On the One

The title of this movie and basic outline -- of two brothers dramatically affected in different ways by painful events in their childhood -- dangles the promise of an interesting story idea, but then goes on to destroy that promise offensively.

When the two brothers grow up, one becomes an uptight pastor at Harlem church, and the other becomes a rapper whose most prominent promo item is a drawing of his face with a satanic feel. The rapper gets in trouble (predictably) as a result of his behavior, which leads to the brothers confronting their relationship with each other, amidst a background of cardboard church people.

The synthesis coming from this clash of opposing minds is not redeeming at all. The movie seems to say that good and evil aren't really good and evil, that the pastor is in essence just as bad as the rapper, and the best approach is to average out the good and evil without examination. To what do they average, I wonder?

It is extremely clear that no one of any influence on this production is Christian, or understands in any way what it means to be a Christian. As a result, the movie displays some superficial trappings of religion but no deeper reality. Sadly, there are many real instances of problems in the church where the members and leadership act in ungodly ways (I know - I've been victimized by them), but this movie turns that into a farce. Further, there are no roles demonstrating someone with a true, life-changing belief.

If you are in any way a believing and acting (i.e. "real") Christian, I strongly urge you to avoid "Preaching to the Choir". If you are not, be advised that what you see in this movie represents only the secular world relabeled as Christianity, so the writers/producers don't have to take responsibility for their own attitudes.

I liked the movie. It was pretty good, showing redemption and how one can be lifted out of adversity. I liked the acting although Zulu's love interest was a bit 2 dimensional. My parents and brother watched it and said that they were glad it wasn't too preachy and that they could actually watch it.

The premise of two brothers reconciling to each other was in fact something I can relate to. Also, Sisters Marcie and Emma were two dazzling women who reminded me of the Greek Chorus who would be the voice of reason and have the hero or heroine think about their actions. I considered it a great nod to reconciliation (as the Corinthian church needed) as well as drawing people to the church even if it weren't for the right reasons, those people will weed themselves out over time.

A+++ really good, believable characters and I loved the singing. Also, Chester though he didn't speak was a character in his own right. I think that Gospel plays are increasing the number of silent characters in their plays (I don't know why) also the part with Eartha Kitt saying: I haven't had sex since 1972 and Te saying "me and you after rehearsal" was in character for him, and I wouldn't nod to it as offensive.

I loved it. It points out how two people closely related can process the same tragic event in their mind and heart and react to it differently. I cannot say enough about these brothers and the beautiful relationship that continued non stop with their aunt. The level of respect they had for her was wonderful to see. She spoke they listened. I thought both brothers had so much to offer others. They were different in so many ways yet so much alike. I was glued to my television as I watched the drama unfold.

I cannot say enough about Eartha Kitt whom I adore. I loved the musical selections as well. There was one scene of the brothers in church talking. I must have watched that at least 50 times and laughed every time I viewed it.

Enjoyable for entertainment, excellent acting, soundtrack, picture quality and story content. True to life. Depicts hope, love, encouragement, family, and humor

If you are preaching to the choir you're trying to convince people who already agree with you. Or maybe the title is a mere play on words. If not, then it is unclear who is doing the convincing. Could what is portrayed in this movie be taken as representative of what goes on in churches? One is almost overwhelmed by the level of vice among 'the faithful'. I come away with a distinct feeling of impurity after most of the church scenes. The normal association between virtue and religion is weak if not absent. Although the message of reconciliation does come through eventually, the plot seems to 'wander through' too much negative elements to produce that positive nugget. One wonders if this is not just another church-bashing flick. This movie seems to be making a mockery of religion.

Just saw this at the 9th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami, and really enjoyed this -- good acting all round, funny, family-friendly, and beautiful cinematography as well. Harlem's historic and contemporary cultural vibrancy is nicely worked into the scenes (in one scene, Zulu courts a young woman who works at the Studio Museum of Harlem, where they talk in front of Kara Walker's silhouette paintings).

It's an accessible mainstream-type comedy with a lead actor who might be the next Denzel Washington (he's certainly handsome enough, as is the actor who plays his brother).

There's a theme of redemption at work here. Two brothers, one a hip-hop star called Zulu and the other the Baptist preacher at a Harlem church, have had conflict in their relationship for years, but when Zulu's life is endangered as the result of a contract dispute with a record company owner, they have to work through their problems and help each other. The minister brother's church is losing membership and has become stagnant, but Zulu's presence attracts curious teens and Zulu revitalizes the gospel choir. Each brother finds a way to help the other. Lots of entertaining secondary characters, light violence, some sexually suggestive humor (akin to what you might see on many broadcast TV shows).