As Histórias de Jonathan Sperry

Our family watched The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry last night and each one of us thought it was an absolutely wonderful movie. We have had this film in our Netflix Watch Instantly queue ever since Netflix acquired it, but had never taken time to watch it. When we decided to watch it as a family last night, my 11-year-old son balked and said it looked like it would be "boring", but even he was brought to unexpected tears and smiles here and there throughout (as were the rest of us); and at the end he was the first to say what a great movie this was and that "we really need to buy this". The main theme that stood out to me in this film was the impact that one person could have on so many other people's lives, especially if they truly live what they profess to believe. I highly recommend this heart-felt, family-friendly, thought-provoking film.

Fair warning: if you are thinking of watching this movie you need to know that it has a fairly heavy Christian emphasis. I say that NOT because I object to religious emphasis in movies. Not at all. It's just that most movies that seek to make a Christian impact are just completely cringe-worthy, embarrassing and definitely unrealistic - and I'm saying that as a religious person myself. It's sad but true.

This movie also wears its heart on its sleeve and has has a strong evangelical thrust. It lays it on pretty thick. What saves this from being as excruciating as most movies of this genre is the sweet subplot of a young lad trying to win the affection of a girl who has caught his eye and the genuine and moving acting of the kids playing the four boys and the girl. For once here is an American movie that casts teens as teens and not young looking twenty year olds! Amazing. The movie is better and more real because of that. It's nice to see some seasoned older actors too like Gavin McLeod and Robert Guillaume.

Despite some corny scenes, this movie is moving and engaging. My kids liked it, me and the wife did too. I recommend it.

When this movie was released, the radio ads I heard led me to believe it was a 19th century mystery with Christian overtones. In reality, it was like the picture of your favorite DJ, who looks nothing like you envisioned him. My wife and I watched the DVD last night. I found it to be a well-done, well-acted movie about sharing the Gospel. Mr. McLeod is superb as the lead, with Robert Guillaume complimenting the nicely chosen cast. The props and settings are accurate and nostalgic. It made me long for the innocence of that time. With Easter approaching, we should all reconsider the claims of Jesus on our lives. This movie will cause you to do that.

I like films like this. They are so simple, and yet, they have potential to leave a long lasting impression on the viewer. As I watched, I couldn't help but notice similarities to other movies(The Sandlot, Stand by Me) that also touch the subject of growing up. The difference here is the message the movie wants to convey.

If you enjoy family movies and are not bothered by the Christian message, this is a great movie.

A bit sweet but filling.

This is a faith based film that is set in 1970. As a child of 14 growing up in a small town in 1970 I found the scenes, clothing and language authentic to the period and that was what was most entertaining to me. The story was simplistic, and uncomplicated but entertaining. As a child growing up in that era and being part of a church going family much of it was familiar. The polite talk and genteel and caring way people dealt with each other was reminiscent of my childhood and a great escape from the crude, crass and lurid entertainment in vogue today. I do wish it had a more dynamic story.

Mr Sperry reminds me of two men in my life who were very much like him in the way he went out of his way to bring young boys to Christ. Although I fell from the path many times in my life their memories always urge me to get back on it.

As a former soldier, biker club president and self employed businessman my life and faith walk is much more complicated with many more challenges but the simplicity of this story reminds me of a simpler time and re-enforces my resolve to be the man I aspire to be. Although I have seen much of the seedier and cruder part of life in my day the two men who made that investment in me as a boy have kept me in Christ's fold.