Mercy Streets

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.

This was a good film about two brothers on different sides of the law and walking two different walks of life. One brother (Jeremiah, an aspiring priest) living his suburban life with the curse of a childhood incident in which his brother was assumed dead. The other brother (John) fresh out of jail in working for a top rate con-man Rome who is looking to get another job out of his right hand man. Reluctant to go back to jail, John decides he is going to double cross Rome and through a series of events ends up on the run. He decides to turn to Jeremiah for help. Rome, in hot pursuit, kidnaps Jeremiah thinking he is John during his daily jog. The brothers have to switch roles...John becomes Jeremiah in an attempt to find the money he needs to escape and Rome forces Jeremiah to help him finish the original job in John's place. Confused yet? Sure the plot for this film is quite unbelievable, but do we really go to the movies for reality? This movie, from the same people that brought us the Omega Code (which sucked), has given us a nice caper film with a cool independent feel to it. Production is good and it shows the talent of director John Gunn who makes this unbelievable story seem just the opposite. Using some nice little techniques like freeze framing some shots, he gives us something different from the traditional hollywood outing. Its definitly not overly preachy and all the better because of it, displaying its message smartly. Add a nice soundtrack with songs from Moby and Sixpence None the Richer and some much needed comedy from Rome (Roberts) and his tattoo covered henchman and you have well rounded and enjoyable film. Most reviewers have been hard on this film, and I agree that the acting is not oscar worthy but it serves the film extremely well. The story moves along and mostly importantly keeps our interest until the very end. I have a feeling that if this film had Hollywood big shots behind it, it would be given much more respect then it has. This film is very solid and stands on its own in many aspects. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good film with a story that keeps you interested, but is sick of movies ruined by sex and language that are thrown in to attract a certain demographic. Go see it, you won't regret spending the money, and besides the more we support films like this the better they will get!

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!

Christian film makers still haven't found their niche in today's movie market, and I don't they will for some time. Yet Mercy Streets seems to have succeeded where others have fallen short. Despite a relatively outrageous plot and some hokey acting, the film boasts some fine direction by Gunn, a good cast (Eric Roberts, David White), and an intriguing storyline. It's squeaky clean as far as language, yet it doesn't detract from the script. There's no book somewhere that says that there must be foul language for characters to express angst, hatred, etc. This movie has a lot going for it, and it's a step closer to a piece of great film making. 8 / 10.

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.