YouthMin

I was raised Evangelical and am an Atheist, and really wanted to like this movie. The first third was hilarious, but then it started to get more and more stupid. It could have explored more the beliefs and made fun of them. Instead, it concentrated in the (extremely) childish competitions that were not even well acted. To add insult to injury, the shaky camera and constant zooming in and out almost ruined this movie. I know it is supposed to look like a documentary, but they overdid it. Pity. Missed opportunity.

Growing up going to youth group and church camp, this movie hit all the nostalgia feels in the best way possible. I loved how they poked fun at all the things I found ridiculous at the time (or seem weird now looking back) but also had moments where characters were really genuine and sincere.

Also, so many "Christian" movies are WEIRD and cringe in a bad way so I loved how they took risks and made it genuinely funny.

Comedies these days either lean too hard into negative or saccharine, especially when trying to "mock" or "satire". Youthmin walks the fine line right down the center by poking fun at its subject while at the same time giving a wholesome, heartfelt look at the people who attend / dedicate their lives to the oddity that is Youth Ministry.

Far from preachy, but also not a condemnation. Youthmin is honest and uplifting. It has easily become one of my favorite films, independent or otherwise.

Pharaoh, Pharaoh!

I was VERY impressed how real and hilarious the performances are in this movie! Absolutely a good time!

If you grew up going to youth group or summer camp, this movie is for you. At its best, it's like watching Michael Scott; at its worst, it's like watching Michael Scott-funny, heart-felt, and hard to watch.