watching.

Hallmark Channel fans, and readers of "Chicken Soup for the Soul," will probably enjoy this. Those looking for meatier fare won't find it in this diner.

This movie was amazing! It is different then what we normally watch, but in no way was i left feeling disappointed. The story was a 10/10 but the acting had a little to be desired. The meaning and purpose is very clear.

I am purchasing this DVD, I watched it twice on online and now I find myself wanting to watch it again and again. Both times, I was left feeling very comforted and loved. After watching I can imagine what it would feel like to spend some time in Jesus presence and how much he loves me.

It is great family movie, also recommend for one trying to find their way to Jesus (or even if you already know him). I rank it as my favorite feel good movie. Highly recommended!

The constant use of 'God' and 'Jesus' became a little bit overbearing. Ultimately, though, the film delivers a powerful message - not only from a religious perspective.

I enjoyed the setting in the diner on a dark and stormy night. I enjoyed the various characters. The acting in general was very good. Bruce Marchiano, especially, was believable as Jesus. He certainly sold the character to me. We also see Steve Borden (wrestling star Sting) in a very different role, which he does wonderfully.

Whether your religious (Christian in particular) or not, this is a feel-good, inspirational film (despite being one-dimensional).

"Hank, do you really think that you're going to save, let alone restore your marriage, by putting your wife's wishes above mine? She wants to break up your marriage, Hank. I want to save it."

That... is a line stated unironically by Jesus in this Christian film by Christians for Christians. I have to suppose that neither the writers nor any producers nor the director nor the actors nor the camera man, nor anybody else involved in this production stopped and said "that doesn't sound like something a good person would say".

Some people talk about production values. I'm ready to set that aside in the case of a well done story or, where it's a part of discussion or meditation on a topic, a well done discussion or meditation. This was not well done as a meditation or a discussion.

The matters being touched upon include the problem of suffering, the problem of Hell, and biblical atrocities. That would be all well and good if this movie was at all interested in any of those things beyond coming up with a quick excuse for the almighty. These are questions that have to be struggled with, not just passed off.

I imagine that lack of intellectual depth is why Jesus says things that, if anybody had given half a moment to think about, would be far more at home in the mouth of a deceiving demon than a true wise healer.

And, the characters are similarly lacking in depth. Matters such as an identity crisis and severe abuse exist only for the Jesus character to pass them off as less important than himself, thus adding to the feeling of an evil Jesus.

As to the acting... well, in the part of Jesus I suppose that soft voice might have worked better had the writing not given him such evil to display. But, as it is, it sounds far less like compassionate wisdom and far more like a being that's desperate to seem compassionate despite the, again, evil he's speaking.

It's a shame because the premise has potential for the intent. This could have been done much better. It would have taken people who are more ready to struggle with their theology.

Christians, if Jesus ever says the things to you that he said to these diners, it's not Jesus and you tell that being "Get thee behind me".