best movie i've ever seen.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

I'll say this for God's Country, it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to make as blatant an anti-feminist film as this one in this day and age. But I get the feeling that Jenn Gotzon wouldn't mind having our current president in the White House if it was for a good cause like spreading the faith.When we first meet Gotzon she's a hard driving banking and real estate executive who has an assignment from boss Daniel Hugh-Kelly. Get Michael Toland off a piece of property he owns and owes on so that the brothers Yakamoto brothers can build a casino. Who needs the Christian camp that Toland has there now.I hope a lot of you recognize the plot of You Can't Take It With You because if you've seen the Kaufman&Hart classic than you know exactly how it goes. Her business and banking skills will now go to work for the Lord and she's got a man now in Toland's son Gib Gerard which is as things should be.Actually in real life how this would have gone is this property would be owned by one of those televangelists and if it needed to be moved his facility would be so moved with a sweet offer that would leave all parties satisfied.Kaufman&Hart would have much to say here and would say it with far more wit than this film has.

OK, so for those of you who enjoy faith-friendly films, this is a good one to add to your collection or at least take the time to watch. Like most films of this genre you can pretty much see what's coming from the get-go (starting with the title) but it's still fun to watch things unfold just the way you figured. In any event, Jenn Gotzon does a great job of making you dislike brazen capitalist Meghan, a feat similarly accomplished by Daniel Hugh Kelly who plays her insidious boss. Michael Toland is the credible though somewhat understated owner of God's Country while Gib Gerard plays his sorely passive son Jake, a Harvard Biz-School grad who has decided to thwart the mainstream for more people-friendly endeavors. After watching him in action (or mostly inaction), you might feel that Harvard probably wouldn't have disagreed with his decision.While there are no surprises in the script, the film derives its entertainment value almost completely from Jenn Gotzon's portrayal of Meghan, the ditzy, conceited, bigoted, and downright unlikable banker who ultimately finds God, saves God's Country from Satanic Japanese investors, and wins over the pouty minister's son. Whew, that's a lot but if you don't see most of it coming perhaps you should see an optometrist. In Gotzon's interpretation of Meghan, the Devil does indeed wear Prada although when she finds God a decent pair of hiking shoes fits just fine.Last but not least, this is a message film and I have to admit I found the moral to the story endearing though perhaps a little sappily presented for the New Millennium crowd.All in all, despite its flaws, the film has two things going for it - Jenn Gotzon and the feel-good ending. It may take a while getting there, but hopefully you'll find the trip up to God's Country worth the ride.

If you're looking for a movie with lots action, complex plot and characters - you will likely be disappointed here. But, if you're in the mood for a movie that challenges today's self centered money motivated secular values - then you're in luck! Fans of the beautiful and talented Jenn Gotzon won't be disappointed either. She literally shines in this film. Those who know her won't be surprised by this in the least. (It's almost as if Angels surround her throughout the film.)Technically, there are some rough edges, but over all Chris Armstrong does a masterful job at helming his wife's star turn. A combination that completely works for both Gotzon and Armstrong here.Personally, I wished there was more to the script itself to challenge the viewer and some of the casting seems a little awkward, but industry stalwarts Daniel Hugh Kelly, Gib Gerard and Michael Toland all turn in fine performances. Two more bright spots in the cast are Kevin Brown and Stephanie Barnes. Barnes seems to carry the spirit of the picture with her on screen and her scenes with Gotzon work especially well and help to beef up some of the necessary story conflict that add so much to a satisfying resolution.I'm a softy for movies with a lot of heart and I don't mind saying that I kept my hankie busy for the last quarter of the film.

I picked up God's Country at Wal-Mart this weekend expecting a feel-good family film and it did not disappoint.Jenn Gotzon plays Megahn Doherty - a hard driving investment banker that has her eye on the prize and keys to a beautiful Ferrari in her designer purse. Jenn has many credits to her name and she employs all of her skill in this film. Over the course of the film she transforms from a character with a heart that is cold and closed to one that is open and radiating life and love. Jenn plays the character brilliantly as the character rides a roller coaster of emotion as this rebirth occurs.Another featured member of the cast is Michael Toland who plays Eden Graham. His character is the owner of God's Country who is trying to cling on to his land and his ministry. Michael does a wonderful job playing the folksy and faithful Eden. He's convincing in his portrayal of a man that feels a connection to the land and sees it as an integral part of his commitment to God.Gib Gerard plays Eden's son Graham. I enjoyed his performance as well. In particular there is a campfire scene which he plays opposite of Jenn that is very good. In it is revealed that he is more than he appears and that he and his father have a grand plan for God's Country. Gib and Jenn play very well opposite of one another and their relationship unfolds very believably and organically over the course of the second act.The third act is also good, if a little predictable. What good is a feel-good family film without a feel-good family ending? I won't go into details but the only problem I had with it is how the financial situation is resolved. The logical side of my brain kicked in and had me wondering at some of the technical aspects but I'd say that's my problem more than a writing flaw. Even with that in mind the actors carry us through to the end in fine style.One final thing I would like to say is that I thought Director Christopher Armstrong did a wonderful job on this film. He captured some great performances and really set the stage for the most impactive scenes by utilizing beautiful desert locations to make every outdoor scene magical.I highly recommend this film to anyone with the desire to see a touching story with a great message in a beautiful locale.Synopsis: Investment Banker and self-professed workaholic Meghan Doherty (Jenn Gotzon) has a rewarding career ahead of her. She's got the clothes, she's got the car and now she has a BIG deal to close. Her boss, Mr. Whitaker (Daniel Hugh Kelly), has his eyes on a property about to go into foreclosure as the foundation for a huge casino/resort complex in the Mojave Desert. He sends big-gun Meghan out to close the deal before it goes to auction. Upon arriving she she meets Eden Graham (Michael Toland) the owner and operator of a spiritual retreat in this quiet corner of the world. Convinced that God has a plan for him, his son and the dream they have worked long and hard to build he asks Meghan to stay and witness their ministry in action. She doesn't realize it but her life will take a big turn over the next six days in God's Country.I don't think I've given too much away in that paragraph and I would encourage you to find out what happens next yourself!