End of the Harvest

Realistic and at the same time fundamental advice by example,. with a twist at the end as all good movies should have.

Ok. I watch a bunch of bad Christian movies. This movie is a caricature of what people think Christian movies are; laughable characters, embarrassing dialogue, and simplistic moralizing. Unless you're just in an ironic hate watching mood I recommend almost any other Christian movie, even that David AR White movie where he's the Christian Mad Max, even that one is better.

Thought provoking. As Christians we know we are not perfect. We muddle along through life just like everyone else. The big difference is - faith. Hope in the things not seen. This is a very compelling story about 3 friends and their journey to share Jesus. Everyone makes mistakes. Christians aren't forgiven easily by their peers - but Chrisitians DO forgive. This film is a little about friendships and a lot about walking the Christian walk. Not just talking the talk. I would recommend this film - it was a very well put together movie. The actors do a great job. Young Christians would benefit from watching this film. And maybe some veteran ones as well.

Seriously, this is probably one of the greatest movies ever made.

Let's run down the checklist of requirements needed for BEST MOVIE EVER:

1. Christians versus Atheists? CHECK 2. Debate over the end of the world? CHECK 3. Boasting dude who "got around" with the ladies claiming to know the exact date when the world will end? CHECK 4. Dreams/visions where a main character is handed a scythe by a long-dead farmer? CHECK 5. College Campus? CHECK 6. Big debate in classroom where people actually say things like "Preach on, brother." in the most serious voice possible? CHECK 7. Shocking reveal that old lady who came to debate, and was highly doubtful of Christian claims, is actually related to long-dead farmer from dreams/visions - and actually supports the Christians? CHECK 8. Hugely great moments of confrontation in nearly EVER scene, where Atheists continually mock and ridicule Christians? CHECK 9. Cheesy music? CHECK 10. Stern nodding from Atheist heathens who have had their minds blown by Christians? CHECK

There you have it. This is a piece of cinematic gold. Watch it. Please.

I bought "End of the Harvest" in a DVD bargain bin (five bucks) last year, just hoping for a decent Christian-themed movie. After starting the movie, I was drawn-in by the characters and situations that were presented in the film, and I found two different themes within the movie.

The setting is on a college campus, and the main theme of the movie surrounds a study/essay of calculating the exact date of when Jesus will return and the world will end. The other theme involved a heavily promoted campus debate between Christians and non-Christians. This story was stronger and much more compelling to me, as it related to how to prepare yourself, as a Christian, to defend your faith. The two stories are tied together by a re-occurring dream that the main character has, involving a man in a field sifting wheat.

It was easy to relate to the characters in this movie, and the situations that they were up against. I tend to be a little harder on Christian-produced movies, as they are usually low-budget, and the stories are usually lack-luster and "cliche-ridden". But this one was different. I found the acting and production values to be pretty good for a low-budget movie and the story and situations were interesting and realistic for the most part.

The movie does have a sort of 80's/early 90's feel to it, but I think it has aged pretty well. I felt that the "end-times" theme was a little cheesy, but with the recent passing of the December 2012 hype, it sort of relates to our times too. And the stronger theme of movie involves standing up for what you believe as a Christian, and that relates to any age.

Some actors will be recognized from 80's TV, and recent Christian-themed hits such as the popular movie "Courageous". I can certainly recommend this movie to anyone who likes Christian-produced movies, as this one is better than average. I gave it a 7 instead of an 8 only because of the slightly-cheesy dream subplot with a sort of corny "twist" ending. But overall a good watch.