Film Review: JESUS REVOLUTION (2023): Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie are Superb in Overlong but Interesting Christian Film

Jesus Revolution Review

Jesus Revolution (2023) Film Review, a movie directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkie, written by Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin and starring Kelsey Grammer, Jonathan Roumie, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Joel Courtney, Mina Sundwall, Julia Campbell, Ally Ioannides, Anna Grace Barlow, Nic Bishop, Jackson Robert Scott, Jolie Jenkins, Charlie Morgan Patton, Emma Elle Roberts, DeVon Franklin, Jean St. James, Steve Hanks and Ginger Cressman. 

Jesus Revolution, directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkie, is a religious movie that could appeal to anyone who enjoys inspiring spiritual movies and/or was alive during the late 1960’s/early 1970’s when the events of the picture took place. This film is, in actuality, an interesting history lesson for those who weren’t there. While the movie is too long and too unfocused at times to be a wholly successful picture, it does have a lot of interesting tidbits about the events it portrays and features some very good performances.

This film is set in California and revolves around a love story centered on two young people who are trying to find their way in life: Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) and Cathe (Anna Grace Barlow). Kelsey Grammer plays spiritual leader, Chuck Smith, who has a rebellious daughter named Janette (well played by Ally Ioannides) whose new friend, Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) looks a lot like Jesus and will help transform all the characters in the movie’s lives by film’s end.

Lonnie is picked up by Chuck’s daughter as a hitchhiker and Janette sees this spiritual hippie, Lonnie, as a test for her dad. Lonnie is a test for Chuck because Chuck is a traditional Christian with conservative values. However, if he believes what he says he does about love and spirituality, shouldn’t Chuck practice what he preaches and share the word of the Lord with those young folks/hippies who need inspiration and guidance in their lives?

At first, the hippies who attend pastor Chuck’s church seem to be too different for the parishioners of the church to tolerate. Those who donate to the church should come first, right? Not really if Chuck is spreading the word of God and abiding by the lessons of love that he teaches. Soon, the amount of people coming to the church is enough to change everything for Chuck and his family. Hippies show up at Chuck’s house and are right in his living room. When Chuck’s colleague tells him that the hippie women are coming in barefoot to services, Chuck starts to wash their feet at the church’s door just so they don’t get the carpet dirty which is the primary concern of those others in power.

Jonathan Roumie is excellent in the picture. Lonnie is a charismatic character, and we understand why and how he is able to have the power to transform Chuck’s life and the other people surrounding him. As the “Jesus Revolution” happens and people from all over begin to get baptized, a reporter arrives from Time magazine to capture what was essentially the hugest non-event human interest story of its day. The revolution took place over several years and, according to the film’s end titles, still has a place in society, even today.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley plays Greg’s depressed mother, Charlene. This character seemed to be only a minor part of the movie but helps us understand why Greg needs to find love and comfort in his life. He was taken from his dad (or so it seems) and yearns for companionship which he finds through Cathe. In a hilarious scene, Greg starts calling out to Cathe in a crowded movie theater showing the Romeo and Juliet film which was famous in the time period the film is set in.

Courtney and Barlow have some nice chemistry that helps keep the movie afloat. These two characters learn to appreciate each other and build a relationship together that is heartfelt and believable. Of course, Cathe’s dad disapproves of the confused Greg at first. In a funny bit, Greg’s friends give him a car and bless the car so it can take Gregg out with Cathe on a successful date.

Grammer comes up with his best big screen work since 2008’s Swing Vote. Chuck is taking a chance in his life and his career to support the cause he stands for. He also wants to keep the love of his daughter intact. Grammer keeps the nature of his character grounded in reality although the hopes of a peaceful, loving society motivate him. Quietly, Chuck makes a significant impact through his efforts and Grammer seamlessly captures the overall good nature of Chuck.

Some of the drug use in the film creates drama within the plot and there are some character challenges that arise but, overall, Jesus Revolution is a positive, uplifting story. As the film’s end credits roll, stay tuned for tidbits about the real characters the movie portrays and their lives after the film and today.

There are flaws in the movie. For one, Lonnie seems to disappear towards the end so the movie can focus on its love story, but the picture is still an interesting piece of history that is very entertaining to watch. No matter what your religious beliefs are, Jesus Revolution will make audiences see the good in humanity and hope that love will remain a constant in society for future generations.

Rating: 7/10

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