OK, so for those of you who enjoy faith-friendly films, this is a good one to add to your collection or at least take the time to watch. Like most films of this genre you can pretty much see what's coming from the get-go (starting with the title) but it's still fun to watch things unfold just the way you figured. In any event, Jenn Gotzon does a great job of making you dislike brazen capitalist Meghan, a feat similarly accomplished by Daniel Hugh Kelly who plays her insidious boss. Michael Toland is the credible though somewhat understated owner of God's Country while Gib Gerard plays his sorely passive son Jake, a Harvard Biz-School grad who has decided to thwart the mainstream for more people-friendly endeavors. After watching him in action (or mostly inaction), you might feel that Harvard probably wouldn't have disagreed with his decision.While there are no surprises in the script, the film derives its entertainment value almost completely from Jenn Gotzon's portrayal of Meghan, the ditzy, conceited, bigoted, and downright unlikable banker who ultimately finds God, saves God's Country from Satanic Japanese investors, and wins over the pouty minister's son. Whew, that's a lot but if you don't see most of it coming perhaps you should see an optometrist. In Gotzon's interpretation of Meghan, the Devil does indeed wear Prada although when she finds God a decent pair of hiking shoes fits just fine.Last but not least, this is a message film and I have to admit I found the moral to the story endearing though perhaps a little sappily presented for the New Millennium crowd.All in all, despite its flaws, the film has two things going for it - Jenn Gotzon and the feel-good ending. It may take a while getting there, but hopefully you'll find the trip up to God's Country worth the ride.

God's Country is a solid family film masterly told by director Christopher Armstrong. With sweeping scenery shots, subtle symbolism and a score that really sets the tone, it is obvious Armstrong is on top of his craft. With a strong cast lead by up and comer Jenn Gotzon, your heart strings will be tugged as she confronts what is actually important in life. Gotzon plays a talented executive with a cold heart that slowly starts to melt as she experiences the beauty and atmosphere of, God's Country, a Christian camp in the Mojave Desert. Gotzon brings the character alive with her subtle expressions and reactions as you watch the arch of the character develop throughout the film. Without such a talented cast and talented direction, this film could have easily slipped into another substandard indy film but doesn't and yields good family entertainment.

If you're looking for a great evening of quality family entertainment you need look no further than 'God's Country". It is inspirational and moving - a movie that you will want to watch many times. Chris Armstrong's (in his first directing venture) does an exceptional job, especially with the breath-taking scenery. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future. And the cast is superb. Jenn Gotzon really shines in this film and shows why she was voted Best Actress at both the Global Art Film Festival and the 168 Film Festival. Her portrayal of Meghan Doherty as a money obsessed worldly bank executive transformed by love and the power of God is brilliant and inspiring. The supporting cast is excellent as well - Gib Gerard (Jake Graham), Michael Toland (Eden Graham), and Daniel Hugh Kelly (Mr.Whittaker). Does Daniel Hugh Kelly ever age? Kelvin Brown's infectious humor as Lenny and Stephanie Barne's innocent (yet perky) portrayal of Geri are noteworthy as well.But the story of God's Country also speaks to something bigger. It demonstrates the contrast between materialism and spirituality. What the human heart seeks will not be found in riches, jewelery, or Ferrari's (as Meghan discovered) but in the simple truth of God's love for us and our love for one another through community. The people of "God's Country" had found this truth and their acceptance of Meghan in love transforms her. We should seek to emulate this in our own lives.The Apostle Paul wrote 2,000 years ago "...brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Those words are still relevant today and "God's Country" exceeds each one of those standards. I know you will be blessed by this wonderful film as I was.

5.0 out of 5 stars God's Country, an Excellent Film of Inspiration, April 21, 2013 By Dr. Fred "Dr. Fred" (Salem, VA) - One of the things that plagues independently made films of faith is that without big studio backing there will be problems with such things as lighting, editing, music and sadly even acting. There is no such problem with this film, it is positively brilliant and I have had the privilege of reviewing faith based and family films for years. This is a film that should have been featured in theaters as there is a wide open expanse of beauty that harks back to the great old days of the John Ford epics. Of course this is not a Western though it takes place in Western style territory. There are also scenes in the metropolis of LA and here is one of the areas the film shines in. You are taken back and forth from city to country, intercutting between scenes in a style often over looked in films today. Certainly the director Chris Armstrong, who put this together, deserves credit for knowing his craft. However, I have to single out one element in particular. Though the over all cast is good, this is a Jenn Gotzon film and were this theatrical we would be talking Oscar. Jenn Gotzon plays a top notch business woman who knows the art of the deal and is at the pinnacle of the ladder of success. Her assignment is to talk a preacher and his family into giving up his land, his dream, which is used as a campo for young people. The preacher challenges Jenn to wait six days and during this time... well I don't want to be a spoiler. I will just say that seldom has an actress had to make herself believable in so many settings and she pulls it off in the style of the great actresses during Hollywood's Golden Age. Of course it is a faith based film and you will see the hand of God throughout the story. The film is a miracle itself and I am thankful it was shown in a special preview screening. I will say I am not alone in my opinion as the film drew the audience in a way I have seldom heard of and there was applause at the end.