The Gospel

As one person already said, this film is a modern day retelling of the parable of "The Prodigal Son". David definitely is the younger son who runs away and lives a life of sin while Frank is the older brother who stays behind and who tries to live a righteous life. However, the twist in this is the fact that even though Frank is now the the head of his church he has forgotten that his main mission is to spread the word of the Lord. However, he uses his position to pretty much alienate everyone, including his wife. This film pretty much looks as if it pretty much speaks to a lot of people on a lot of different levels. One is obviously the music and the other is the moral dilemmas that many of us face in our lives. It also takes a hard look at a lot of preachers out there who, like Frank, use their positions to promote themselves and don't care about the needs of their congregations. This is truly a good film and it definitely has a very uplifting story.

A story of redemption, pride, jealousy, and reconciliation.

Fine cast with a stirring gospel soundtrack.

Although others have criticized the camera work and editing, those aspects of the movie neither bothered me nor detracted from my enjoyment of this uplifting film. I found that the acting, music, and story were engaging and enjoyable.

The singing performances of the choral groups and such gospel stars as Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammonds, Mom Winans, and Martha Munizzi combined nicely with, and elegantly complemented, the dramatic work of Idris Elba, Omar Gooding, Nona Gaye, and Clifton Powell.

American IDOL finalist Tamyra Gray shined in her acting and singing roles and showed that she has a bright future.

Not an award winning film, but quite entertaining.

The Gospel is an enjoyable movie with excellent singing. This is a feel good movie that probably won't earn an Oscar but it is very entertaining nevertheless. Some members of the cast were exceptional including Idris Elba, Clifton Powell and Donnie McClurkin. Tamyra Gray did a good job in her big screen debut. It had a good message and I would recommend it. If you enjoy gospel music, this movie should not be missed. Some of the top stars of gospel music appear in this movie including, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, etc. This movie gives a fairly good depiction of church politics. It has comedy, drama and some tragedy mixed in. A good movie for the entire family. The soundtrack of the movie is enjoyable also.

I have a confession. It was out of the pure, unmitigated desire to see Idris Elba, the delectably evil Stringer Bell from HBO's "The Wire", on the big screen that I agreed "to have church," via the movie theater on a Friday night. I must say, the guilt along with the redemption was worth it. And I know I'm a sinner in that I didn't know who to look at first, Idris in his wife-beaters and tailored suits or Boris Kodjo in washed jeans and black leather--too much glorious macho for one screen let alone one southern black church. Kodjo is warm, expressive, and impressively at ease in walking that line between saint and sinner as he uses his God given gift to save the church and at the same time is not above beating down the unrepentant if the situation demands it. If I have one complaint, it would be that the sexual rivalry was implicit but not fully heightened to dramatic ends, though I am sure such a heightening would have compromised the message. Nona Gaye's moments on screen, The Matrix, Crash, are always a visitation of nearly ethereal grace, nobility, and an uncompromising beauty. The audience applauded at movie's end, vowing to buy the soundtrack and pick up a prayer book.

This was by no means an outstanding movie, and if I didn't feel some professional obligation to see it (I'm a pastor) I probably would have passed. But then I would have missed out on a solid film telling a compelling story with some fine acting and even better music.

Yes, many of the characters are two-dimensional, and yes, the plot is predictable. But that's because it's telling an old, old story. Within that old, old story a variety of subplots bring up real-life issues in families, workplaces, churches...and excuses to bring on some very fine black gospel music (as well as gospel adaptations of popular "white" tunes).

I'm not a pastor in the black church, so I can't speak to the back rooms of that culture, but I can say that most pastors of whatever stripe do face the lure to "bigger and better," whether it be budget or attendance or campus acreage or book sales or conference registrations. And the wives of pastors face the constant challenge of being both honest and supportive, without losing their own integrity in what's a very difficult environment.

I would definitely recommend this film; for all its shortcomings it is a powerful piece.