Mercy Streets

Christian film makers still haven't found their niche in today's movie market, and I don't they will for some time. Yet Mercy Streets seems to have succeeded where others have fallen short. Despite a relatively outrageous plot and some hokey acting, the film boasts some fine direction by Gunn, a good cast (Eric Roberts, David White), and an intriguing storyline. It's squeaky clean as far as language, yet it doesn't detract from the script. There's no book somewhere that says that there must be foul language for characters to express angst, hatred, etc. This movie has a lot going for it, and it's a step closer to a piece of great film making. 8 / 10.

Having worked for four years at a place that shows Christian family movies every week, I have seen quite a number of cheesy clunkers in my time. And while "Mercy Streets" is not the best I've ever seen, it is far better than most.

For once, the production quality is on par with the average TV movie, and it doesn't look like it's been shot with a camcorder. As far as the storyline goes, it's engaging, if not entirely original, and it doesn't beat you over the head with the message.

The performances of both Eric Roberts and David White are to be commended, though most of the other cast members could use some improvement. Even so, the acting is quite a few notches above many Christian movies. I've been a fan of David White for a number of years, having seen him in "The End of the Harvest" and "The Moment After". He is one of the few actors in Christian film that actually tries to act, and he usually succeeds. "Mercy Streets" is undoubtedly his strongest performance so far.

In short, "Mercy Streets" is a movie that seeks to provide good entertainment to both Christians and the secular world, while glorifying God. And it succeeds, where "Omega Code" and similar films failed. "Mercy Streets" utilizes decent actors, a good script and good production values to provide an exciting, entertaining and meaningful film, without being preachy or cheesy.

Why do people feel that foul language MUST be used to make a movie good. We are so indoctrinated in gutter language now that we feel it is not "real" if a movie does not contain it. How about the STORY, folks? How about the characters? Plot? Timing? Why is it that we can accept the old "classics" that never contained any serious swearing, but we have to dis a newer movie that omits such language? It just shows how low we have sunken as a society. Mercy Streets was a really good movie on every level. A lack of swear words should have nothing to do with how one judges it.

In terms of the acting (it seemed realistic), the pacing (it moved along quickly), the story (it was compelling), and the editing (it was contemporary and well done),the movie worked on all levels. I am very suspicious of people who reject movies because they are "Christian" but accept just passable movies like "Blair Witch". It's funny that movies that deal with occult issues, which are also supernatural, as are Christian themed movies, are somehow OK, but Christian ones are not in the eyes of many people. I think it is actually the message Christian movies put forth that many people do not want to accept and deal with in their own lives that cause them to criticize them.

Just one man's opinion.

I am a fan of Christian films, but most are cheesy at best. This one was movie-making at its best--pure art. The writing was superior to anything I've seen lately. I'm glad to see quality film making representing what I believe in.

Entertaining and humorous film, yet thoughtful film. Solid work by David A. R. White, Eric Roberts and Cynthia Watros. Some uncanny similarities to Oceans Eleven, except this movie came out first. Reminds of The Sting as well. Enjoy!