Southern Gospel

It's a wonderful mix of joy, suspense, pain, forgiveness, hopelessness, restoration, and faith. When there seems to be no justice, that's where faith comes in. I only gave it seven stars because lead actor was a little lacking in his acting abilities and his lip-synching. It's a little low budget, but the story makes up for it and makes it a truly satisfying experience in the end. If you keep an open mind and hang in there, it's a truly encouraging story that reminds us, God loves even the least of us sinners, that he loves us more than we can imagine, and that he will never give up on us! Because there's always hope.

Do not look at the 5.7 that is the current rating for Southern Gospel. This is not a cheesy, church actors movie that has the potential to be good but fails miserably because it is so poorly produced. This is as well made as Jesus Revolution, a story of redemption and forgiveness and real life with real issues that can negatively shape our destinies if we let them. Some find their way out of the vortex of darkness by the light of Christ, yet others choose to take matters into their hands and suffer the consequences. Southern Gospel addresses topics such as child molestation, addiction, and suicide and might not be suitable for young viewers, but it has so much to offer as a faith-based movie and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There are a lot of incredible faith-based films out there. However, this movie is completely unique in it's approach to telling a Christian story that is not cookie cutter or even PG. It's refreshing to watch a faith-based film that is written in a way that's honest and doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of someone's life. The cinematography is top notch, the acting and singing is great and then knowing on top of all of that that this is a true story just makes this movie incredibly impactful for the viewer. This movie is not like the rest and is certainly worth the watch, whether you're religious or not! 10/10!

It starts out with "works salvation". This is false doctrine this is false Gospel. No one except Jesus can ever be good enough for heaven. We are all born sinners. It doesn't matter how you dress or never cuss in your life if you haven't accepted Jesus as your Savior you will never be godly enough to God to heaven bc you denied Jesus! Never ever! Jesus loves you and wants you to believe in Him. He will cleanse your sins. You don't have to be good for him. Come to Him as you are, Christ will help you love for him Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Now Sam does eventually mention grace. So that is good. Don't want to spoil the movie though.

... but, until that story is written someday in the far future, this will do nicely. A tale of a young man with a talent for music but also has a passion for faith. Who carries his Bible with him everywhere. And has many adventures along the way, but ultimately returns to what he loves best. Preaching. To tell the truth, the absolute highest compliment you can give to a faith-based movie is that it does not make a fuss about its roots. This project from writer/director Jeff Smith has an almost two hour run-length, and it fills the time quite nicely. (And passes the Roger Ebert test, you don't look at your watch even once.) As an indie project, it is above average in every aspect. Tight script, solid casting, acting, and direction. Even the music is solid. In fact, you might even wish there was more of it. Recommended. And very under-appreciated. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))