'Jesus Revolution' a powerful, heartfelt journey

‘Jesus Revolution’ is the story of one young hippie’s quest in the 1970s for belonging and liberation that leads not only to peace, love and rock and roll, but that sets into motion a new counterculture crusade — a Jesus Movement changing the course of history.

Inspired by a true movement, the film tells the story of a young Greg Laurie being raised by his struggling mother in the 1970s. Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation.

Inadvertently, Laurie meets Lonnie Frisbee, a charismatic hippie/street preacher, and Pastor Chuck Smith who have thrown open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to a stream of wandering youth. And what unfolds becomes the greatest spiritual awakening in American history.

‘Jesus Revolution’ is an inspirational and uplifting look at the movement that began in the 1970s.

This feel-good film is a wonderful little film that delivers a lot of heart and even a bit of humor scattered throughout. There are quite a few moments in the film that will really leave you moved as well. The crowd at a showing I attended really got into the film and applauded at the end, which you don’t really see often.

During the course of the film, you will likely feel for some of the characters as some of them are going through their own struggles in life. Kelsey Grammer (Chuck Smith) and Jonathan Roumie (Lonnie) give remarkable performances in their respective roles and showed great on-screen chemistry. There are quite a few moments when Lonnie gives a few of his sermons and they will really make you feel moved for sure.

Some Christian film viewers out there might recognize Roumie for playing Jesus in ‘The Chosen.’ A few of their scenes in the beginning together when the characters first meet are very humorous, especially since Smith believes Lonnie is just another dirty hippie. But once Smith sees what Lonnie is trying to do, he slowly warms up to having him around.

Another pivotal character in the film’s story is Greg Laurie, who is one of the flawed, struggling individuals who has come upon the church and now serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship based in Riverside, Calif. The film also shows you how involved he was in the Jesus Movement and how it ultimately changed his life for the better.

Overall, ‘Jesus Revolution’ is an amazing film that is a must-watch while it’s showing in town. This film will really leave you feeling moved and will also make you think. ‘Revolution’ will show you that no matter what, we can still learn from each other and we all need acceptance and love. And, before I wrap up the review, quick side note: since it takes place in the 70s, the film has some great music.

The cast: Joel Courtney as Greg Laurie; Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee; Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Charlene; Anna Grace Barlow as Cathe; Nic Bishop as Dick; Nicholas Cirillo as Charlie; Julia Campbell as Kay; Ally Ioannides as Janette Smith; DeVon Franklin as Josiah; Brian Shoop as Father Malone and Kelsey Grammer as Pastor Chuck Smith.

‘Jesus Revolution’ is written by Jon Erwin and Joe Gunn (both writers wrote ‘American Underdog’ and ‘I Still Believe’), based on the book of the same name by Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn and directed by Jon Erwin (The Jesus Music) and Brent McCorkle.

‘Jesus Revolution’ is rated PG-13 for strong drug content involving teens and some thematic elements and has a running time of two hours.

https://youtu.be/8vmHFvnjPDw