And dripping with, drenched in, and hopelessly mired in Protestantism. I didn't make it more than 45 minutes into the film, though the graveyard scene had 'cult!' screaming in my head. I can just picture this old man being arrested for that--taking three tweens into a graveyard, leaning over behind each kid, and saying into their ears--in grand ghoulish fashion--find Jesus, you're gonna die. Creepy. All the little hairs on my arms stood up and quivered in unison. I'm Orthodox, and I'm sure Orthodox and Catholics alike will run screaming up the aisles of any theater that would show this film. It's horrible.My library had it, and I checked it out. This kind of film with its deranged content has no place on the shelves of a public library. As this movie is labeled "Christian," I should be able to speak in those terms. The whole 'moral' of the story is Born Again-ism, which has no Biblical base and propagates heretical teachings. John 3:7 does not indicate that there is a whole ritual or even formal process for being 'born anew,' that there is a magical phrase involved--if there was, the Bible would have told us--or that any man or church holds the gate key. It's something between God and that one man, and has to be witnessed by no one. And it's not supposed to be scripted by other men. The main reason is it's dependent upon the utterance of this made-up phrase which appears nowhere in the Bible. Proof? Orthodox and Catholics have all asked Jesus into their hearts in their own way, at every single liturgy, and yet are not recognized as 'saved' by any of the false churches that propagate this heresy. Protestant churches put themselves between men and God.Churches script this phrase--that means it's not coming from the heart. It's also not said in worship but rather to summon the favor of a deity. That means it's an incantation--also known as a charm or a spell. And it's witnessed by members of the church. God needs man to witness whether another is 'saved'? So man administers it. Satanic. You shouldn't be able to label a thing 'Christian' if it contains false teachings, and this movie is absolutely dripping with them.

A bit sweet but filling.This is a faith based film that is set in 1970. As a child of 14 growing up in a small town in 1970 I found the scenes, clothing and language authentic to the period and that was what was most entertaining to me. The story was simplistic, and uncomplicated but entertaining. As a child growing up in that era and being part of a church going family much of it was familiar. The polite talk and genteel and caring way people dealt with each other was reminiscent of my childhood and a great escape from the crude, crass and lurid entertainment in vogue today. I do wish it had a more dynamic story.Mr Sperry reminds me of two men in my life who were very much like him in the way he went out of his way to bring young boys to Christ. Although I fell from the path many times in my life their memories always urge me to get back on it.As a former soldier, biker club president and self employed businessman my life and faith walk is much more complicated with many more challenges but the simplicity of this story reminds me of a simpler time and re-enforces my resolve to be the man I aspire to be. Although I have seen much of the seedier and cruder part of life in my day the two men who made that investment in me as a boy have kept me in Christ's fold.

Words can't express ... let's just say "Kirk Cameron loved it!" That's enough for anyone to stay far away from this film.But for deeper consideration - if you're the one of the few mind-washed true believers who wants to support faith-based film-makers, please put your money somewhere else. Communicating a strong message about one's faith is fine, but please find some writers who can write and directors who can produce more than simple god-is-great cardboard.On the other hand, throw your money down these types of rat-holes and keep self-feeding on your limited community! Eventually funding will evaporate and we won't have to be subjected to such cruel celluloid.Yes - I saw a prescreening - I was tricked into it and nearly duct-taped to my seat to see it through to the end because "I needed to hear it's message." Sheesh! If we're not intelligent enough to seek our own insights about the beauties of life, a film like this will destroy the last few brain cells left.I'd rather watch Love Boat reruns - at least I'd then get to enjoy the antics of Isaac, that wacky bartender.

I decided to give this movie a try and went in with an open mind. I usually love to watch scary movies, but some friends who I was with at the time aren't into scary movies and we went in to see Jonathan Sperry.I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and really touched by this film. Gavin MacLeod did a wonderful job as well as the three boys who played friends in the movie, but I have to say one particular guy stood out in this movie for me. Taylor Boggan, the guy who played Nick the bully, did an amazing job. The emotions he displayed, especially the scene when he was in the bedroom crying to God to help him, brought out emotions in me I never knew I had. He made you feel the pain that his character was feeling, it was such a powerful scene for him to have pulled off beautifully. I know we will be seeing more of this kid, and he is going to be recognized very soon as the strong talented actor he is, he has a great future going for him.This film whether you are religious or not, tugs at your heart, it makes you want to be a better person. It's a shame because I think a lot of people won't give this film a try because they will think of it as just some religious movie, but it is so much more than that. It is really a coming of age story about three boys, who are tormented by a bully, who is in so much pain emotionally that he takes it out on those around him. And in enters Jonathan Sperry, the one man who sees through his pain and helps him overcome it. He brings these boys together, through his love, patience and teachings, and in the end they are all a lot stronger and more forgiving of one another. This movie has everything, laughter, tears and excitement. I really am glad I decided to give this movie a try, it is well worth it!!!