Reviews

Warning: I talk about the ending of the movie as one of its strong points. Do not read on if you wish to be surprised. "Gone But Not Forgotten" is another in a long line of low-budget gay-themed movies. We cannot hold this movie up against a movie with a full Hollywood backing. So once we let that go a bit (the camera work is OK; the score is OK; the editing is OK; the acting is OK), we find a story to make us smile. The characters do and say the things we hope they will do. Too many movies try too hard to make a point on social issues. This movie allows us the smile that comes from a gay-themed movie with a happy ending. Everyone learns; everyone loves; all is right for the main characters. Wouldn't be nice if we had more movies that made us smile instead of making us say, "yep, that's how the real world is"?

I recently rented this version of the story of Jesus and find myself impressed with its message. This vision of Jesus focuses on his humanity and mission, rather than on his divinity. Jeremy Sisto captures a happy Jesus with the weight of salvation on his shoulders. Jacqueline Bisset and Debra Messing find a solid voice as two of the most important women in the story of Jesus. I believe the movie gives a unique and balanced viewpoint of Jesus, different from the too-divine vision of "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and the too-human vision of "The Last Temptation of Christ" and without the gore of "The Passion." Christians and fans of historical cinema would enjoy this movie, its message, and its style.