Estranged twin brothers - one a con man, the other an Episcopal deacon - accidentally switch places... and find God in the process.
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Reviews
Sorry, this movie sucks
Good story, Not enough for a whole film
Beautiful, moving film.
It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.
Being an atheist the reader will understand that I am aversed to cheesy Christian propaganda. Mercy Streets does not cause such dislike, except perhaps for the too obvious name Jeremiah. The reason is integrity, Jeremiah's struggle with his feelings for guilt is genuine. Moreover the atheist view gets a very fair chance - and it's the first time that happens in a Christian movie - when Rome questions Jeremiah's faith. Maybe the director got the idea from the Tuco-Pablo confrontation in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, another undecided philosophical/theological battle. What's more - bad brother John is in fact not that bad, even TJ and Rome aren't. It's not even clear if John is converted. Moreover I like it that Rome is menacing without using filthy language; that there is no boring sex between the sheets. Not that I have something against swearing and sex, but these are not values in itself, as happens way too often last 10, 15 years. Give me swearing and sex when it is necessary for the movie or leave it out, as it is distracting. The movie has some shortcomings - it drags a little sometimes, a few scenes are not that convincing - but all in all the director succeeded in making a movie entertaining enough to keep my attention and avoiding all traps before reaching his goal. In short Mercy Streets is an integre movie about the moral struggle of a Christian plagued by guilt plus quite a few extra's. Wanting to live in a free world - with christians and members of most other religions - I can't see much wrong with it. The average of five stars is way too low.
Having worked for four years at a place that shows Christian family movies every week, I have seen quite a number of cheesy clunkers in my time. And while "Mercy Streets" is not the best I've ever seen, it is far better than most.For once, the production quality is on par with the average TV movie, and it doesn't look like it's been shot with a camcorder. As far as the storyline goes, it's engaging, if not entirely original, and it doesn't beat you over the head with the message.The performances of both Eric Roberts and David White are to be commended, though most of the other cast members could use some improvement. Even so, the acting is quite a few notches above many Christian movies. I've been a fan of David White for a number of years, having seen him in "The End of the Harvest" and "The Moment After". He is one of the few actors in Christian film that actually tries to act, and he usually succeeds. "Mercy Streets" is undoubtedly his strongest performance so far.In short, "Mercy Streets" is a movie that seeks to provide good entertainment to both Christians and the secular world, while glorifying God. And it succeeds, where "Omega Code" and similar films failed. "Mercy Streets" utilizes decent actors, a good script and good production values to provide an exciting, entertaining and meaningful film, without being preachy or cheesy.
Christian film makers still haven't found their niche in today's movie market, and I don't they will for some time. Yet Mercy Streets seems to have succeeded where others have fallen short. Despite a relatively outrageous plot and some hokey acting, the film boasts some fine direction by Gunn, a good cast (Eric Roberts, David White), and an intriguing storyline. It's squeaky clean as far as language, yet it doesn't detract from the script. There's no book somewhere that says that there must be foul language for characters to express angst, hatred, etc. This movie has a lot going for it, and it's a step closer to a piece of great film making. 8 / 10.
This movie is another Christian propaganda film in the line of The Omega Code. Not that that is necessarily bad but for the fact that most propaganda films sacrifice sincerity and realism for the message they wish to deliver. If you enjoy a styrofoam portrayal of life on the streets and the way the Gospel can change a life, than perhaps you may enjoy this movie. I say, save your money and rent The Cross and The Switchblade or The Mission. When will Christian directors learn that sometimes people say bad words? It was frustrating to see criminals depicted who are not allowed to swear (huh? criminals say bad words?) and flat characters I really could not relate to. Also, it would've been great if the movie had shown some T&A. Now that would be something I'd like to pay to see. Who was the blockhead who compared this communion wafer-thin story of a movie with The Boondock Saints and The Sting?