The Jesus Music

I truly believe I've never seen a poorly crafted documentary, whether during my time reviewing films or not. So, when I saw my first trailer of the documentary, "The Jesus Music", I felt I needed to see this, for reasons of the fact that this is the first Christian feature film and that I was curious to see how the Christian music movement began and how it evolved through the decades spreading the love of Jesus through their music.

With stirring songs of faith, love and hope, Jesus music rose from America's 1960's counterculture movement to become a worldwide phenomenon, this fascinating documentary reveals the music's uplifting and untold story--from its humble beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California through its transformation into the multi-billion dollar industry of Christian Contemporary Music today. This film is the definitive love letter to CCM fans that features intimate interviews with the genre's biggest stars. With stories of trials and triumphs, the universal power of music from these artists shine through from their messages of passion, sacrifice and redemption that inspire millions of devoted listeners. 

There were many interviews that were exhausted: Amy Grant, Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Michael Tait, Toby Mac, Bill Gaither, Steve Taylor, Mark Sweet, Russ Taff, Chaz Corzine, Bart Millard, Kevin Max, Rebecca St. James and many others.

It was brilliantly directed by Andrew Erwin ("The Cross and the Towers" (documentary) '06, "Alumni" (TV movie) '09, "October Baby" '11, "Moms' Night Out" '14, "Woodlawn" '15, "I Can Only Imagine" '18, "I Still Believe" '20) plus TV, video shorts, videos and a video documentary, and Jon Erwin (the above list plus, "Fully Alive" '12, "Steve McQueen: American Icon" (documentary) '17) plus TV. The way this film was staged and paced simply brought out the vulnerability, excitement and poignancy of these performers to show the audience how sincere these artists truly are and this takes talented directing. In some cases, the audience could feel the pain when certain incidents were brought up which made it so compelling. If you like these brothers' brand of directing, their "American Underdog" is in post production. It was written, through exhaustive research by Jon Erwin ("Alumni" (TV movie) '09, "October Baby" '11, "Moms' Night Out" '14, "Coffee Shop" '14, "Woodlawn" '15, "I Can Only Imagine" '18, "I Still Believe" '20). Between the writing by Erwin and the editing by John Puckett and Parker Adams, the fluidity carried this film to a level that allowed the audience to become 'caught up' with the artists and others in this film that were interviewed. 

Whether one is a Christian or not, this film will either be an amazing shot in the arm, or might, just might fill the void in peoples' hearts after seeing this. In the middle of an upside down world, this film couldn't have been released at a better time. If you don't leave the theater feeling the need to reflect upon your life, then you're just not human. This grips and touches the heart in ways that we all need in our lives. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                                    Rated: PG-13                                            109mins.