In-Lawfully Yours

My title refers to "the genre". Trouble is, I'm not sure whether this is primarily a Rom/Com or an inspirational movie (a la UpTV where I viewed it). Either way, this isn't typical. The premise isn't common and the way it develops is even more uncommon. Perhaps some general outcomes are predictable, but I thought there were some minor twists and turns along the way.

This movie combines irreverent humor, championed by the in-your-face leading lading, with thought provoking questions and an inspirational message. It also has a truly hate-worthy villain who makes me think of an incompetent J.R. Ewing. There are definitely funny moments including some based on physical comedy.

You may note my less than stellar rating, but I don't think that reflects the potential for it to appeal to the right people. I'm just not a fan of a number of devices used in this movie. It's my personal buttons. Right up there near the top is that leading lady, Jesse, whom I might find very appealing if she weren't so unintentionally bent on destroying Ben's life. (The elders in that church had a right to be concerned, especially when Chaz shows up with his claims, but the elders approached the situation completely wrong. Ben makes a good point when he accuses the church of chasing away the lost sheep.)

There is a faith based message. It may be a little too subtle or maybe not - at least one reviewer is offended by it. (There's no reason to be offended if you don't like the message because you can just ignore it, unless the message hits home.) To be truly a Christian message, there are some more elements of the gospel that need to be included.

I wasn't going to write a review, but wanted to respond to the reviewer who wrote that she stopped watching it, because it had a Christian element. That really annoys me. How would people react if reviewers said they stopped watching a movie when they found out a character was gay? Or an inter racial relationship occurred?

And this isn't the view of an evangelist. I'm a perfectly happy Jewish person. And I can watch a movie about gays, Hindus, Moslems, etc.. and enjoy it, and admire the good people in the movie, and dislike the bad people in the movie.

So this is a perfectly good movie unless you're a Christian hater.

I don't usually like romantic comedies. And *Christian* romantic comedies are usually super cheesy with terrible acting.

BUT this is one of my favorite movies! I love the main character Jessie-she's smart, funny, brave and yet normal. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the film delightfully Christian without being overbearing (a rare trait in this genre.)

An underrated film in my opinion.

I absolutely loved this. It was funny, insightful, romantic, touching, and suspenseful. It had more than one good message. All of the scenes in church were hilarious. I think this may have been produced by a Christian company, but it was very clear-eyed when it came to why people question the existence of God and religious doctrine. The only thing I kinda hold against it was the mother letting her son get away with his shenanigans, although he did get his comeuppance in other ways. I'd watch this again!

Refreshing to see a movie that deals with church politics that is nonjudgmental to nonchurched people, and those who have been abused and seek divorce being actually cared for.

Shows the difference between religious people and those who love God and others. Worthwhile and entertaining.

Actually loved seeing abusive churchgoers who make life miserable for their pastor being dealt with, all the while poking fun at their ridiculous behavior.