Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas

(Kirk Franklin's) A Gospel Christmas (2021) -

As suspected this film was all a bit too much for me. I'm not in to religion and I don't generally appreciate the word of God. I don't adhere to a deity that takes attendance and sets trials to test me.

While I have tolerated subtle religious undertones in a lot of Christmas films, and yes I know about the origins of the season, I just can't bring myself to watch the ones that are too heavy on the worship and God-bothering side of things.

I only recorded this one, because the gospel churches generally tend to bring more joy to the preaching and I hoped that it would mean a joyful romance, but even the worshipping was over the top, I thought that people might start speaking in tongues or fitting in the aisles. It was too extreme and I could see that this film would not be to my tastes at all within the first few minutes.

I did make it all the way until about 10 minutes in, but could take no more.

Unscored as unfinished.

It would have been hard to do more things to make Olivia fail and she did fail for a while. "Why didn't you just ask for help?" "And give your Aunty Ida more ammunition." That's just one example, but Ida wasn't the only cause. Olivia's mother started the process. The things she did wrong are too long to list. And Olivia didn't help herself much.

Many churches have an Ida, actually all do, but probably not that many have one quite so seemingly vicious. All this is supposedly in the name of God or the common good. Oh, the things that are done in the name of God.

Somewhere in the middle of all this there is a romance. It was rushed because of all the other things.

The outcome of the story is mostly predictable.

Meanwhile, there is a wonderful abundance of Gospel music throughout the movie including many Christmas songs in the Gospel/Rock style and some hymns in the same style. The finale is fantastic.

Gospel music is, by definition, music about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Most of the songs have either a message about the salvation of Christ or praise for him. As mentioned, the finale is a magnificent song of praise. Outside of the music, there is a bit of preaching mostly about having faith or trust in God but also in self and others. It is all very related to the context of what is going on in the story.

I enjoyed watching this film, and this pleasant film stayed with me. I was searching through streaming and glad that I came upon this movie. I love to see Black actors in the Christmas genre. Black images in film are depicted negatively so often that it's always good and refreshing to see Black people in a positive light.

The actress in the lead role, Demetria McKinney, is wonderful (House of Payne). I would like to see her in more roles for sure. Her performance elevated this film. I remember the male lead actor from the Temptations movie. He's a very good actor and singer as well. So many of these Lifetime films are formulaic, but nonetheless this was an enjoyable Christmas movie. The movie reminds that Jesus is the reason for the season and that walking by faith conquers fear.

The movie offered just the right amount of music which was well done. You could definitely hear the Kirk Franklin influence. Kirk always has great singers. The plot shows the humanity of church folks, sometimes good and sometimes not so good.

I read some of the reviews here. My advice, relax, enjoy this film, and try not to take life too seriously. Be kind.

Against the word of God in every way. It lies about the origins of Christmas, celebrates it as a good like the origin of Christ. Has people openly going against the word of God acting as it is the church. This movie puts a spell on its viewers and washes your spirit with lies with a bright and beautiful smile and beautiful music. The music can lul you into a sense of spirit for something the Lord himself would cry about for it hurts his spirit. This movie will cause people to stumble in faith. It has beautiful theatrics for such a reason. Watch this movie with decernment. Pray before, during and after. Keep your bible close and keep Jesus closer.

Shalom.

This movie is restoring and uplifting. The message is powerful. The singing is soulstirring. The message is captivating with a realistic and humorous story line.

The cast was well sync'd with their parts and places. The pairing was surreal. There was nothing superficial about anything in this movie.

If you're not one who likes musicals, this can still be likeable. It's not overpowered with singing. If you're not into religion, this can still be likeable; it's not over drawn with who to believe in. This movie is a reminder of many things...love, family, achievements and dreams, overcoming fear, believing in others, support, holiday spirit and togetherness.

Do yourself a favor; watch this move! Is it a comedy and a romance- yes it is. So doesn't like a warming of the heart and the soul? So doesn't like a love story with family values and strengthening of the mind and physical being? I love it!

My inner, outer and core felt great after I watched this movie. This was my second time watching it and it felt like the first. I was engaged from the opening line and excited until the end.

I laughed, cried, sang, and most of all was reminded to put my faith over my fears....