Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle’s retelling of the beginnings of the evangelical movement in the US is a sexless, inaccurate depiction
This corny but slickly made southern California-set drama looks plausibly like a million other period-set Bildungsromans made by the Hollywood entertainment sausage factory. It’s a story of a confused young teenager finding his calling in life with the help of a nice girl and some wise mentors, unfolding at the beginning of the 1970s, and it has all the hippy-era trimmings: love beads, barefoot extras, vintage cars with old-school California black and orange licence plates, and many needle drops from bands like Fleetwood Mac, America and even the Animals, who are singing about the House of the Rising Sun. That last one is a curious choice given it’s supposedly about a brothel of ill-repute, and this is a film about Christians, made by Christians and clearly for Christians.
This corny but slickly made southern California-set drama looks plausibly like a million other period-set Bildungsromans made by the Hollywood entertainment sausage factory. It’s a story of a confused young teenager finding his calling in life with the help of a nice girl and some wise mentors, unfolding at the beginning of the 1970s, and it has all the hippy-era trimmings: love beads, barefoot extras, vintage cars with old-school California black and orange licence plates, and many needle drops from bands like Fleetwood Mac, America and even the Animals, who are singing about the House of the Rising Sun. That last one is a curious choice given it’s supposedly about a brothel of ill-repute, and this is a film about Christians, made by Christians and clearly for Christians.
- 6/19/2023
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Christianity-based fringe movements began to take root in America throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and they eventually extended to other parts of the world before subsiding in the late 1980s. The Jesus movement was built upon a passionate faith that focuses on the human relationship with Jesus and the efforts of profoundly following Jesus in every aspect of life. With evangelical Christianity, the young followers underwent a revolution in a significant part of the world, and many individuals began turning to religion as a means of relief from their suffering and drug addictions.
Based on Greg Laurie’s novel of the same name, John Erwin and Brent McCorkle debuted their recent film “Jesus Revolution,” which centers on the renowned ‘Jesus Revolution’ from the 1970s and focuses on real-life individuals who played a significant role in bringing the faith to a community of ignorant young hippies who often wallowed in the darkness of an impulsive lifestyle.
Based on Greg Laurie’s novel of the same name, John Erwin and Brent McCorkle debuted their recent film “Jesus Revolution,” which centers on the renowned ‘Jesus Revolution’ from the 1970s and focuses on real-life individuals who played a significant role in bringing the faith to a community of ignorant young hippies who often wallowed in the darkness of an impulsive lifestyle.
- 4/19/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
Exclusive: UTA has signed Jonathan Roumie, the actor-producer best known for starring in the faith-based hits The Chosen and Jesus Revolution.
The largest fan-supported entertainment project of all time, The Chosen is a drama series about the life of Jesus Christ (Roumie) and the calling of his initial disciples.
Related Story Buchwald Signs TikTok Star & Original Hype House Member Jack Wright Related Story UTA, Partner Klutch Sports Open Atlanta Office Related Story Longtime UTA Agent Bec Smith Joins Anonymous Content
The show from Dallas Jenkins, boasting a seven-series commitment, which is entering its fourth season in April, most recently took a trio of Season 3 episodes, along with the holiday special Christmas with The Chosen to movie theaters. While the show is also available online via Angel Studios’ website and dedicated app, and has been licensed by assorted major streaming platforms, the combined grosses of the theatrical releases put on with...
The largest fan-supported entertainment project of all time, The Chosen is a drama series about the life of Jesus Christ (Roumie) and the calling of his initial disciples.
Related Story Buchwald Signs TikTok Star & Original Hype House Member Jack Wright Related Story UTA, Partner Klutch Sports Open Atlanta Office Related Story Longtime UTA Agent Bec Smith Joins Anonymous Content
The show from Dallas Jenkins, boasting a seven-series commitment, which is entering its fourth season in April, most recently took a trio of Season 3 episodes, along with the holiday special Christmas with The Chosen to movie theaters. While the show is also available online via Angel Studios’ website and dedicated app, and has been licensed by assorted major streaming platforms, the combined grosses of the theatrical releases put on with...
- 3/23/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Half a century ago Hollywood was frantically trying to figure out the newly-dominant “youth market.” Since some of that market had recently found Jesus, there was a brief spate of related films: Zefferelli’s hippie-fied St. Francis biopic “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” adapted stage musicals “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell,” the Billy Graham-produced “A Time to Run” chief among them. But as the “Jesus Movement” got absorbed into more mainstream institutions, the brief vogue flickered out.
