The River Thief

I sorta hate most movies now days. But Jesus Christ, The River Thief sucks. Why doesn't anyone even try to make good movies anymore? I watched the Oscars last night and kinda just wanted to beat up all those talent-less dickholes. Hero-worship stupidity at its best. Anyways, this movie sucked for a lot of reasons, but mostly I hate everything about the film industry.

"The River Thief" has a beautiful message portrayed in a powerful way. The first feature film written and directed by bestselling author N.D. Wilson, "The River Thief" is produced with excellence. The cinematography is gorgeous. The acting is strong and believable, and the characters have a depth that entices one to care about what happens to them.

Parents should know this film could be rated PG-13, as it contains a few scenes of graphic violence and some mild profanity. The teens and adults in our family give "The River Thief" two thumbs up, and hope N.D. Wilson will create many more films in the future!

"The River Thief" is unlike any Christian film I have seen. Most Christian films are dishonest, portraying evil in a convenient caricature and clothing good in an unsoiled garment with Bible verses cross-stitched all over. One usually leaves such movies feeling as though he has just witnessed a conflict between angels and demons. But the "The River Thief" is about a conflict between humans.

Diz (Joel Courtney) is an eminently relatable character, hard on the outside but soft on the inside, self-centered but honest. Selah (Raleigh Cain) is proof that godly women need not wear halos and glow in the dark. The chemistry between the two is palpable and genuine. Marty (Tommy Cash) is the soft-spoken but frank grandpa that everyone secretly wishes he had.

The plot is masterful in that it teaches lessons but does so by telling a story. There are multiple lessons--lessons on manhood and womanhood, fatherhood and childhood, courage and faithfulness, forgiveness and thanksgiving. But they are not preached to the audience as to a group of eight-year-olds. In fact, they are often left unspoken. The film is first and foremost a story. Only the one with eyes to see and ears to hear will catch the lessons (along with most of the Bible references). Still, the primary message is plain even to the most disinterested of viewers.

The real showcase of the film is the ending. It is unlike any other ending to a Christian film I have seen, and it is so very satisfying, not because it leaves one with fuzzy feelings inside but precisely because it doesn't. It does what every Christian film ought to do. It crucifies you. And when the credits roll one can begin to hear, ever so faintly, the echo of an empty grave.

The film also showcases breathtaking cinematography. The only complaints I have is that some of the acting, particularly of the extras, is forced and unnatural at times. In two or three places the editing is also a bit choppy. Still, the strengths of the film far outweigh the weaknesses. It is also worth mentioning that the evil in the film is quite graphic at times (guns and blood), so it may not be suitable for young audiences, at least not without parental supervision.

I'm surprised one of the top user reviews criticizes the end (last 20-30 minutes) of the film. To me, that part is what took it from a decent film, to a great film. It was artistic yet intense, and just great storytelling. I want to say so much more but I really don't want to spoil any specifics for anyone.

The only negative thing I have to say is on the acting. Most of the characters - the boy, the girl, the drug traffickers - did a good job. But the grandpa, while I actually thought he was a good character, just didn't pull off a lot of the lines in a way that seemed natural. The guitar aspect with him was cool, and his attitude and mannerisms fit the character, but I just think a different actor for the grandpa could have done a much better job. Someone with a little more acting experience and gusto.

The story takes place in an ordinary small town surrounded by extraordinary riverside country. The characters are down-to-earth. Some may consider the grandpa to be the least realistic, but he actually reminded me of someone I know. (Actually, I've known a few old people throughout my life who knew how to love through their straightforwardness.)

But this movie is more than entertainment. Listen to the end and the message should be inescapable, even for those who generally turn their brains off when staring at a screen.

Ever look inside an uncovered electrical panel? Looks ho-hum, but dare to meddle and - zzzzz-ow!

I dare you to watch this film.