Reviews

In cities like Los Angeles, homelessness is an issue that constantly confronts every resident and tourist alike, but it can be so hard to know how to respond. It's hard not to be overwhelmed, and too easy to forget that this "issue" is really composed of many individual people's stories.

This documentary does a wonderful job of telling several of those stories, with skillful cinematography and score selections that portray the intermingled beauty and suffering in Los Angeles. Instead of trying to present an oversimplified solution to a big problem, it instead shows the meaningful hope that people are experiencing through the power of faith and receiving God's love-ranging from a dramatic and visible transformation to the quiet strength to just keep going.

The film left a deep emotional impact on me, gave me a better understanding of what my neighbors are going through, and encouraged me to know that God is really working.

I laugh more consistently watching this show than any other late night show. And the effort they put in (with no guests to lean on) is impressive. They create original songs every episode and try out new creative bits to keep it fresh. I just get bored with the segments where she gives a straightforward lecture that's just a collection of oversimplified liberal talking points. I can usually enjoy funny satire from different perspectives, but I don't see the point in those preachy pieces. Anyway, the goofy and bright style of humor in the rest of the show keeps me coming back.

First off, know what to expect going into this movie. It is not a retelling of the book of Acts and Paul's many exploits. It is about him reaching the end of his life and passing the torch to the next generation of Christians, as they all grapple with the difficulty of following God in the midst of a cruel and evil world. Knowing that, I don't think you will be disappointed.

I rated this a 10 because I don't know if any movie has moved me more than this one did. At least, very few have. It's not perfect, but by the end I was sobbing uncontrollably in the theater. Specifically, seeing the suffering of the persecuted Christians, and especially Paul's struggle with lingering guilt over his part in that persecution, culminating with the final scene (which I won't spoil here).

I'll admit that some of the dialogue, especially earlier on in the film, could probably be better, as could the quality of some shots or the sound mixing in a few moments. But the acting is strong across the board, and the production design and costumes look very authentic. Most importantly, the drama is sustained throughout, and there are profound spiritual insights to be gleaned.