Mercy Streets

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.

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.

David A.R. White gets to play twins in Mercy Street. On the one hand White is a deacon in the Episcopal church and ready to take his ordination vows in a month or so. The other White is a notorious con man who may be ripping off the wrong people. But his mentor Eric Roberts wants White the conman around for a really big score.

That greatest of conman films The Sting is the inspiration for what these guys have planned. They have it mind to make the mark part with his money the same way Newman and Redford did to Robert Shaw.

Deacon White is having some agonizing doubts about becoming a priest because of something in his childhood where he let his brother down in a crisis. In the mysterious ways of the Creator/Deity he gets a chance to make it up.

The outright preaching is kept to a minimum. White in his two roles and Eric Roberts do fine. This one is more than for church audiences.

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.

Christian films are still in their infancy, and this film, while great, proves a point. Hollywood is still the "big dog" on the block and it's hard for a film with a positive message such as this to find a better place at the table. MERCY STREETS has a few good things going for it, starting with the acting. It's not a stilted as you'd expect from a religious-themed film. The writers took great care to avoid unnecessary and gratuitous cursing (even though the violent content garnered a PG-13 rating) and also to avoid being too "preachy" with the message. Writer/director Jon Gunn and co-writer John Mann bring a message of hope and deliverance to the screen in a truly artistic way. So, while the gun-play might be a bit much for young viewers, I think this film is a worthy addition to any home library.