Joshua

This isn't a movie about the end of the world or the second coming. There is no violence and minimal character development. Yet, this film is captivating. What if Jesus were to come back as a human being? Would he be recognized? Would he be more easily accepted? Or would the same prejudices and arrogance lead to his rejection?

That's the premise behind this movie and the novel by Joseph Girzone. It's not as good as the book (no real confrontation with the Vatican in the film), but is still a film that touches me. I find myself watching it time and again just because it's special and I can't quite put my finger on why.

So watch it and decide for yourself.

Sans four letter words and violence, this movie is enjoyable family entertainment. Its message is not only "Christian" in nature, but also reflects back to those times in the first half of the twentieth century when we were able to walk the streets in safety, never lock our doors, and actually know our next door neighbor and the entire neighborhood for that matter. While it is predictable, the movie still holds one's interest from beginning to end. Don't look for the technical flubs or the adaptation of Joseph Girzone's book, and don't scoff at the ecumenicism, because the movie stands on its own. It is only based on the book and was scripted well. Just enjoy the sense of community and love. Tony Goldwyn is commendable in the role of Joshua and Academy Award Winner F Murray Abraham is notable as the skeptical and fear driven parish priest. The characters forming the community of Auburn display those neighborly times spoken of earlier in this review. Academy Award Nominee Giancarlo Giannini as the Pope is warm and genuine even in his short appearance on the screen. So, get the kids, mom and dad and grandma and grandpa (and the neighbors) into the living room and enjoy this movie together.

Well, I'm very glad that I didn't look at the IMDB entry before I made the decision whether or not I should watch it. I wouldn't have watched it. The movie was nice for a lazy Sunday morning. The message was uplifting and should be to any viewer, regardless of his/her religious affiliation. A stranger comes into town and turns it upside down by being helpful, polite, friendly and courteous. He teaches various characters lessons that are appropriate to the listener. And he seems to have some sort of otherworldly power. The message, that the community would be a much better place if people would drop their prejudices, stop being so selfish, and help one another, is one that all people, regardless of religion, color, nationality, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or whatever difference one may chose to emphasize.

To bring myself to my point, I'm a non-Christian, and I felt this movie was entertaining, educational, uplifting, and had some valuable things to say. It would be really too bad if the fact that it has been labeled a "Christian" movie, caused non-Christians to ignore it, or dismiss the lessons taught as Christian propaganda. I, for one, am glad I took the time to watch it, but not because of the "Christian" message, but because of the message of love. If it hadn't been for the comments made here, I would not have considered it a Christian move, but a movie about Good.

So, for you non-Christians out there, Don't ignore this movie. It's got a great message. There are other explanations for the things that happen in this movie, but the core message, that of community and love, is important for all.

That's the one word to describe what was an amazing movie. I watched it last night on DVD with my family, and it was phenomenal. The script allows you to bond with the characters, to grow to love them, and to care about them. The visuals are amazing, and the acting spectacular. It's just a really great movie and I wish I had seen it in theatres. I was completely blown away, and hope to see the movie again!

The character Joshua is just amazing, and wonderful portrayed by the actor. It was a great job. I had tears rising to my eyes in parts, and laughter spilling out of my mouth at others. The music was great, and the message phenomenal. From my point of view as a Christian it was just amazing. The little symbols throughout the movie were amazing. The heart, the glass. It was all just amazing. The healings of so many people's hearts, minds and souls. It was just amazing.

Please see this movie. You are truly missing out if you don't. I've seen some Christian movies, and this one is the best I've seen yet. It just touches your heart and soul in so many ways. God's love is so awesome!

It's a movie that everyone can appreciate and enjoy, and it doesn't utilize violence, sex, drugs, or explicit language to accomplish that. I love this movie, and I hope you will too!

Now here is an honest-to-goodness Christian movie, based on the best-selling book in the mid '90s by Fr. Joseph Girzone. This parable, I would think, would be a lot more effective evangelizing film than The Passion Of The Christ, only because this is so much more pleasant to watch. But it is no watered-down version, either. While Mel Gibson's film shows Christ's love in the incredibly- painful sacrifice he made, this movie shows the nature of His love in ordinary, everyday life with ordinary people.

This is a not a Second Coming story, rather just what Jesus might be like if he re-appeared and mingled with human beings today, in this case in a small southern town in the United States.

Here, "Joshua" (Tony Goldwyn) is pictured helping a diverse group of townspeople, ministering to them individually and helping them to come together as a community. He isn't arrogant or pushy about it; he just leads by example. A sub-plot involves his influence with two local priests: an older skeptical pharisee-like cleric (F. Murray Abraham) and his younger and personable assistant (Kurt Fuller).

It's nicely done, with good production values and some solid acting. It's not too heavy-handed for the unbelievers while at the same inspiring to believers. As one of the latter, this movie just made me feel good all the way through. This kind of movie isn't just unusual.....it's downright rare.