Martin Onassis The Gospel is a professionally produced film on an unlikely topic - the modern black church. There is no comedy, or sci-fi, or horror, or vampires, it's a straight look into the machinations of the modern black church, and some of its most interesting moments are exposing the politics of what goes on behind the performances and production.On that level, to an outsider like myself, it's a fascinating look. The film includes Idris Elba as a major character, as well as a group of other excellent black actors.The film follows emotional trajectories that are somewhat predictable, and many are also left fairly unresolved, although the egos of the main male characters are resolved towards the end in a way that affirms a message of unity above all. It is an uplifting film, if a bit facile.To truly enjoy the film, you have to believe religion and a Christian GOD is the answer, since any aspects of life that don't jibe with the view are pretty much ignored in the script, but it is a strong parable on community and no man being an island, so it carries a lot of credibility on that level.

Len9876 Kevin Thomas, in the Los Angeles Times, describes this film as "rousing, affirmative entertainment." I'd say that this is an understatement, and that is putting it mildly!I am a gay person, and am proud to be God's own and gay. I've had the victory since God put His or Her mark on me, when I was a little boy--and, as a proud gay person, I have walked with God ever since.Boris Kodjoe puts on a stunning performance, but I really believe that God and show business have their mark on him. This film proves, to me, that a person can be an actor and be one with God. This film also makes me proud that family entertainment is being distributed and promoted by mainstream media (Sony). This music is motivating and stimulating. I hope that African Americans don't mind that this 'gay honky' really jived with the music. And, even more importantly, I re-consecrated myself to Christ. But, this film is for everyone. It is not only for those that are religious or spiritual. It is a 'feel-good' film, and I do not find the movie 'preachy'. In one scene, for example, David even jumps in bed with a 'chick'. But, God knows that David has his heart and soul in the right place. I did not find the film a 'morality play' either. It is a movie that makes one think, and I rank it a 10 out of 10. This film will be especially appreciated by those who have faith--and, in order to be successful in this world, a person must have faith in someone or something. Most gay people are religious or spiritual--and I believe that gay people, like most other people, are inherently good. The social work profession, along with other professions, has found this to be true. And, generally speaking, Hollywood positively supports gay people in the fight for equality. And, contrary to what some people say, gay people are not equal to other people. Through faith and prayer, God will make a positive change and He or She will teach us how to love all people. Because, as human beings, we have much to learn about love.

marbleann This was a pretty generic movie. If you like Gospel music this will set the mark. But do not look for anything but a text book prodigal son returns story to go along with the music. I probably could of wrote this review without seeing the movie because of the formula for this sort of the movie is the same the players just change. 1) Two boyhood friends2) Something catastrophic happens to make one of them go astray3) One stays home and basically becomes the either a Priest, A social Worker, a teacher or a policeman or some other pillar of the community.4) The other one either became a harden criminal, or rich and famous who has lost his way and has rejected his previous life5) Something catastrophic brings him home again, Either they are running from the cops. There's a death in the family or a little brother is out of control and is one step away from being on the Top of the FBI's Most Wanted List6) Man returns only to find his best friend is either bitter or or to good to be true. Then neighborhood is in shambles and the Prostitute or the dope fiend at the corner is his ex girlfriend who left when he ran out of town. Oh and a family member is sicker then expected. And a beloved local landmark, be it a church, a park, a movie theater or high school hangout is being threaten with closure or is in shambles7) the ending either consist of the person being captured by police in the case of the criminal, after saintly best friend turns him in. Or he decides to stay and use some of the millions he had made to thwart the beloved place from closing down. And if they do not get their ex girlfriend from turning tricks and taking dope they will fall in love with a new girl. Bitter buddy and him have mended fences. And they all live happily ever after. The End. This movie has a little bit of each of the steps I mentioned with a few variations to the template. I believe the supporting cast was very good and the music was. But the following is a Bad Actor Alert from the Emergency Broadcast System. I loved him on Soul food but Boris Kedjoe was about as convincing as the Singing Nun playing a Usher type R&B star and was equally not convincing as a Gospel singer. That scene at his mothers grave toward the end of movie rivals the bad acting of Vin Diesel. This is a actor who IMO was good and good looking in Soul Food. But something was lacking here. He even looked strangely odd to me. His Co-star Idris Elba from The Wire on the other hand was very good. I think I could watch him in about anything. I would recommend this move for people who love Gospel music. But for me because of the laziness of the script and the absolutely appalling acting from the lead the movie was barely watchable.I wanted to comment on the comments about why people dislike this movie. I liked the Ten Commandments, The Fighting Temptations, Kingdom Come etc. My dislike for this movie had nothing to do with some anti religious sentiment. My dislike with the movie is because it was just a big music video with a generic script wrapped around it. Sort of like those bad Elvis Presley movies like Girls! Girls! Girls! when in the script was just added to the his singing. Being there are so little types of these movies being made I believe a lot of people crave them and are more then willing to over look the ineptness of this movie. We should expect more and demand it.

koziol "seems to me we (the church) need to spend less time lookin good and more time actually Being good!" Forgive the demon-possessed ignoramuses who voted "1" in order to punish Jesus, for they know not what they do!... Watch it & enjoy. Beautiful message, beautiful actors & actresses... Very real! Wow!.. the Worship! Performances! "seems to me we (the church) need to spend less time lookin good and more time actually Being good!" Forgive the demon-possessed ignoramuses who voted "1" in order to punish Jesus, for they know not what they do!... Watch it & enjoy. Beautiful message, beautiful actors & actresses... Very real! Wow!.. the Worship! Performances!