Forgiven

Let's start out by stating the obvious: it has Kevin Sorbo, so you KNOW it's going to be B movie grade acting, he hasn't acted good since Hercules (and even that was horrible). Plus it's a low budget religious film... so getting decent actors isnt on their list... all they care about is shoving their fairytale garbage down your throat.

As for the message: I'm sure the gullible brainwashed low IQ religious kooks will salivate over it saying "how moving" and "inspirational" it was 🙄. The movie blasts you with religious blather and incoherent rationale that is typical of right wing religious extremist thinking.

Seriously, if you're into the b movie right wing religious extremist movie, or you're just looking to turn your brain off for a bit... then this movie is for you. If you're looking for a riveting, edge of your seat masterpiece then put this back in the $1 bin you picked it out of.

There are several types of people that will watch a Christian movie like "Forgiven", a person like me that enjoys all types and genres of movies, but also is compelled to watch Christian movies and explore things like redemption and faith. These movies, tell stories in a modern and every day setting and relate to my heart and soul, and help to reinforce my belief in God. The second type of person that would enjoy this movie is someone that is interested in Faith, the principles of the Bible, and the words of Jesus, and explore them in a motion picture presentation. This is very important as an move it like this can deliver a powerful message in an entertaining way. The third type of person, is usually a non-believer, looking for reasons, and ways to scoff at faith, religion & the unseen miracles of God that they don't understand. They will criticize production design, acting, and even costumes, and make up in an effort to tear these types of movies down. What they're really saying is that they are uncomfortable, giving their heart to a story of faith. This movie expertly shows the transformation of exactly this type of person. I hope that everyone that sees this film can see the transformation that can take place in any type of person. It is the textbook definition of. "Forgiven".

....it continued with a plot. I was wondering where we were going with the story. It was interesting. ....and then it became a christian redemption movie. It was like the Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons knocking on my door at the same time.

Greetings And Salutations, and welcome to my review of Forgiven; here's the breakdown of my ratings:

Story: 1.00 Direction: 1.00 Pace: 0.75 Acting: 1.25 Enjoyment: 0.75

TOTAL: 4.25 out of 10

My primary reason for watching Forgiven was Kevin Sorbo. I became a fast fan after Andromeda and Hercules - this guy and his series have cheered up my life in bleak times. I've even enjoyed some of his movies. And by and large, this isn't a bad movie. It's the subject matter and the outcome that could exasperate some folks.

The story is basic though sound. It's well structured and has a delightful subtle twist three-quarters through. The trouble for me was the bible bashing, which starts around the same time. Right at this moment, you know the outcome of the story. The writers and director are a shade heavy-handed in getting the point and moral across. The problem is that I can see some Christians being dismayed by the blatant "Happy Ending".

The director does a respectable job of bringing the story to the small screen. There are a few interesting camera angles and decently structured compositions. However, the slow pace of the telling is too dull. This inertia only hinders the film by dropping the audience into the lap of boredom. I started to tap my feet and look away around the hour mark. Then when the "Happy Ending" came, it only added to my exasperation.

The cast is the shining star of the project - They all excel in their roles, except for Casey Fuller, who plays the hostage-taker. Fuller undersells his role immensely. He doesn't come across as scared enough, worried enough, or reproachful enough. James could have been and should have been the focal point of the story. He is, after all, the transformation of Christ's belief.

If you are a Christian who believes in the Love Of Christ and God, then this film should be for you, and the ending shouldn't be too irksome. Though, if you're not a believer, the film is okay, but be warned of the cringe-worthy ending. If it helps, then do as I did - give it a Die Hard ending. I had the sister blow him away as he left the church :-) - An-Eye-for-an-eye, and all that.

Please feel free to visit my The Game Is Afoot and Dramatisation Of Life lists to see where I ranked Forgiven.

Take Care & Stay Well.

A clear presentation of how anyone, no matter what they've done, can receive forgiveness from God. The characters of the pastor and his two daughters were excellent in their corresponding roles. Like any hostage situation, there was a lot of tension and uncertainty which was conveyed well in the film.

Jenn Gotzon delivered an emotionally riveting performance as Elizabeth.

Kevin Sorbo (Lieutenant Morgan) and Reegus Flenory (Officer Mike Rose) played their supporting roles well as law enforcement officers.

Casey Fuller portrayed a conflicted man haunted by his life choices.

Although there is always room for improvements in any film (even the big budget ones) overall this was a movie that I would certainly recommend.