Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk

This film shows a smidge of how a Jehovah's Witness life is like in this religion. Totally on point about life inside the JW cult. To think this is just one person's story, but still, you get the picture painted nicely and get the idea of how screwed up things are inside this cult. The book Crisis of Conscience was in this movie and as a Jehovah's Witness, if you're caught reading it, it can be extremely devastating and brutal. I enjoyed everything in this film. The acting was brilliant! It also was beautifully shot and produced and defiantly keeps ones attention to the very end as the story intensely unfolds. Bravo!!! This is a must-see motion picture!!!

As I watched it I thought this had to be written by someone who experienced growing up as a Jehovah Witness as the authenticity and the struggles were so accurately portrayed. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and felt the character development was tremendous - the main actor in particular was extraordinary.

I was expecting to see some sort of mocking religious comedy that would entertain on a comedy level only. This film is not that at all. It's actually a well crafted drama and more a coming of age film. Saying that, it does have its funny moments and I think the writers achieved a good balance between showing the faith and discipline whilst not knocking it too much. Personally, whilst I have no interest in what Jehova Witnesses preach I do have a lot of respect for their choice and determination. As long as I can say NO to them at the door. The only problem I do have is when they force their belief on people unable to make a proper choice and it leads to misery and tragedy. Some of that misery and tragedy is touched upon in this film. There are a few dialogues during the film from older Jehova Witnesses about why they joined the religion. This is an unusual twist in film making but it does seem to fit in ok. Overall the acting and production standards are excellent. The lead character is well cast and gives an amazing performance. Don't be put off by the religious element. The film neither ridicules or promotes the religion, rather it shows what growing up in a strict Jehova Witness family environment during the Reagan years could be like. An unusual film that held my interest right to the end. My rating 7/10 Recommended

Its not a documentary,itsnot a mocumentary either,but what religous sturdyness can do to people,young as old is amazing,both in a good or bad sense . i shall not decide whats right,but having grown up in a less to one per cent religious environment,i'm thankfull to my parents for that. after watching this well acted movie . in fact ,it has the ambitions of a great comedy,but it isnt,even though i giggeled inbetween. you will not regret it if your watching it,and by all means,dont ask for permission......

I decided to check out this new movie because it sounded like the type of indie coming-of-age movie that I tend to like, well that and I was curious about Eric Stoltz's directorial debut, and Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk did not disappoint. The film is a really interesting story about a young man who is having to deal head on with sexuality as he is getting older, yet balance that with the fact that he is a Jehovah's Witness. Now I wasn't that familiar with what being a Jehovah's Witness entails, but it became clear that this created a unique yet still relatable situation for the lead character and many of us watching who have had to deal with perhaps different, but similarly conservative upbringings. One of the early scenes is an incredibly awkward encounter where the guy doesn't even know what to do with bare boobs in front of him.

If you're interested in a well made indie coming-of-age film that deals with the complexities of maturing within a conservative religion, then definitely check out Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk! Highly recommend.