My wife drug me to "The Resurrection of Gavin Stone" Sunday. My attitude going in was I am going to go to make Honey Buns happy. I prefer something non-fiction/historical - or the proverbial "based on a true story". I don't do romantic comedy and I get enough Christian inspiration from other sources. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Unlike other faith-based films I have seen, this one was well-acted, not preachy, and quite funny. There is a message, but it is well placed within the overall plot of a past-his-peak child star whose roles have dried up who becomes the typical Hollywood bad boy. A drunken party results in hotel damages and a plea deal that involves 200 hours of community service at a local church. It felt fairly formulaic, but not irritatingly so.
The comedy is the best part of the movie imo - although if you aren't an evangelical Christian you might not get every joke. There are stereotypical Christian characters that are all subtly and overtly made fun of, and I found it well-written and hilarious.
Sub-plots include a sweet romance, a troubled father-son relationship, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption.
It was a nice film and something anyone of any age can see and enjoy. Obviously, Christian evangelicals will love it, but others can enjoy it without feeling preached at, especially if they get the jokes.
