Calvinist

Using the excellent commentary of such as Sproul, Lawson, Duncan, and others, this documentary on the basic content and recent resurgence of interest in the Reformed doctrines by the church in the US serves to promote interest in both seekers and the curious to study further. It helpfully also provides some basic contrast with the primary opposing view, Arminianism, without getting bogged down in the minutiae. The "Director" is obviously a big John Piper fan, seeming to give him more credit than others for the resurgence. A higher rating--an 8 or 9--would have been given were it not for the inexplicable inclusion of 3 seemingly random short segments near the end. These were on (1) the effectiveness of hip-hop in the preaching of the gospel, (2) the rise and fall of Mark Driscoll, and (3) race issues in America (apparently the white church hasn't done enough to get the Reformed doctrines into the black church, or something). I still don't get it, but don't let that stop you from watching for yourself.

The information presented in this film was clearly and accurately presented. For the most part, the presentation of said information was easy to follow and memorable. As an added bonus, the film is aesthetically pleasing to look at. My only complaint is with the last twenty minutes or so of the film. I'm not sure if it was the cinematography used, the editing, the musical choices, or some combination of all of these, but it felt like the documentary ended five times. There were seriously five distinct points in the last twenty minutes of the film where I was getting ready to get up from my seat because I thought the film was almost over. This left me feeling like the filmmakers had several different possible endings in mind and just decided to use them all. The information in these last minutes is still good, but it could have been packaged better. All in all, quite informative, and would definitely show this to anyone who is curious about Calvinism's history and teachings.

As someone who leans quite Calvinist-about four out of five of the points-my low review should not be perceived as bias. Regarding the current 8.9 rating, I'm continually surprised the level of which people will rate something merely because they agree with it.

There is no depth of history, let alone comparison of doctrine. Armenianism isn't even the contrary theory, but the heretical pelenganism (spelling) is. Since the roots between the two aren't given any care before they get into Calvinism, there's zero drama & anchor in why Calvin's majority take on the Bible is taking God at his Word, particularly where depravity and predestination are impressed.

If you identify with Calvinism or have discussed with one from the other side of the isle then don't bother renting or buying this movie. You already know everything in this.

If your curious about Calvinism because you may have heard it mentioned, simply ask a Christian who cares about the subject. Or go to any Presbyterian or Reformed Baptist church either online or in person and read a pamphlet. Or email one of the deacons, elders, pastor, or any email address you find on their site. It'll have more depth and take 80% less time.

Why 4 stars?? Because the animation and graphics, such as the the video game set up, is great film making (4/4). But any film shot of people, beyond talking head interviews, feels like B if not C roll stuff. Anyone seen that gif of the kid typing at a 90s computer who then gives a thumbs up to the camera? That. Also, writing or compilation is equally poor.

What this "documentary" does to the art of film making and answering its subject is equal to the lack of rigor it accuses of the general evangelical movement (rightfully so).