The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is a 2017 American faith-based comedy-drama film. It is helmed by the seasoned director, Dallas Jenkins, who has brilliantly crafted a contemporary film that seamlessly melds humor and life-changing lessons. Working in a medium often plagued by overused clichés, Jenkins' direction brings fresh life by incorporating relatable, modern characters and scenarios. The film was written by the expertly skilled Andrea Gyertson Nasfell and featured a talented cast, notably Brett Dalton, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, D.B. Sweeney, and Neil Flynn. The presence of these big-screen luminaries and the seamless story-telling skill of Nasfell makes this film worth watching for individuals of all ages.

The film revolves around the character of Gavin Stone (Dalton), a former child celebrity turned bad boy whose reckless lifestyle has repeatedly found him on the wrong side of the law. After getting involved in a thrilling yet troublesome incident, Stone finds himself serving community service hours at a local church in his Illinois hometown. A classic fish out of water, Gavin, a non-believer, is far from comfortable in this holy setting. Given his past, it is a wild sea change for Gavin, who has to find a way to fit in into this unfamiliar world.

However, an opportunity arises when the church announces their annual Easter production, and Gavin, capitalizing on his acting experience, convinces the church's leaders to allow him to participate. The catch, however, is that Gavin is required to play Jesus Christ - a vastly different role than he's accustomed to. This hilarious arrangement makes room for a volley of comic situations with Gavin's idea of Jesus possibly conflicting with the conservative views of the church.

What makes it all the more challenging and fun is Gavin's burgeoning relationship with the precocious Pastor's daughter, Kelly (Johnson-Reyes), who is in charge of the church's theatrical production. She acts as the main deterrent in Gavin's larger-than-life portrayal of Jesus and also helps ground him to the true meaning of playing this life-altering role. Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, in the role of Kelly, portrays a strong, independent, and spiritual young woman quite convincingly and adds a nuanced depth to her character as the film progresses.

Shining in a supporting role, veteran actor Neil Flynn is Pastor Allen, the conservatively traditional and dedicated leader of the church who has a healthy skepticism for Gavin's sudden change of heart. Flynn expertly portrays Pastor Allen with a blend of humor, wit and compassion that adds to the film's charm.

As the story unfolds, Gavin undergoes a character evolution that is endearing to watch. He embarks on a journey from being a self-serving, washed-up celebrity to embracing humility, understanding the true purpose of stardom, and valuing community over recognition.

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone brilliantly leverages humor to tell a tale of personal transformation, a perfect blend of comedy and drama. It showcases the power of faith, redemption, and second chances. The Christian message throughout the film is presented sincerely and respectfully without being too in-your-face.

The screenplay by Nasfell is sharp and witty, with a fair dose of satire subtly aimed at Hollywood celebrity culture. The cinematography complements the mood of the story, capturing the charm of small-town America, the majestic serenity of a church, and the electric excitement of a theater production.

Whether or not you're a person of faith, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is a charming, funny, and heartwarming film that's well worth a watch. It’s a story told with a lot of heart and genuine laughs, featuring stellar performances and a script that is respectful to its audience, regardless of their beliefs. Its ultimate message about the transformative power of second chances is a universal one, reminding us all of the potential for change and growth within us.