“Jesus Revolution” Shows Spiritual Side of Flower Power Era

The Erwin brothers are able to tell stories Hollywood would prefer not to hear.

These stories can be faith-friendly. “October Baby” “You Can Only Imagine“The duo’s greatest hit song to date is “The Last of Us,”

Now, Jon Erwin offers a ‘60s-style flashback that flies in the face of pop culture conventions. It’s a hippie story that is filled with love, peace, understanding, and Jesus.

It really did happen.

“Jesus Revolution” The story of how a preacher teamed up with a young, lost soul to help a generation that was searching for meaning is one example. The drama defines Erwin’s brand of storytelling – strong performances, glossy production values and, occasionally, a dearth of dramatic grit.

Young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney), meets Anne Grace Barlow (an attractive young woman), an Hollywood-approved moment that alters the course of his entire life.

He is introduced to Hippie, Inc., a film that attempts to give a PG-13 rating to the era’s Flower Power movement.

Although the production values are excellent, many will be disappointed by the soft-focus, generic view of these cultural forces.

They become part of a wider wave of disaffected hippies, who would rather have Bible verses than take acid. They are led and guided by Lonnie Frisbee (Yes that’s Jesus himself Jonathan Roumie) from “The Chosen“), a natural leader, whose banter bullies over conventional sermons.

Lonnie discovers a unlikely friend in Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer – always outstanding). They make a formidable team, which Time Magazine calls the “The Inspiration Team”. “Jesus Revolution.”

“Jesus Revolution” This captures an amazing moment in history but too often the focus is on smaller, more defined measures.

We are left wondering what the movie is about.

RELATED: ‘THE CHOSEN’ SHOCKS HOLLYWOOD (AGAIN) 

Young Courtney’s wanderlust perfectly encapsulates the era in question – late ’60s, early ’70s – but Pastor Chuck’s embrace of Team Lonnie happens far too quickly. This transformation could have been enough to anchor a significant portion of the story.

Barlow and Courtney are a key couple. However, they feel undernourished. They are both beautiful and kind of hearts, but we need more. It was a crucial moment in their relationship, similar to the end of Netflix’s rom-com. “You People,” It is completely unearned.

You should check this out! Kelsey Grammer discusses the Jesus Revolution Movie with Kelly and Ryan pic.twitter.com/iAGyP2n9Sp

— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) February 16, 2023

Yet “Jesus Revolution” This is why Christianity was so popular in that era. Many young people felt isolated, alone, and afraid. Many felt scared and disoriented.

They longed for a spiritual balm, even though they didn’t know it at the time. “Jesus Revolution” It is when it shows that hunger that it is at its best. Roumie, the charismatic heart and soul of the revolution, is a darned thing.

While he isn’t Jesus, however, the film leans towards his. “Chosen” Identity in clever and satisfying ways. After watching him mesmerize large groups of worshipers, it is hilarious to see him quarrel with his on-screen spouse.

The closing credits of the film fill in the story’s gaps, suggesting that a documentary approach may have been more successful in capturing it. “Revolution.”

HiT or Miss “Jesus Revolution” This story is a must-read with heartfelt emotion, great performances and a lot of heart. It still lacks dramatic elements that could elevate it.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases