The Pastor and the Pro

The Pastor and the Pro, a 2018 movie directed by Matthew Wilson, is an artful blend of comedy and human drama that presents an intriguing story about the meeting and run-in of contrasting characters. In the movie, a delightful ensemble featuring Jeffrey Arrington, Travis Lincoln Cox, and Kelly Cunningham keeps the audience fascinated throughout its run.

Jeffrey Arrington graces the screen as Ben, a young, passionate pastor who strives to live his life according to his religious values. His character is inherently good-natured, focused, and dedicated to helping his congregation. What sets this pastor apart is his unwavering commitment to his faith, which he holds above all else in life.

A twist of fate sees Ben engage with Jasmine, brilliantly portrayed by Kelly Cunningham. Jasmine is a young, vivacious, and sassy professional escort who lives her life on her terms, making a living in the way she knows best.

The film takes off from here, bringing to life a world of complexity, humor, and adventure. The chance meeting between Ben, a preacher, and Jasmine, a pro, spirals into a series of captivating, humorous, and sometimes uncomfortable scenarios.

As the plot unfolds, the characters of Ben and Jasmine are explored more, revealing the layers that they are composed of. Despite their apparent differences, they may not be as dissimilar as they seem. As they are pushed into each other's company, they slowly realize that their worlds are not as black and white but filled with a spectrum of greys.

This dramatic-comedy gives the viewers an opportunity to marvel as a pastor from one side of the moral spectrum finds common ground with a sex worker from the other side. Travis Lincoln Cox, who skillfully plays the role of Zach, reinforces this entertaining and captivating storyline.

The movie beautifully counters judgment; it steers away from stereotypes and digs deeper into the personas of the main characters, subtly pointing out that we must not judge a book by its cover. By explicitly drawing contrasts between the characters, it also highlights that there are different sides to a story, different pathways in life, and different choices that people make based on their circumstances.

What makes this movie particularly charming is the blend of humor and satire, pivotal in addressing its core themes – faith, morals, disparities, and above all, acceptance. Each character provides a unique perspective, unveiling their backgrounds, motivations, and insecurities.

The pace of the film is well-constructed. It starts slow, setting the stage for characters to develop, and gradually quickens as the viewer gets pulled into an engaging narrative. The background score and music are thoughtfully interspersed to complement the mood and progression of the scenes.

The director, Matthew Wilson, deserves applause for his nuanced storytelling, skillfully portraying a meeting of two completely different worlds while incorporating a subtle comic undertone that prevents the storyline from becoming too intense or grim. He urges viewers to broaden their perspectives and maintain an open mind towards life's unexpected situations.

Cinematography plays a crucial role in making this film visually captivating, where every scene etches an impression. The everyday places, like a church, home and streets, are transformed into documentary-like backdrops that contribute to the story's realistic portrayal.

With an excellent cast, thoughtful direction, and a well-crafted script, 'The Pastor and the Pro' is indeed a must-watch for those who enjoy an interesting mix of humor and life lessons. The movie's success lies in its ability to make you laugh, think, and empathize with the situations and predicaments of the characters. This movie will captivate your attention from beginning to end, leaving you with a lot to think about even after the credits have rolled.