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A female minister from Dallas (Crystal Bernard) is "exiled" to a town a few hours south of the city to pastor a rural assembly. Will she be accepted? Will she be successful? Will her reluctant son adapt to life in "Hickville"?

"Welcome to Paradise" (2007) is a drama involving Christians in a small Texas community, centering around the believers of a local fellowship, their new pastor, and her son adjusting to a new home and school. It only cost $500,000 so you have to have mercy. It understandably has the typical issues of low-budget productions, like questionable acting by some of the no-name peripherals and dubious geography that doesn't resemble northeast Texas (but rather SoCal).

Yet the flick has heart and that's the most important thing. I like how this isn't just a tale concerning the challenges of a female pastor, but also a coming-of-age story of her son, as well as a tale of redemption for believers in general who've fallen into one pit or another, whether legalism, charlatanism, homelessness or what have you.

Then there's the interesting commentary on the practical realities of ministry: It costs money to have a church facility and pay the perpetual bills, which means the ministry depends on generous people who have money in order to exist. If those givers are offended and leave, how will the bills get paid? You'll have to set-up shop in a barn or whatever.

The proceedings perk up whenever inimitable Brian Dennehy is present. Meanwhile William Shockley is effective as the amiable coach, who befriends the teen. At the end of the day, The flick's honest, warmhearted and even amusing, despite it's obvious shortcomings.

The movie runs 1 hour, 50 minutes, and was shot in the Los Angeles area, including Santa Clarita, which is 30 miles north of the city (for the new church and country club scenes), and Torrance, which is just south of the city (the high school scenes). I heard the conventional church was located in Los Angeles.

GRADE: B-

This movie was very good, and people of all ages will enjoy it, I think. Very few filmmakers tackle such topics as homelessness and accepting people, regardless of gender, race, age, etc. But this one does, and it does it without being preachy or boring.

Crystal Bernard was great in this role. But the character (Bobby Edner from one of the Spy Kids movies) who plays Hayden was a real stand-out, too. I thought he added depth as her confused teenage son trying to cope with his father's death and his mother's profession as a pastor -- and all that comes with being a pastor's child when it's tough enough growing up in a "normal" family.

I don't think it is in theaters until the summer, but it's playing at the American Family Film Festival (www.iffilmfest.org) in LA in February. I saw it at a screening recently and highly recommend it!

"Welcome to Paradise" is a family film that, while long on values, spreads the Good News through kindness between people versus sermonizing on celluoid.

As a matter of fact, "Paradise" directly takes on those religious types to whom the Bible refers to a "stiff- necked people." Associate Pastor Debbie Laramie ("Wings" star Crystal Bernard) is in trouble at the top of the film for being too folksy in the pulpit. Her rigid male superiors exile her and her teenage son (well-played by Bobby Edner) to the small town of Paradise, which as it turns out, isn't. Just like in the big city, there are brittle, agenda-driven people in the small town. But without missing a beat, the new pastor jumps into the fray.

Bernard's Laramie is breezy and warm, and she does the Lord's work by being her open self, bringing people together one at a time. Bernard skillfully anchors the role with honesty. She carries the film on her feminine shoulders, making it look effortless.

The cast is studded with sure-handed veterans, led by film and stage luminary Brian Dennehy, who lends deep credibility to a film just by walking in front of the camera. It seems he never fumbles a beat as an actor. Ever.

Writer Shockley, who deftly pulls double duty playing the high school basketball coach, is a welcome masculine counterpart for Bernard. Though the film thankfully avoids making this an obvious love story, the chemistry between the two creates agreeable sparks.

"Paradise" ambitiously fleshes out a number of smaller roles with their own subplots, and enhances its own theme by creating an ensemble film. Lou Beatty, Jr. shimmers as the homeless Trevor Goodman and his singing throbs with contemplative power. Likewise, Beth Grant as the pivotal Frances Loren is believable and touching. Her character creates the havoc that eventually brings the town together. It's an inspirational finale that brings a lump to the throat and resolve to the heart.

There are a few snags in the story: for example, it stretches credulity that Laramie wouldn't know her son is dyslexic. She's presented as a character that's been busy, not selfishly blind; and some situations are hopelessly "on the nose." Luckily, the film unfolds briskly with a purpose that refuses to be derailed. Locations are attractive; the music enhances the story; the look of the film is rich.

There's a sense that "Paradise" is the real deal: a film about genuine caring between humans, made by quality professionals who truly care about humanity.

The Dove Foundation gave "Welcome to Paradise" a Four Dove Rating. The Religion Network seconds that!

As a mother of a 13 year old child, I find that there is a serious lack of family oriented films available to us. For years, we've been reduced to watching animated films, films with talking animals, and now that my daughter is older, we find formula films about teenagers that our children can't relate to, nor do we want them to relate to. "Welcome to Paradise" fills that void. Last night after the screening, my daughter talked for hours about the plight of 'Frances and Trevor' (two homeless characters from the film). She was very moved by their situation, and was touched in a very good way by the movie.

Brent Huff is a fabulous director whose family - "feel good" - faith based message is wonderfully presented - and long over-due.

I sincerely hope that Out of Pocket films continues in this genre as the need for quality family films with a real message is very real. See this film. Demand more of this kind!

Not an attack on churches in small towns or big cities - but a wake up call to what "church" is really about. Not the building or the bank account, but the "body" rooted in love and forgiveness.

Good character and plot development in the storyline. Tugs at your heart and opens your eyes.

Obviously edited for television with fade-to-black every so often (reserved for commercial breaks). Clean, only one or two incidences of mild language, no sex, no violence other than a brief instance of teenage bullying. Good family film for preteens and older. Musical score is inspirational but subtle and not overpowering. Good casting.