Los secretos de Jonathan Sperry

Fair warning: if you are thinking of watching this movie you need to know that it has a fairly heavy Christian emphasis. I say that NOT because I object to religious emphasis in movies. Not at all. It's just that most movies that seek to make a Christian impact are just completely cringe-worthy, embarrassing and definitely unrealistic - and I'm saying that as a religious person myself. It's sad but true.

This movie also wears its heart on its sleeve and has has a strong evangelical thrust. It lays it on pretty thick. What saves this from being as excruciating as most movies of this genre is the sweet subplot of a young lad trying to win the affection of a girl who has caught his eye and the genuine and moving acting of the kids playing the four boys and the girl. For once here is an American movie that casts teens as teens and not young looking twenty year olds! Amazing. The movie is better and more real because of that. It's nice to see some seasoned older actors too like Gavin McLeod and Robert Guillaume.

Despite some corny scenes, this movie is moving and engaging. My kids liked it, me and the wife did too. I recommend it.

This is the Christiano brothers' best film (thus far), a lovely coming-of-age story about several youths in a sleepy upstate New York town circa 1970. In some ways it seems like the '50s, and the boys' shorts are definitely post-1985 length, but these are minor quibbles. Gavin MacLeod solidly portrays the title character, perhaps the meatiest role of his entire career, and quite likely an accurate reflection of his offscreen personality.

I saw this in the theatre, and the Gospel message is completely at odds with what the other films were selling/saying. It was a sad reminder of what this nation has fallen from.

For what could have been a pedantic, by-the-numbers evangelistic tract on film, this is instead a moving, well-crafted, tightly scripted bit of cinema. If this is any indication, we can expect even better things from the Christiano brothers in the years ahead.

I like films like this. They are so simple, and yet, they have potential to leave a long lasting impression on the viewer. As I watched, I couldn't help but notice similarities to other movies(The Sandlot, Stand by Me) that also touch the subject of growing up. The difference here is the message the movie wants to convey.

If you enjoy family movies and are not bothered by the Christian message, this is a great movie.

I decided to give this movie a try and went in with an open mind. I usually love to watch scary movies, but some friends who I was with at the time aren't into scary movies and we went in to see Jonathan Sperry.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and really touched by this film. Gavin MacLeod did a wonderful job as well as the three boys who played friends in the movie, but I have to say one particular guy stood out in this movie for me. Taylor Boggan, the guy who played Nick the bully, did an amazing job. The emotions he displayed, especially the scene when he was in the bedroom crying to God to help him, brought out emotions in me I never knew I had. He made you feel the pain that his character was feeling, it was such a powerful scene for him to have pulled off beautifully. I know we will be seeing more of this kid, and he is going to be recognized very soon as the strong talented actor he is, he has a great future going for him.

This film whether you are religious or not, tugs at your heart, it makes you want to be a better person. It's a shame because I think a lot of people won't give this film a try because they will think of it as just some religious movie, but it is so much more than that. It is really a coming of age story about three boys, who are tormented by a bully, who is in so much pain emotionally that he takes it out on those around him. And in enters Jonathan Sperry, the one man who sees through his pain and helps him overcome it. He brings these boys together, through his love, patience and teachings, and in the end they are all a lot stronger and more forgiving of one another. This movie has everything, laughter, tears and excitement. I really am glad I decided to give this movie a try, it is well worth it!!!

Our family watched The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry last night and each one of us thought it was an absolutely wonderful movie. We have had this film in our Netflix Watch Instantly queue ever since Netflix acquired it, but had never taken time to watch it. When we decided to watch it as a family last night, my 11-year-old son balked and said it looked like it would be "boring", but even he was brought to unexpected tears and smiles here and there throughout (as were the rest of us); and at the end he was the first to say what a great movie this was and that "we really need to buy this". The main theme that stood out to me in this film was the impact that one person could have on so many other people's lives, especially if they truly live what they profess to believe. I highly recommend this heart-felt, family-friendly, thought-provoking film.