For a moment there, however, counterculture and Christ had a groovy thing going on, one that promised both salvation for those who’d gone overboard on sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll, as well as a healthy shakeup of churches that had lost touch with younger generations. Dramatizing that moment is “Jesus Revolution,” an engaging, upbeat new effort from co-directors Jon Erwin (“I Can Only Imagine”) and Brent McCorkle (“Unconditional”), adapted from Greg Laurie’s memoir.
For a moment there, however, counterculture and Christ had a groovy thing going on, one that promised both salvation for those who’d gone overboard on sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll, as well as a healthy shakeup of churches that had lost touch with younger generations. Dramatizing that moment is “Jesus Revolution,” an engaging, upbeat new effort from co-directors Jon Erwin (“I Can Only Imagine”) and Brent McCorkle (“Unconditional”), adapted from Greg Laurie’s memoir.
- 2/23/2023
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
It is not often these days that you get a Hollywood studio release born out of the late-’60s and ’70s hippie movement, but in blending a true-life faith-based story with the uninhibited counterculture of the time, you have Jesus Revolution. It’s the latest spiritual exercise from the Erwin Brothers’ Kingdom Story Company virtual factory of inspirational faith-based films that really took hold with their 2018 smash hit I Can Only Imagine and more recently included the Kurt Warner football story American Underdog.
Unlike many films in the genre, which find their greatest box office success in the South and Midwest, the Erwins don’t dwell on pounding the message into their movies (thank God for that), but there is no question that belief in God when you might be at the lowest point of your life, questioning everything, is a key component, and clearly they look to real life for their inspiration.
Unlike many films in the genre, which find their greatest box office success in the South and Midwest, the Erwins don’t dwell on pounding the message into their movies (thank God for that), but there is no question that belief in God when you might be at the lowest point of your life, questioning everything, is a key component, and clearly they look to real life for their inspiration.
- 2/22/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Kelsey Grammer will soon return to the big screen in Jesus Revolution. He plays a fictional version of a real-life pastor named Chuck Smith, who participated in the national spiritual awakening of the ’70s. Taking place in Southern California, the Evangelical revival incorporated rock and roll and the hippie spirit.
Given that the movie focuses on Christianity, audiences are wondering about Grammer’s beliefs and whether he is a Christian. So, how closely does the former Frasier star’s life align with the religion?
What is ‘Jesus Revolution’ about?
Jesus Revolution takes place in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Southern California. It follows a young man named Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) as well as pastors Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) and Chuck Smith. Together, they help start the Jesus Revolution, a movement of hippies who combine rock ‘n’ roll, love, and spirituality to change the world.
“The movie...
Given that the movie focuses on Christianity, audiences are wondering about Grammer’s beliefs and whether he is a Christian. So, how closely does the former Frasier star’s life align with the religion?
What is ‘Jesus Revolution’ about?
Jesus Revolution takes place in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Southern California. It follows a young man named Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) as well as pastors Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie) and Chuck Smith. Together, they help start the Jesus Revolution, a movement of hippies who combine rock ‘n’ roll, love, and spirituality to change the world.
“The movie...
- 2/18/2023
- by Tram Anh Ton Nu
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“…That’s When Something Else Works Through Me”: The Chosen and Jesus Revolution Star Jonathan Roumie
Jonathan Roumie—actor, director, producer, and speaker—is best known for his award-winning role as Jesus in the groundbreaking series and global sensation, The Chosen. His new movie, the Lionsgate period drama Jesus Revolution, is based on the events of the last great spiritual revival in America. Roumie portrays the enigmatic, hippie street preacher, Lonnie Frisbee. On this episode, he gives us a peek at his in-depth approach to the work, which ranges from authentic ‘Method’ to ‘mystically inspired.’ He talks about how his occasional need for solitude on set stems from being easily distracted, why chemistry reads should be not just […]
The post “…That’s When Something Else Works Through Me”: The Chosen and Jesus Revolution Star Jonathan Roumie first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “…That’s When Something Else Works Through Me”: The Chosen and Jesus Revolution Star Jonathan Roumie first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/14/2023
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
“…That’s When Something Else Works Through Me”: The Chosen and Jesus Revolution Star Jonathan Roumie
Jonathan Roumie—actor, director, producer, and speaker—is best known for his award-winning role as Jesus in the groundbreaking series and global sensation, The Chosen. His new movie, the Lionsgate period drama Jesus Revolution, is based on the events of the last great spiritual revival in America. Roumie portrays the enigmatic, hippie street preacher, Lonnie Frisbee. On this episode, he gives us a peek at his in-depth approach to the work, which ranges from authentic ‘Method’ to ‘mystically inspired.’ He talks about how his occasional need for solitude on set stems from being easily distracted, why chemistry reads should be not just […]
The post “…That’s When Something Else Works Through Me”: The Chosen and Jesus Revolution Star Jonathan Roumie first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “…That’s When Something Else Works Through Me”: The Chosen and Jesus Revolution Star Jonathan Roumie first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/14/2023
- by Peter Rinaldi
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Kelsey Grammer leads “Jesus Revolution,” a film based on the true story of pastor Chuck Smith, who opened the doors of his congregation to welcome the 1970s youths and “hippie” generation. It’s co-directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle from a script co-written by Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin.
