The Jesus movement rocks California, with self-proclaimed “Jesus freaks” coming to Christianity in search of truth, freedom, and family. As the new generation, including troubled youth Greg Laurie and charismatic hippie Lonnie Frisbee, find their footing amidst the new movement, pastor Chuck Smith must learn to embrace change. When things escalate beyond their control, the trio must battle egos, critics, and tragedies as they decide where they’ve really put their faith– in God or themselves.
Released on February 24th, the film adaptation of Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn’s Jesus Revolution received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated the film’s technical aspects but considered it bland. Audiences disagreed, giving the movie a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Ultimately, the movie earned $15.8 million, doubling box office estimates, and finished third in the box office behind Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Cocaine Bear. Here’s my take on where Jesus Revolution went right and where it went wrong:
We’ve Come a Long Way From God’s Not Dead…
Christian movies have long been associated with poor quality and a preachy message, with Pureflix often being regarded as the Christian version of the Hallmark channel. However, as larger stars and more experienced writers have started entering the genre, these films have started becoming bigger and better. Jesus Revolution stands as a representation of just how far Christian film has come. It stars five-time Emmy award-winning actor Kelsey Grammar (Frasier) as one of its leads and has a majority of the creative team from I Can Only Imagine, another Christian film that made $86 million at the box office, on its payroll. The cast and crew were experienced enough to understand that a message is only received as well as the film that presents it, and they provided a much better experience than I had anticipated when I walked into the movie theater. Alongside the obvious faith-based messages within the film are themes of acceptance, drugs, and abandonment, storylines that aid in providing investment in these characters as individuals rather than spiritual figureheads.
Jesus Revolution doesn’t bash you over the head with its message, and it provides scenes that investigate problems that often arise within Christian groups, especially ones formed as hastily as the Jesus movement. There’s a scene where Lonnie begins healing churchgoers, something that would normally be displayed as miraculous. But there’s a subtle undertone of something sinister, that this grandiose display is about much more than a man “just doing what God’s telling him to do.” Lonnie’s past as an addict leads him to become drunk on power, on the feeling of being influential as opposed to substances. The film isn’t afraid to ask if these new believers are just chasing the newest high and will leave their newfound faith once it isn’t giving them the happiness they’re craving so desperately. Church leaders struggle with discrimination, doubt, and bad decisions in a way that Christian films have been afraid to dive into previously. Admitting their shortcomings gives these characters more weight, and I honestly felt invested in the outcomes of their lives.
But There’s Still a Long Way to Go
As much as I like this film, it can be heavy-handed and sometimes lags to the point where you become painfully aware of its 2-hour runtime. There were a few scenes that seemed to be included specifically for aesthetic purposes rather than practical reasons, with the framing actually yanking me from the immersion at points. There are a few too many unnecessary extreme close-ups for my liking, and the soundtrack that wouldn’t seem so dramatically jarring if it were a tad quieter in spots. The first act is the roughest part, with some sections feeling like they’re just rushing towards the juicier back half of the film. The dialogue has some great moments, but sometimes it’s trying to be too tongue-in-cheek (I’m looking at you father-daughter exchange where they both openly acknowledge that the other thinks they know best) and ends up falling on its face.
The film also suffers from having such a large ensemble cast, with certain plotlines that hold a lot of potential being brushed over in favor of the leading men. Cathe’s sister, Dodie, almost dies of a drug overdose, but the repercussions of that experience from her perspective are never explored. While Cathe decides to stop taking drugs, Dodie seems unbothered, and we only see her in the background of a few more scenes. Greg’s aforementioned absent mother Charlene, whose life as an alcoholic leaves him desperately searching for a loving family, and thus straight into the arms of the Jesus movement, drops a third-act revelation that rocks Greg’s world…and then is briefly dismissed after he thinks it over for a long period of time. No lengthy discussions. No long-term repercussions. Just an “I forgive you” sequence that feels crammed in so that the film can get to its happy ending, which is so frustrating considering that Greg’s rocky relationship with his mother affects so much of his character arc.
Ultimately, Jesus Revolution displays a bit of hope for the Christian film genre. It’s a symbol of broadening perspectives and increasing quality within a category that, honestly, I have been extremely dismissive towards. Yes, the film takes a minute to find its footing. But if you make it through the first half hour, the rest of the movie provides an interesting perspective on a real historical movement. No, it will not be the greatest piece of cinema you’ve ever seen. But it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes a movie can just be enjoyable, and that’s okay. Jesus Revolution is a film that has something to say, if you give it a chance. And honestly? I’m glad I did.