  
The Secrets of Jonathan SperryMPAA Rating:
 for mild thematic elements.Reviewed by: Scott Brennan Excellent!
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults, Family
Genre:
Christian, Drama
Length:
1 hr. 36 min.
Year of Release:
2009
USA Release:
September 18, 2009
  
Relevant Issues
Christian Film News™, a ministry of Christian Answers®
“What he teaches them… will last forever.”
The film, “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry,” set in a small town in upstate New York in 1970, is truly a stunning success for the Christian-crossover genre of films like “Fireproof,” a more recent winner in the secular market. The director, Rich Christiano, also co-wrote the film with his brother Dave, both of whom have been producing, writing, and directing films since the late 1980's. This is undoubtedly their best film to date. The casting is impressive! How they were able to find boys, in 2009, with that Timmy-Martin-look-of-innocence (from “Lassie”), who also had the pleasant personalities of the Douglas brothers in “My Three Sons” or even the Cleaver brothers (“Leave it to Beaver”) is a fait accompli. They are truly talented young actors, especially Jansen Panettiere, who were ably supported by the seasoned performances of Gavin Macleod and Robert Guillaume. This “coming of age film” was the perfect mix of “Stand by Me,” “Lassie,” and “My Three Sons” stimulated with the simplicity of the gospel throughout the movie—something those others always lacked. The casting, combined with the artistic sets, the thoughtful music choices, and serene location shots, all helped to carry me back to my own childhood—an innocent age in most towns in America, during the late 1960's and early 1970's. This movie portrayal was real. It didn’t feel contrived in any way. The producers of TV’s “That 70's Show” would have been wise to consult the Christiano Film Group before they ever produced a single episode depicting that era for television viewers. Watching this film surfaced a variety of feelings—which I had long ago forgotten. There were a few painful memories, like neighborhood bullies and the unrequited love of adolescence, but, overall, they were pleasant ones—of a happier time and place in our nation's history. This is truly a family film, one that everyone will enjoy. But more importantly, it brings home the message of Jesus in a powerful, yet believable way. The simplicity with which the message of the gospel is delivered in this film is what makes the movie so remarkable. While remaining provocative, it doesn’t have the stereotypical “breakaway” to the church preacher or evangelist to carry the message, as so many films of this type have done over the years. Yes, the story line has all the predictable scenes and characters that we knew so well in an age gone by. You will cheer for the good guys, and get angry with the “bully” antagonist. You will smile at the innocent foibles of youth, and laugh-out-loud at vignettes you’ve probably lived in your past. But not without shedding a few tears as well. Conventional characters, yes, but they were as real in our childhoods, as they are portrayed in “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry,” and it doesn't make us turn away from them at all. It compels us to want more. You'll have to see the film to find out what Jonathan’s secrets were, but you won't be disappointed. It has something to do with “listening” and memorial parks with gravestones. However, by the time you leave the theater, you'll be thinking of lots of people you know—with whom you have something very important to share. Of this, you can be certain: you are going to love this film. Violence: None / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Positive
Positive - This is a great film! I will encourage everyone I know to go see it. It is encouraging to Christians and is a good reminder what we are to be found doing and it could even help someone who is lost come to realize their need to know Christ. And it could be a great discussion starter for your children to talk with them about Christ and living for Christ everyday and in every way. This is exactly what we have been learning at our church lately so it is also very relevant. My son is 9 and it kept his interest the whole way through. He even leaned over to me some and tried to anticipate what would happen next or where it was they were going. Kids can really relate to the boys in the movie. Maybe especially, of course, the boys. They carried their bibles throughout parts of the movie and were not ashamed and faced unbelievers with it without shame. They all shared their faith with others. Very encouraging for young people to see. The lessons taught about having the right attitudes toward others is straight from the Bible. The ending where Dusitn found out a secret Mr. Sperry had was not something I predicted. Go see it for yourself!!! Positive - First of all, let me say that I am a huge fan of Indie films today. I've enjoyed many of the Christian films today, but this has been the best I have seen yet. Everything is excellent in terms of the film-making, from the acting to the cinematography, plot, production, etc. Positive - A beautiful movie! Heartwarming story that not only witnesses to those who don't know Jesus, but it also speaks to and challenges Christians as well. The possibilities of a life lived for Jesus, this film is great for the entire family! |
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