Synopsis
Jesus Revolution is a 2023 American biographical drama film directed by Jonathan M. Miller and written by John B. Moore. The film stars Kelsey Grammer, Jonathan Roumie, and Erin Bethea. It is based on the book of the same name by Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn, which tells the story of the Jesus Movement, a Christian revival that swept through Southern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Cast and Director
- Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith
- Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee
- Erin Bethea as Cathe Laurie
- William Sadler as David A. Noebel
- Michael W. Smith as Greg Laurie
- Luis Guzman as Ruben Rodriguez
- Jason Burkey as John Higgins
- Dennis Haysbert as William Randolph Hearst
- Ted McGinley as Fred Smith
- Rick Schroder as Bill Bright
Director: Jonathan M. Miller
Premiere Date: February 10, 2023 (United States)
Story Plot
The film follows the story of Lonnie Frisbee, a hippie who meets Chuck Smith, a pastor of a small church in Costa Mesa, California. Frisbee is drawn to Smith’s message of love and acceptance, and he begins to share it with his friends and fellow hippies. Soon, a movement begins to grow, and thousands of young people are coming to Jesus.
The film explores the themes of faith, hope, and redemption. It shows how the Jesus Movement offered a new way of life for young people who were searching for meaning and purpose. The film also highlights the importance of community and love.
Critical Response
Jesus Revolution has received positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 75% approval rating based on 30 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “Jesus Revolution is a well-made and inspiring film that tells the story of a pivotal moment in American religious history.”
On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 64 out of 100, based on 11 critics, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”
My Review
Jesus Revolution is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the story of the Jesus Movement, a Christian revival that swept through Southern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film is well-made and well-acted, and it offers a number of life lessons that can benefit viewers of all ages.
The film follows the story of Lonnie Frisbee, a hippie who meets Chuck Smith, a pastor of a small church in Costa Mesa, California. Frisbee is drawn to Smith’s message of love and acceptance, and he begins to share it with his friends and fellow hippies. Soon, a movement begins to grow, and thousands of young people are coming to Jesus.
The film explores the themes of faith, hope, and redemption. It shows how the Jesus Movement offered a new way of life for young people who were searching for meaning and purpose. The film also highlights the importance of community and love.
The acting in Jesus Revolution is top-notch. Kelsey Grammer is excellent as Chuck Smith, and Jonathan Roumie is magnetic as Lonnie Frisbee. The supporting cast is also very good, with Erin Bethea, William Sadler, Michael W. Smith, and Luis Guzman all giving memorable performances.
The direction by Jonathan M. Miller is also excellent. He does a great job of capturing the excitement and energy of the Jesus Movement. The film is visually stunning, and the music is both uplifting and inspiring.
Jesus Revolution is a film that will stay with you long after you watch it. It is a story of hope, redemption, and the power of love. If you are looking for a film that will inspire you and make you think, then I highly recommend Jesus Revolution.
Here are some additional thoughts on the film:
- The film does a good job of balancing the historical accuracy of the Jesus Movement with the need to create a compelling story.
- The film is not afraid to show the challenges and struggles of the Jesus Movement, but it ultimately ends on a hopeful note.
- The film is a great reminder that faith, hope, and love can change the world.
I would give Jesus Revolution a 4 out of 5 stars. It is a well-made, inspiring, and thought-provoking film that I highly recommend.
Life Lessons
Jesus Revolution teaches us a number of life lessons, including:
- The importance of faith: The film shows how Lonnie Frisbee’s faith in Jesus Christ transformed his life. It also shows how the Jesus Movement offered a new way of life for young people who were searching for meaning and purpose.
- The power of love: The film shows how the Jesus Movement was built on love and acceptance. It also shows how love can change the world.
- The importance of community: The film shows how the Jesus Movement was a community that supported and encouraged each other. It also shows how community is essential for our spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Jesus Revolution is a powerful and inspiring film that tells the story of a pivotal moment in American religious history. The film is well-made and well-acted, and it offers a number of life lessons that can benefit viewers of all ages.