Jesus Revolution made me a convert. It showed me that films about faith, the church, and Jesus can be done well. This organic story of what it means to love and accept unconditionally is a powerful message for yesterday, today, and forever.
The 1970’s were my jam. Granted I was barely ten years old before they were over doesn’t mean I didn’t relate. The clothes, the hair, the music, my word the music, were as iconic as it will ever get. It was also a time of healing. The war in Vietnam was going on 20 years, and we needed some peace, love and understanding.
God love the hippies. If anything they had an idea of what love was. It wasn’t perfect and often was achieved in dangerous ways. But they were trying. It is no wonder that when a small group of them caught fire for Jesus it was going to spread like crazy.
Jesus Revolution is a true story about two well known men in the Christian space. At the time of this film they were not the church house hold names they would become. Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) and Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) were searching for something. Chucks was a way to better reach a dying world. Greg was more about finding truth and acceptance. They were brought together by Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie).
Nailing the characters
Grammer does a wonderful job of portraying Chuck Smith. He has the perfect balance of fear and concern, but also a willingness to change when it comes to embracing those outside the church walls. Chuck ran into a lot of personal obstacles. Kelsey brings those emotions to the screen with sincere delivery.
Roumie seems to have been born 30 years too late. He makes a great hippie. His portrayal of Frisbee is funny yet also warm and inviting. My favorite parts of the film are watching Frisbee and Smith in the early days of their relationship.
The music in this film is banging too. A mix of original pieces and some of those memorable beats of that generation help solidify this film to the 70s. The use of clothing and styling are also important elements to make this film feel real. You can’t fake the 1970s. You have to get the details right or it takes the viewer out of the moment.
Who is this film for?
That is a good question. Those who are familiar with Chuck and Greg will love the origin story. Faithful church goers will hopefully learn something about love. It is hard to watch this film wtithout learning what it means to embrace those who are different. To allow your “enemies” inside the walls of your church. Those kicking the tires of this whole Jesus thing will get a glimpse of what He truly meant by loving each other. Sadly we do not see much of it today as we should.
Jesus Revolution is not the film to end all films. But it is a good start in a genre that needs to find ways to be relevant to the needs of today.
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