User reviews

Back in October 2013, a number of us "uncredited" - and some credited - extras appeared in this movie with great hopes.

For me, it was my first movie so I was really excited, especially given Barry Corbin's presence, and the fact that I'd also seen Robert Whitlow's "The List" some years ago.

While I see the release date was April 2014, no one I know who worked on the movie has ever seen it or been able to locate it on or off line, on Amazon, Netflix, or any of the other usual places to find movies.

SO movie fans - where can we see OUR movie?

Thanks!

A pastor living near the mountains in western North Carolina (Coby Ryan McLaughlin) is approached by the wife of a man in jail for serious embezzlement. The couple (Barry Corbin & Lin Shaye) insists that God wants him, a former lawyer, to be the defense attorney. But why take time away from his pastoral ministry to defend a criminal? Unless, the man's not a thug at all.

"Mountain Top" (2017) is a crime drama written & directed by a coproducer of "War Room" (2015). While not as powerful as that film, it's at least on the level of "God's Not Dead" (2014) and "Do You Believe?" (2015), just not as evangelistic and with a scenic mountain town milieu.

It's refreshing to watch a crime drama with overt verbiage concerning God and faith, yet it's thankfully done in such a natural fashion it comes across low-key and not overdone.

Valerie Azlynn is on hand as the pastor's wife. She looks like a tall version of Valerie Bertinelli when she was young.

The film runs 1 hour, 42 minutes, and was shot in Huntersville & Charlotte, North Carolina.

GRADE: B.

Christian movies are getting better. This movie has a spiritual depth which I only seen in the Passion of CHRIST. It shows that communion with the FATHER can be so real that many will think you are a "crackpot". This is one of the wonderful things about losing yourself and being consumed by God

PROS

+ Very creative plot based on the book of the same name (Robert Whitlow). Just some things we never learn and that are left vague. The end was kind of crammed together.

+ Great performances, even though Coby does not fit in at all as pastor and conveys little spiritual authority.

+ Beautiful outdoor shots.

+ Powerful music.

NEUTRAL

o Even though the Bible paints the profession of a lawyer in a negative image, it is entirely possible that our LORD would use the talents of a lawyer for His purposes. But it is questionable that He would sacrifice a pastor for a lawyer. The end of the movie rather suggests that he continued as a lawyer and visited only part time the prisons as pastor.

The movie is entirely based on the erroneous application of the Bible, saying that we have one pastor + elders instead of a plurality of elders / overseers / pastors (all the very same office). The overworked pastor we see here is only in such a position because today's churches don't apply the Bible. A conflict between the income-earning profession of a pastor and his pastoral duties is not something Paul would have encountered. He worked at least part time and still fulfilled his pastoral duties.

O While it is perfectly possible that the LORD speaks to us in visions and dreams today, the movie could also create a dangerous precedent for people who seek to abuse this way of communication. But everything in the movie itself is sound.

CONS

• The image of a pastor definitely suffers through that movie. Coby does not look like a pastor, he is an angry pastor with little compassion and he is overworked. He is also not in walking the Spirit, given the amount of times he rejected the request to help, even after the LORD spoke to Him through his future son. If a pastor does not see at this point that the LORD is speaking, then he is nothing more than a professional with the title 'pastor'.

This movie is special. Beautiful mountain scenery and superb acting. Barry Corbin as Sam makes you want to discover his "Papa". And Coby McLaughlin's portrayal as Mike Andrews , the lawyer turned preacher turned lawyer again makes you pull for him like your favorite sports team. You can feel his struggle to be a Godly man in his home and career and be true to his calling while trying to discern what this soothsayer (Sam) is trying to teach him . I mean you actually pull for the lawyer as the "good guy". The movie will make you laugh lots and cry a little. And the tears are as real as the characters. For God so Loved the world... The movie is unashamed of its message of love and the Lord but the characters are so REAL you feel you are living in the scenes. And I must say, Danny Vinson is one funny, under-appreciated actor. He is every small town newspaper reporter you have ever known, or imagined. A quality, well paced film. The music in this film is a perfect match for the scenes depicted. Amazing how Whitlow and Wheeler can bring to the screen these Whilow books. Every movie these guys do gets better and better.

