The Gathering

The Gathering is as plain and as generic as a rapture film can get. There is nothing clever in it at all. Its a very dull and horribly made film. Its involves multiple characters getting a glimpse of the Biblical rapture. It has one family being divided over the couples faith. This comes off as very troubling and mean spirited. I dont get the appeal of films like this. Its a poorly written film to scare people into joining a certain religion. Most of the characters just argue back and fourth and the outcome is just so incredibly predictable. Also it has visions of the future but nothing really new or interiting happens then either. It also contains a atheist professor much like another awful faith film called Gods Not Dead. Another film series like this is Left Behind. I like to try out faith films but I think they are far better with a positive look on life. This is just a way to freak people out. Its so glum. Another very generic rapture film with two sequels and a even worse remake. Its as plain and dull as a film can get. Is there anything positive I can say about The Gathering? No I can not. Its a depressing propaganda film. Besides its just a scare film.

I highly recommend The Gathering for Christians and non-Christians. The story is compelling and sends a strong message. Further, it serves to provoke conversation and inquiry from viewers regarding the detailed meanings of end-time events and salvation. It is refreshing to see the actions and the plan of God, working thru his people on the silver screen. It was convicting to see Christians, not made to look stupid or compromised (as often the case), but portrayed in realistic everyday situations, holding fast to the `profession' of their faith --Hebrews 10:23. We witness the character Michael, responding to an environment that is no longer even self-conscious of its deliberate anti-Christian bias. A very post-Christian environment indeed. Film media by its very nature, often bases reality on what can be seen and envisioned. The `visions and dreams' segments of the film where at times esoteric, and dramatic. This could have been somewhat de-emphasized by the use of more detailed scriptural reference, with dialogue between the characters stemming from from that foundation. That being said, it is a blessing to see the fruits of long hard work to make the movie. The Gathering is an excellent family film, which can be used as a evangelical tool as well. Tell friends and family about this film.

"Alex Matthews" (Julie Jenny) is a college professor who is in danger of losing her job because of her teaching methods when it comes to those students who happen to be Christian. She believes that they are either weak or simple-minded and she doesn't care who knows it. Paradoxically, her son-in-law "Michael" (Daniel Kruse) is also in danger of losing his job because he is a Christian and his boss believes he's too devout. His wife "Lisa" (Lori Staley) is jealous of his commitment to his faith and wants him to spend more time with her. As it so happens all three of them begin seeing visions of the near future which causes them to evaluate the importance of what they believe. Now, rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this film covers a controversial topic that seems to appeal to a larger audience in North America than anywhere else in the world. I don't know why this is but in any case rather than disparage something that certain people honestly believe I will just comment on the merits of the movie as a whole. On that note, I thought that the acting was mediocre and the script could have used some improvement. Along with that the film itself was much too short (only 58 minutes) and clearly needed at least another 20 or 30 minutes to be more effective. Now, I'm not saying that this movie was bad but I doubt that it will have much of an impression on those who aren't already part of the target audience. As such I rate this film as slightly below average.

Those who are familiar with the LEFT BEHIND series should find this one well worth the time. Michael Carrey, a successful marketing executive catches a glimpse of the near future, namely the Rapture of Christians into Heaven. His wife and mother-in-law also get a preview of the Tribulation period following the Rapture. Carrey tries to warn his unbelieving loved ones of the soon return of Jesus Christ before it's too late.

Filmed on a limited budget, it's a well paced story, one of those movies that doesn't need big-name stars or spectacular special effects to get it's point across. Highly recommended.

Rating: ***** out of *****

I had high expectations for this movie because of the reviews i read but when i saw the movie was completely different. Honestly even though the movie quality for being of the late 90's is good, i really didn't like it.

I'm OK with the message of salvation and how is put but there could be more details. The acting wasn't that great either and the visual effects didn't surprise me. I know this is a evangelism type of movie but i'd extend the movie to the point of not letting you wanting for more.

Really i was disappointed with this movie, I thought this movie would contains solid scenes from the tribulation and more surprising effect of the gathering but i had to admit it that it was in someway awful BUT still i recommend it anyway as a tool of evangelism to other lives, after all the thing that is really worth is the WORD OF GOD in the movie and not the technical.