Mercy Streets

Being an atheist the reader will understand that I am aversed to cheesy Christian propaganda. Mercy Streets does not cause such dislike, except perhaps for the too obvious name Jeremiah. The reason is integrity, Jeremiah's struggle with his feelings for guilt is genuine. Moreover the atheist view gets a very fair chance - and it's the first time that happens in a Christian movie - when Rome questions Jeremiah's faith. Maybe the director got the idea from the Tuco-Pablo confrontation in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, another undecided philosophical/theological battle. What's more - bad brother John is in fact not that bad, even TJ and Rome aren't. It's not even clear if John is converted. Moreover I like it that Rome is menacing without using filthy language; that there is no boring sex between the sheets. Not that I have something against swearing and sex, but these are not values in itself, as happens way too often last 10, 15 years. Give me swearing and sex when it is necessary for the movie or leave it out, as it is distracting. The movie has some shortcomings - it drags a little sometimes, a few scenes are not that convincing - but all in all the director succeeded in making a movie entertaining enough to keep my attention and avoiding all traps before reaching his goal. In short Mercy Streets is an integre movie about the moral struggle of a Christian plagued by guilt plus quite a few extra's. Wanting to live in a free world - with christians and members of most other religions - I can't see much wrong with it. The average of five stars is way too low.

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!

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.

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.

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.