7.0 stars.

This was not a bad movie. I watched it a few months ago. The story of a man who is a preacher. He used to be a lawyer, he let that old life go. There's an old fellow who is in big trouble and he wants this preacher to represent him. This old fella has a secret and it's all about these churches and some thing that he has done that is apparently really really shady. As we learn more about what's going on, and the old fella is being cryptic with the lawyer, the information is being revealed to us Here are a little in there a little and it's not a bad movie. I have to say it was entertaining, as well as religious but easy and palatable way.

I just started a subscription to UP Faith and Family, and this movie appeared at the top as a recommendation. The cover was done well, so I proceeded to read the description. It peaked my interested, so I gave it a try. It captured my attention from the start, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I kept thinking "why haven't I heard of this before!" Great plot, beautiful scenery, and such good acting. Coby Ryan McLaughlin was so convincing - no over-acting, and I felt the kindness of the man he played. And the performances of Barry Corbin and Lin Shaye were truly awesome. Loved it! Wish I could find more like it.

This is a movie worth seeing. I was fortunate to see an early screening and even though I knew the story line from reading the book many times, I was carried along as if it were new to me. The movie is beautifully done in every way. The choice of actors who portray Whitlow's characters is excellent. The "movie in my mind" (you know the one you make up when you read a book) was flat and lifeless after seeing the depth and life that the actors brought to these characters. Barry Corbin makes you believe he IS Sam and Coby portrays Mike perfectly. The surprise for me was the actress who played Muriel-she was amazing! Whitlow's story artfully weaves these two very different men's lives together and shows you how "Papa" works all things together for good. His story is wonderful on its own, but when paired with the vision that Gary Wheeler brings in film, it becomes a movie that feeds your heart and spirit, wrapping you in the beauty of nature with perfectly fitted music as a backdrop. For anyone who loves a movie that carries you into the characters' lives and makes you root for them, laugh with them and cry with them, this is a movie for you!

They don't want me to say this movie is horrible, but in my opinion it is. They don't want me to say this movie is blasphemous, but in my opinion it is. They don't want me to say Sam Miller is one of the worse characters to ever appear in a film, but in my opinion he is (the character NOT the actor).

I'm not sure what they want me to say, since I am forbidden to tell the truth. They may want me to say this is a Christian movie, but I don't think it is. While my opinion may differ from others, I'm not changing my mind about this.

Look! I hated this movie. I would not and do not recommend it to others. But, that's just me.

I loved this movie. I love the fact that you can feel a connection to this movie in so many ways. Whether it be the fact that you had a grandfather who always had a smile on his face, or you had someone that spoke into your life when you needed it the most. Maybe you are going through transition right now and looking for answers. You will relate to this movie. I love the small hometown feel that includes sweet tea ,and small diners down the main street. I love the church with long pews with a sign up on the wall saying what hymn numbers you would sing that week. I found it interesting that one of the main characters would often go to a place where he could be alone and find clarity or another that would just stop anywhere and find peace wherever he was at. The scenery itself was was a work of art. This is a mixture of a who done it, inspirational, and funny movie.It had a great cast,great story, and great scenery. I would highly recommend taking your family ,friends, and maybe buying an extra ticket or two and giving them away. If you lead any type of group or even teach a senior citizens class, invite the whole group to see this movie. You will not be disappointed.

Mountaintop succeeds where other Christian films fail, by delivering a smart storyline that engages Christians and non-Christians alike. This film sheds many of the hallmarks of Christian movies; the cheesy acting, sappy love scenes, and deathly dull inspirational music are nowhere to be found. Instead, the viewer is treated to the quirky, and at times brilliant acting of Barry Corbin and Danny Vinson, as well as a score that remains upbeat and appropriate to a film set in the heart of North Carolina. Though southerners will better understand the culture, and humor of this film, the acting and storyline makes Mountaintop relevant to any theatre goer looking for a good time. In the word's of Braxton Hodges, "It sure is good though."

Good characters and good cast. My favorites were the minister/lawyer and the newspaper guy. This would make a great tv series.

Slow all the way and finished quickly in the last 3 minutes. Don't bother.

