Jesus Revolution

This is a great movie; I enjoyed it very much.

Being a movie nut and all, I have to say that that the production quality was top notch. I saw no glaring continuity problems, the camera work was well done and the "designs" were fabulous (costume, scene, etc.). I also think the script was terrific. As one other reviewer noted, the scripts and acting in some "Christian" films showing at regular cinemas in recent years has been a bit rough. Not in this movie; it's all great.

I was there. In the years 1971 to about 1973, I sat in the front pew (if there were space for me) in that church in Riverside, CA (aka All Saint's Episcopal Church) within 20 feet of Greg Laurie (sometimes being amazing at the length of his beard). I had some of those tracts he designed and I listened to Love Song and many of the other popular bands of the day. I went down with a bunch of kids from the Redlands/Yucaipa of So. CA; we went to our own church services, at various churches, in the morning then we would jump in several cars (yes, one was a VW van) and drive to Riverside for the evening service at All Saint's Episcopal Church with Greg (and the bands, of course). The song book we used (illustrated by Greg), the tracts, the cassette and 8-track tapes for sale, were all Calvary Chapel and Maranatha! Branded. It was a heady time and deserves a place in American religious history.

I thought all of the acting was great. I especially loved Kelsey Grammar in the role of Chuck Smith. When, I heard he was going to play Chuck, I let out a loud YES! Of approval. He was an excellent choice. I simply thought that, yes, he could do it. He could pull off Chuck Smith.

As the movie began with a very accurate presentation of the time, I expected the movie to continue that way so I was disappointed at parts in the middle and end that seemed to take "artistic" license with some of the events, people and locations.

The movie avoided some tough stuff; which was probably the right thing to do, maybe leaving it for a future movie or book. I'll avoid specifics not to spoil things for those who have not yet seen the movie but trust me, there was some tough stuff to the movement too.

I loved this movie. It took me back. And it adds to the record and the significance of the Jesus Movement in American religious history.

A pastor in Costa Mesa (Kelsey Grammer) is concerned about the counterculture's obsession with drugs and loose sex, but also his dying church that isn't connecting with the youth. His daughter (Ally Ioannides) brings home a hippie "Jesus freak" (Jonathan Roumie) and he sees that he's genuine and gifted. The team-up sparks a movement that spreads for the next several years.

"Jesus Revolution" (2023) is a well-done account of the Jesus Movement in SoCal between 1968-1971. It's made in such a way that anyone who's interested in that era and the social upheaval that was going on will appreciate it, similar to "Forrest Gump" except with more overt spirituality. For instance, there's Janis Joplin, Timothy Leary and several iconic songs, e.g. "Free Ride," "Listen to the Music" and "War."

While I'm somewhat familiar with Greg Laurie and his ministry, I wasn't aware that he got his start in the Jesus Movement, nor was I familiar with Chuck Smith or Lonnie Frisbee, the latter of whom "backslid" and died of AIDS at the premature age of 43 in 1993.

Grammer and Joel Courtney are effective as the main male protagonists, Chuck Smith and Greg Laurie respectively. Meanwhile the lovely Anna Grace Barlow is a winsome revelation as Cathe, Laurie's potential girlfriend.

While not as inspiring as "War Room" (2015), it's arguably superior to "Do You Believe?" (2015), "God's Not Dead" (2014), "God's Not Dead 2" (2016) and "Overcomer" (2019). It's at least on par with any of 'em.

The film runs 2 hours and, was shot in Fairhope, Alabama, which is just southeast of Mobile, with several other scenes shot on-location in the coastal Los Angeles area.

GRADE: B+/A-

This is how you make a Christian movie.

This is how you make a movie that makes a person think and feel a certain way when you leave the theater.

Like i've said many times, i rate movies by what they are suppose to accomplish and not the other hyped up things that dont matter.

This movie hits the nail on the head perfectly (for me anyways). It preaches to ALL audiences saved or not, and makes you think and makes you FEEL what the writer wants to say without hitting you over the head with a bible and losing 99% of the audience.

Very well written.

Very well acted.

Great sound track.

Awesome cinematography.

Didn't feel intrusive or too 'preachy'

It was a little preachy, but not in the same way most christian movies are.

I didn't know coming into this that this was also about Greg Laurie and his beginning. It didn't affect anything for me. Actually, it fit perfectly for me.

Watch this. You will NOT be disappointed.

I watch a lot of Christian movies, I found this one to be the least cheesy christian movie out there. I appreciated the Humor and the message of repentance and love.

I love Calvary Chapel, I enjoyed the constant moving of the story and I never felt it was boring or preachy at parts. I appreciated the realness of the movie and I think anyone regardless of their background can see this movie and enjoy it! I liked that it showed the flaws in everyone and it was a raw movie.

I did not give it 10 stars cause there was some historical inaccuracies in the movie itself.

Overall I recommend this movie and think it is a wonderful movie!

Even if religion isn't an important part of your life this movie is spectacular in many ways. It begins with two different storylines which connect together seamlessly. The aspect of it that it excels in the most is that it shows how groups of people who appear to be pushing in two different directions can both be genuinely searching for the same goals and the good life. The movie examines the pitfalls of nihilism and absolute relativism but also how being closed minded to possibilities and ideas can be limiting. All of these themes are displayed without the movie trying to force upon its audience any particular set of religious beliefs.

Not only does the story have good pacing, it has just the right amount of humour, and the camera shots of the California coast are nostalgic and stunning. The acting is also quite good with Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie both delivering exceptional performances . The love story also feels reasonably organic and the soundtrack on its own is 10/10.

The only downside to it for me was that some scenes needed a bit more variety in their presentation. The latter half of the film seemed mostly filled with what I would call epic speech making and not so much natural dialogue. For those like myself who were fully engaged in the story this probably wouldn't be an issue, but for those not particularly enjoying themselves it could come across as rather corny and artificial.

Overall, I am a huge fan of this movie. I think it has a wonderful message of hope and love while also encouraging order and structure. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a feel good movie that sends you away feeling optimistic.