At Jesus' Side

At Jesus' Side is a 2008 Canadian, family-friendly, religious-themed animated film, featuring an impressive list of voice actors including Lucas Grabeel, best known for his role in High School Musical, Roma Downey from Touched By An Angel, veteran voice actress Kathleen Barr, and renowned voice actor Lee Tockar. The animation was executed by Tundra Productions in association with Confidence Entertainment and Image Entertainment. It was directed by William R. Kowalchuk Jr., known for his work on animated features such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie and The Legend of Frosty the Snowman.

The story of At Jesus' Side presents the last week of Jesus Christ's life, followed by His Crucifixion and Resurrection, seen through an unexpected perspective: the eyes of a loyal dog named Jericho. Jericho befriends Jesus and becomes His loyal companion, giving children and families a unique and tactile way to connect with this Biblical time period. This approach also provides a wholesome, engaging, and imaginative means of internalizing the lessons and teachings of Christ, making them more accessible to younger audiences.

The film begins in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Christ, where the audience is introduced to Jericho, a street pup with a good heart despite his rough exterior. After an unfortunate incident that lands him into trouble, Jericho is saved by kindness personified, namely Jesus Christ. This random act of mercy deeply touches Jericho, who decides to follow Jesus and be by His side.

Jericho, along with his band of misfit canine friends, embarks on a journey brimming with adventure, self-discovery, learning, and spiritual growth. While Jesus travels around spreading His teachings, Jericho learns not only the meaning of compassion, forgiveness, and love but also about bravery, commitment, and sacrifice. The film skillfully balances humour, action sequences, tender moments, and infused teachings, making it entertaining yet enlightening at the same time.

Lucas Grabeel voices Jericho, bringing life to the character with a delightful and emotive performance that resonates with all ages, making Jericho a relatable, likable, and heroic figure for the audience. Roma Downey offers a serene and gentle voice for Mother Mary, while Kathleen Barr and Lee Tockar take up compelling roles in supporting characters, contributing to the captivating narrative with spot on vocal performances.

Though the film is infused with robust animation, it skillfully manages to tread carefully and respectfully around the significant biblical events, ensuring it remains age-appropriate throughout. The film is characterized by colorful imagery, memorable characters, and engaging storytelling that make it suitable for younger viewers and their families while preserving the gravity and depth of the events portrayed.

The screenplay of the film, written by Ken Reiner, is beautifully pieced together. It blends humor, emotion, and important life lessons, ensuring each scene connects with the viewer. It provides a unique and refreshing perspective on widely known Biblical stories, capturing the essence of Christ's teachings and messages.

Moreover, At Jesus' Side offers a heartwarming and inspiring soundtrack that includes songs performed by Lucas Grabeel. The music complements the film's storyline, emotive themes, and spiritual undertones, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Overall, At Jesus' Side is an engaging animated feature that strikes a fine balance between entertaining and educating, offering lessons of love, compassion, and altruism framed within a fun and adventurous narrative. It's a family film that communicates significant spiritual and moral values through a medium that children can easily connect with and understand, making it an excellent choice for education, entertainment, and family movie nights.