We were searching for a decent movie to watch, and this one turned out to be a gem. Never heard of the movie or the actors but my wife and I were pleasantly surprised at how well this was made. It kept our interest the entire time and moved along quickly, leaving us wanting to see more. The actors were all very authentic and believable (no eye rolling in this one). Well worth the time to watch it and the rating reflects that. Enjoy! p.s. This reminded me of the some of the Orthodox stories of "fools for Christ". Check them out too!

This is a whole lot of religious bull×××t as most movies of this sort are. I don't care what a person believes, as long as they don't try to convince me to be like them. This movie is one of the slowest in recent years. It just rambles on, seeming going toward the inevitable happy ending, and, not in a good way. The acting was done well enough, and the beautiful South Carolina scenery is shown off realistically. However, I struggled to get through this movie because of my aversion to religious people, and especially organized religion that has caused more death and destroyed than nearly anything else in the history of the world. I only stayed with it to see just exactly it was going to end. I have a problem recommendation this to anyone but devout Christians, with whom I want nothing to do!

A compelling story of simple faith. All characters do an amazing job with their roles! Barry Corbin manages to conveys a childlike wonder of God with His eyes and persistence throughout the film. Equally effective was Davis Osborne as the antagonist. This character portrays a cold emptiness with his steel blue eyes and the viewer can feel his hopelessness. All the actors definitely "brought their roles home"! Great directing, impeccable casting.!

If you are a Christian and you love movies, this is a must watch. So beautiful and the production is really good.

Good story and great message. Its a sweet movie that progresses nicely. I really wish there were more movies like this.

Both me and my wife really enjoyed it.

Give it a go :)

VERY good movie! I liked it so much I wish they would have turned it into a series.

I was wondering how a spiritual life might look. This movie is a good example of how foolish spiritual living can appear to non-believers. Leaving me with the question: Can I trust the Lord when I cannot see anyway to make things work out?

Light reveals truth.

Job 12:22 He reveals the deep things of darkness, and brings deep shadows into the light.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

What a great movie. I love anything legal,and have watched "12 Angry Men", "Shawshank Redemption", "Lincoln Lawyer", "Witness for the Prosecution", and so many other great legal stories so many times. I was totally refreshed by this excellent story of faith and friendship. I could even have it on with my kids around. Wonder of wonders!

Great plot, relevant, and well done!

Thanks, Alexa, wherever you are!!!!!

A lawyer and his wife's marriage is falling apart as he tries to defend an unjustly accused man from greedy developers.

The man he is defending is a modern day prophet who receives visions from God about the lives of people in his town.

The environmental and Christian themes in this movie makes it a Wendell Berry novel that crossed with a modern crime mystery; and many Christians will like the that Barry Corbin take on the eccentric role of the modern day prophet who reminds one in of prophets of the Old Testament such as Saint Elijah or Saint Job.

And the Music....amazing Christian music...I even learnt the opening song on my guitar. It's such a good song....painfully aware of the Love of God and His interventions in our broken lives, and Our Defender from the forces of evil, of which the movie and the song, Begger by Benjamin James are complementary to each other and can stand alone too as they both in of themselves impart uplifting reasons to praise God.

Watch. And Listen.

This was an enjoyable family movie about good & evil with a bold Christian taste. No fowl language or killings, but a mystery of greed & deceit. It tells how prayer, dreams & obedience I our daily lives can bring miracles & personal spiritual growth. It takes place in an Appalacian mountain community where church & family are the foundations of peace & prosperity...except where money & greed step in. "Mountain Top" is a great testimonial of believing in God's messages, praying upon them & the acting accordingly, can changes one's own life & the lives of others.

It's good to watch a movie, to be entertained, in such a way as to come out in the end, being reminded of God's love & plans for us all.

Wow, a great movie with quality acting, no cursing, and getting back to the heart of what matters, our Lord and Savior! We made a wrong turn somewhere and our movies are now so filthy with a lot of using our Gods name in vain, and cursing all throughout so many vulgar movies. This was a breath of fresh air! Producers think they have to put trash talk in a movie to make it good, a total lie they have fallen for. The trash talk ruins so many great movies out there. They will be accountable for all these foul words spoken unless they ask for forgiveness and stop doing it!! Thank you to all who made this movie!