God's Country

If you're looking for a great evening of quality family entertainment you need look no further than 'God's Country". It is inspirational and moving - a movie that you will want to watch many times. Chris Armstrong's (in his first directing venture) does an exceptional job, especially with the breath-taking scenery. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future. And the cast is superb. Jenn Gotzon really shines in this film and shows why she was voted Best Actress at both the Global Art Film Festival and the 168 Film Festival. Her portrayal of Meghan Doherty as a money obsessed worldly bank executive transformed by love and the power of God is brilliant and inspiring. The supporting cast is excellent as well - Gib Gerard (Jake Graham), Michael Toland (Eden Graham), and Daniel Hugh Kelly (Mr.Whittaker). Does Daniel Hugh Kelly ever age? Kelvin Brown's infectious humor as Lenny and Stephanie Barne's innocent (yet perky) portrayal of Geri are noteworthy as well.

But the story of God's Country also speaks to something bigger. It demonstrates the contrast between materialism and spirituality. What the human heart seeks will not be found in riches, jewelery, or Ferrari's (as Meghan discovered) but in the simple truth of God's love for us and our love for one another through community. The people of "God's Country" had found this truth and their acceptance of Meghan in love transforms her. We should seek to emulate this in our own lives.

The Apostle Paul wrote 2,000 years ago "...brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Those words are still relevant today and "God's Country" exceeds each one of those standards. I know you will be blessed by this wonderful film as I was.

This family friendly film was a delight. It kept my interest all the way through. It has a good blend of humor and message. The desert was as much a part of the movie as the actors. Jenn Gotzon did a great job portraying an ambitious, money and power hungry broker. The directing by Chris Armstrong was excellent. He was able to take a predictable story and turn it into something that captures your interest throughout the entire movie. He expertly guided the filmography. The scenes of the desert become an integral part of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film. I would highly recommend this movie for a family movie night.

While a lot of faith-based films are truly cringe-worthy to watch, Director Chris Armstrong has done an amazing job elevating this film far above its budget and source material. The direction, editing, sound and cinematography are all exceptional. Strong performances all around from the excellent ensemble cast but it is Jenn Gotzen who shines as Meghan Doherty, an ambitious real estate executive sent to oversee the foreclosure of "God's Country." She arrives at the Christian retreat, tucked away in the Mohave Desert, with the intent to seal the deal and move on but the owner refuses to sign her offer sheet until she has experienced life on the retreat. What follows is a great, fun fish-out-of-water story the entire family can enjoy as Meghan Doherty tries to navigate her way through six days in God's Country. A well-crafted movie that is fun to watch.

I'll say this for God's Country, it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to make as blatant an anti-feminist film as this one in this day and age. But I get the feeling that Jenn Gotzon wouldn't mind having our current president in the White House if it was for a good cause like spreading the faith.

When we first meet Gotzon she's a hard driving banking and real estate executive who has an assignment from boss Daniel Hugh-Kelly. Get Michael Toland off a piece of property he owns and owes on so that the brothers Yakamoto brothers can build a casino. Who needs the Christian camp that Toland has there now.

I hope a lot of you recognize the plot of You Can't Take It With You because if you've seen the Kaufman&Hart classic than you know exactly how it goes. Her business and banking skills will now go to work for the Lord and she's got a man now in Toland's son Gib Gerard which is as things should be.

Actually in real life how this would have gone is this property would be owned by one of those televangelists and if it needed to be moved his facility would be so moved with a sweet offer that would leave all parties satisfied.

Kaufman&Hart would have much to say here and would say it with far more wit than this film has.

If you're looking for a movie with lots action, complex plot and characters - you will likely be disappointed here.

But, if you're in the mood for a movie that challenges today's self centered money motivated secular values - then you're in luck!

Fans of the beautiful and talented Jenn Gotzon won't be disappointed either. She literally shines in this film. Those who know her won't be surprised by this in the least. (It's almost as if Angels surround her throughout the film.)

Technically, there are some rough edges, but over all Chris Armstrong does a masterful job at helming his wife's star turn. A combination that completely works for both Gotzon and Armstrong here.

Personally, I wished there was more to the script itself to challenge the viewer and some of the casting seems a little awkward, but industry stalwarts Daniel Hugh Kelly, Gib Gerard and Michael Toland all turn in fine performances.

Two more bright spots in the cast are Kevin Brown and Stephanie Barnes.

Barnes seems to carry the spirit of the picture with her on screen and her scenes with Gotzon work especially well and help to beef up some of the necessary story conflict that add so much to a satisfying resolution.

I'm a softy for movies with a lot of heart and I don't mind saying that I kept my hankie busy for the last quarter of the film.