“When God walks in here and brings me a hippie, I’ll ask him what it’s all about because I do not understand,” Grammer says in the trailer.
“Jesus Revolution” premieres February 24, 2023, in theaters, with a special preview event February 22.
Per the official synopsis, “Jesus Revolution,” inspired by an actual movement, tells the story of young Greg Laurie (“The Kissing Booth” breakout Joel Courtney) being raised by his struggling mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), in the 1970s. Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation. Everything changes when...
“When God walks in here and brings me a hippie, I’ll ask him what it’s all about because I do not understand,” Grammer says in the trailer.
“Jesus Revolution” premieres February 24, 2023, in theaters, with a special preview event February 22.
Per the official synopsis, “Jesus Revolution,” inspired by an actual movement, tells the story of young Greg Laurie (“The Kissing Booth” breakout Joel Courtney) being raised by his struggling mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), in the 1970s. Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation. Everything changes when...
- 10/22/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lionsgate announced this afternoon that their Dirty Dancing sequel starring Jennifer Grey will hit theaters on Feb. 9, 2024.
Deadline first reported about the project, which Jonathan Levine is directing off a screenplay by Elizabeth Chomko, Jonathan Levine, Mikki Daughtry, Tobias Iaconis. In part 2, Baby (Grey) takes us back to Kellerman’s Resort for a story of summer, young romance, and dancing. That weekend is the pre-Valentine’s Day weekend and right now Universal has an untitled animation film on the calendar.
In addition, Lionsgate’s feature take of Judy Blume’s 1970 novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will now open April 28, 2023 instead of Sept. 16 this year. Universal recently moved DreamWorks’ Distant off that date to Jan. 27, 2023. While I hear Lionsgate likes the new pre-summer date for the Judy Blume movie, I’m wondering now if New Line’s feature take of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot in the previous Sept.
Deadline first reported about the project, which Jonathan Levine is directing off a screenplay by Elizabeth Chomko, Jonathan Levine, Mikki Daughtry, Tobias Iaconis. In part 2, Baby (Grey) takes us back to Kellerman’s Resort for a story of summer, young romance, and dancing. That weekend is the pre-Valentine’s Day weekend and right now Universal has an untitled animation film on the calendar.
In addition, Lionsgate’s feature take of Judy Blume’s 1970 novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will now open April 28, 2023 instead of Sept. 16 this year. Universal recently moved DreamWorks’ Distant off that date to Jan. 27, 2023. While I hear Lionsgate likes the new pre-summer date for the Judy Blume movie, I’m wondering now if New Line’s feature take of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot in the previous Sept.
- 6/15/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Producer and bestselling author DeVon Franklin has found his first major film role in Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company’s Jesus Revolution. He joins an ensemble that also includes Kelsey Grammer, Joel Courtney, Anna Grace Barlow, Jonathan Roumie, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ally Ioannides, Julia Campbell, Nic Bishop and Jolie Jenkins, as previously announced.
The film set in the 1970s watches as a young Greg Laurie (Courtney) sets out to redefine truth through all means of liberation, and instead, meets Lonnie Frisbee (Roumie), a charismatic hippie street preacher. Laurie and Frisbee, along with Pastor Chuck Smith (Grammer), open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival by way of rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith leading to a Jesus Revolution that changed the world. Franklin will play Josiah, a New York news reporter covering a story on the magnitude of the movement unfolding.
Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle (Unconditional) are directing from a script by Erwin and Jon Gunn. Kevin Downes and Jon and Andrew Erwin are producing alongside Josh Walsh (The Jesus Music) and Daryl Lefever (Woodlawn).
“Anyone who knows DeVon knows he is one of the most respected and successful producers in the industry, but they also know his devotion and commitment to inspiring people through entertainment,” said director Jon Erwin. “It is part of his DNA, and we are privileged that someone who is usually behind the scenes has graciously agreed to step in front of the camera for us for this important role and this story.”
“I was excited and nervous when they approached me to act,” added Franklin, “yet once I read the script, I knew I had to be part of bringing this powerful true story to the screen.”
Franklin serves as President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment, a production company boasting first-look deals with Paramount Pictures and CBS TV Studios. He has been the driving force behind some of Hollywood’s most successful inspirational content, including the soon-to-be-released movie Flamin’ Hot for Searchlight and the television series Kingdom Business for BET+. In addition to his work as a producer, Franklin is the author of multiple bestselling books. His Audible Original, It Takes a Woman—a deeply personal look into the tragedy that transformed his family’s life—was released in April.
Franklin serves the Hollywood community at large as Vice President of the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. The LA-based USC grad is repped by WME and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
The film set in the 1970s watches as a young Greg Laurie (Courtney) sets out to redefine truth through all means of liberation, and instead, meets Lonnie Frisbee (Roumie), a charismatic hippie street preacher. Laurie and Frisbee, along with Pastor Chuck Smith (Grammer), open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival by way of rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith leading to a Jesus Revolution that changed the world. Franklin will play Josiah, a New York news reporter covering a story on the magnitude of the movement unfolding.
Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle (Unconditional) are directing from a script by Erwin and Jon Gunn. Kevin Downes and Jon and Andrew Erwin are producing alongside Josh Walsh (The Jesus Music) and Daryl Lefever (Woodlawn).
“Anyone who knows DeVon knows he is one of the most respected and successful producers in the industry, but they also know his devotion and commitment to inspiring people through entertainment,” said director Jon Erwin. “It is part of his DNA, and we are privileged that someone who is usually behind the scenes has graciously agreed to step in front of the camera for us for this important role and this story.”
“I was excited and nervous when they approached me to act,” added Franklin, “yet once I read the script, I knew I had to be part of bringing this powerful true story to the screen.”
Franklin serves as President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment, a production company boasting first-look deals with Paramount Pictures and CBS TV Studios. He has been the driving force behind some of Hollywood’s most successful inspirational content, including the soon-to-be-released movie Flamin’ Hot for Searchlight and the television series Kingdom Business for BET+. In addition to his work as a producer, Franklin is the author of multiple bestselling books. His Audible Original, It Takes a Woman—a deeply personal look into the tragedy that transformed his family’s life—was released in April.
Franklin serves the Hollywood community at large as Vice President of the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. The LA-based USC grad is repped by WME and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
- 5/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kelsey Grammer, Anna Grace Barlow, and Jonathan Roumie have joined the cast of Jesus Revolution, the Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate film inspired by the true story of a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970s and its origins within a community of teenage hippies in Southern California. Grammer will star alongside Joel Courtney as well as Barlow and Roumie, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ally Ioannides, Julia Campbell, Nic Bishop, and Jolie Jenkins.
In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) sets out to redefine truth through all means of liberation, and instead, meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie street preacher. Laurie and Frisbee, along with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival by way of rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith leading to a Jesus Revolution that changed the world. Laurie went on to start Harvest Christian Fellowship,...
In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) sets out to redefine truth through all means of liberation, and instead, meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie street preacher. Laurie and Frisbee, along with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival by way of rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith leading to a Jesus Revolution that changed the world. Laurie went on to start Harvest Christian Fellowship,...
- 2/18/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Jesus Music,” a film about the Christian music scene that earned more than half a million dollars over its opening weekend, is about as friendly and far removed from being an expose as a documentary can get, but that doesn’t mean the filmmakers want fans to think they’re getting anything but unvarnished truth. So the opening moments feature some of the movie’s primary participants — including Kirk Franklin, the three former members of DC Talk, Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith (the last two of whom are also among its executive producers) — sitting down for their interviews with tight faces and grim demeanors, as if about to be forced to spill their darkest secrets. But this introductory sequence doth protest too much: “The Jesus Music” is an altogether celebratory film made by the industry for its fans and, as with a lot of contemporary Christian music, throwing...
- 10/6/2021
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.