There are many movies that has a very stereotypical portraits of Christians - either they are all holy good(often in chrisitan movies) or they are all hippocrates(in non-chrisitan) - this one was different. The plot is based in a community where Christianity is kind of accepted, but traditionalized in the roman catholic way - and everyone come along quite well it seems. But the problem begins when someone, Joey, begins to take his faith more seriously(because of Mary). He does not become a holy man - but he struggles still in the search - and even when he believe he has found Him. Even Mary struggles somehow, both her strict chrisitan parents and Joey's devoted catholic mother - all do - in their own way. As in real life. And this is one of the few movies I have seen that being shown without making much effort to preach one type of Christianity. Neither does the movie cover up the message as so many Hollywood movies tend to do, and even some Christian movies.
I can understand that people does not like and criticize this movie for the message it brings, because it is - believe it or not - Christian, but I cannot understand why people wish the movie had a more humanistic message like soooo many other Christian themed Hollywood movies often have. It would only ruin the movie, because the church and Christianity is not that, and it would make the movie lose its edge and reality aspect into a wishful thinking kind of chrisitiany of the directors mind only to please the world(major audience). It's easy to rate a movie bad, because you don't like the message, even thou the movie itself is not bad - I think this movie show that its right where it should be, and it does it pretty good.
I love the fact that this movie IS a romantic comedy. I love romantic comedies. It's kinda typical in the storyline(but well made and acted) - but in addition you get the Christian theme that is one of my favorite subjects. It's also a typical comedy because of the characters, lines and warm humor etc. Too few movies, especially romantic comedies, like this are made.
