Mercy Streets (2000) User Reviews

Tale of twins

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 5 July 2017]

David A.R. White gets to play twins in Mercy Street. On the one hand White is a deacon in the Episcopal church and ready to take his ordination vows in a month or so. The other White is a notorious con man who may be ripping off the wrong people. But his mentor Eric Roberts wants White the conman around for a really big score.

That greatest of conman films The Sting is the inspiration for what these guys have planned. They have it mind to make the mark part with his money the same way Newman and Redford did to Robert Shaw.

Deacon White is having some agonizing doubts about becoming a priest because of something in his childhood where he let his brother down in a crisis. In the mysterious ways of the Creator/Deity he gets a chance to make it up.

The outright preaching is kept to a minimum. White in his two roles and Eric Roberts do fine. This one is more than for church audiences.

Simply a great flic!

[bmix · 1 November 2001]

Mercy Streets is just a great flic, plain and simple. The acting, the story and the music make this film a must see. David White is an up and coming. Eric Roberts is convincing. And hey, when's the last time you got to see a great con movie that really worked, with cool special effects, without excessive language or crudity?! This is it man. I loved it!

Only His Hairdresser Knows for Sure

[wes-connors · 2/10 · 5 July 2010]

Fresh out of prison, and sporting a hairstyle that commands your attention, hunky David White (as John Davis) begins looking for trouble. So, he meets up with snarling "old mentor" Eric Roberts (as Rome), who obviously doesn't even want to challenge Mr. White's piercing hair. Meanwhile, White's aptly-named twin brother "Jeremiah" (also played by White, with more normal-looking hair), is "awaiting his confirmation as an ordained minister."

Pastor White proposes to pretty Cynthia Watros (definitely a female "Sam"). But, she and God don't think White is ready for Holy Wedlock, quite yet. Now, Mr. Roberts, who usually has the best hair in a movie, gets mad and kidnaps "fluffy-haired" White, then "greasy-haired" White takes his twin brother's place. As "John" and "Jeremiah" grow closer in spirit, their hair begins to match. Watch out for Stacy Keach (as Father Tom), in a hair-raising cameo.

** Mercy Streets (10/31/00) Jon Gunn ~ David White, Eric Roberts, Cynthia Watros, Shiek Mahmud-Bey

Not entirely c**p, but pretty close to it

[bill_b4 · 2/10 · 8 November 2000]

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?

Christian films are getting better...

[wenntrek · 7/10 · 7 October 2002]

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.

A decent picture

[farce4u · 9/10 · 17 September 2002]

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.

The view of an atheist

[Ismaninb · 8/10 · 14 December 2008]

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.

surprisingly, one of the best films I've ever seen

[dilese · 9/10 · 23 August 2001]

I am a fan of Christian films, but most are cheesy at best. This one was movie-making at its best--pure art. The writing was superior to anything I've seen lately. I'm glad to see quality film making representing what I believe in.

A solid film, worth admission...

[kungfudeadly · 8/10 · 7 November 2000]

This was a good film about two brothers on different sides of the law and walking two different walks of life. One brother (Jeremiah, an aspiring priest) living his suburban life with the curse of a childhood incident in which his brother was assumed dead. The other brother (John) fresh out of jail in working for a top rate con-man Rome who is looking to get another job out of his right hand man. Reluctant to go back to jail, John decides he is going to double cross Rome and through a series of events ends up on the run. He decides to turn to Jeremiah for help. Rome, in hot pursuit, kidnaps Jeremiah thinking he is John during his daily jog. The brothers have to switch roles...John becomes Jeremiah in an attempt to find the money he needs to escape and Rome forces Jeremiah to help him finish the original job in John's place. Confused yet? Sure the plot for this film is quite unbelievable, but do we really go to the movies for reality? This movie, from the same people that brought us the Omega Code (which sucked), has given us a nice caper film with a cool independent feel to it. Production is good and it shows the talent of director John Gunn who makes this unbelievable story seem just the opposite. Using some nice little techniques like freeze framing some shots, he gives us something different from the traditional hollywood outing. Its definitly not overly preachy and all the better because of it, displaying its message smartly. Add a nice soundtrack with songs from Moby and Sixpence None the Richer and some much needed comedy from Rome (Roberts) and his tattoo covered henchman and you have well rounded and enjoyable film. Most reviewers have been hard on this film, and I agree that the acting is not oscar worthy but it serves the film extremely well. The story moves along and mostly importantly keeps our interest until the very end. I have a feeling that if this film had Hollywood big shots behind it, it would be given much more respect then it has. This film is very solid and stands on its own in many aspects. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good film with a story that keeps you interested, but is sick of movies ruined by sex and language that are thrown in to attract a certain demographic. Go see it, you won't regret spending the money, and besides the more we support films like this the better they will get!

Surprisingly funny and very entertaining

[Verbal-17 · 10/10 · 19 May 2001]

This one really surprised me. Most of Roberts' recent movies haven't been, shall we say, up to par, but occasionally he makes a really good one, like La Cucaracha, It's My Party, or Strange Frequency. This is definitely one of his better movies. Here he isn't actually the star, but he steals the show as the hero's boss, and the movie is really funny, and the characters are so interesting and well-drawn that it holds your interest throughout. You really care about these people, and you want to see what happens to them. It's a story about redemption, about how unexpected events cause two estranged brothers, one a criminal and one a priest, to live in each other's lives and learn to forgive each other. Stacy Keach also shows up, in a cameo that lasts only a few minutes (but what a hilarious few minutes they are). Give this one a look- you won't be disappointed.

not your average christian film

[cmspill · 10/10 · 1 November 2000]

I was an extra in this movie, and was quite surprised when I finally saw the finished product. It was much better than I expected. The whole twin/mistaken identity has been done time and time again, but this movie pulls it off nicely. It's not a bible story, nor another second coming flick... it's just a good movie, with some good morals. One interesting thing that I didn't even notice until a friend pointed it out, is that there is no profanity in the film. The worst phrases used are "you suck" and "go to hell". The pg-13 rating is due to violence. I highly recommend this movie, especially to people who are tired of the typical religious flick.

Not 100% Awesome, but comes VERY close...

[jaiden · 8/10 · 11 July 2006]

Christian films are still in their infancy, and this film, while great, proves a point. Hollywood is still the "big dog" on the block and it's hard for a film with a positive message such as this to find a better place at the table. MERCY STREETS has a few good things going for it, starting with the acting. It's not a stilted as you'd expect from a religious-themed film. The writers took great care to avoid unnecessary and gratuitous cursing (even though the violent content garnered a PG-13 rating) and also to avoid being too "preachy" with the message. Writer/director Jon Gunn and co-writer John Mann bring a message of hope and deliverance to the screen in a truly artistic way. So, while the gun-play might be a bit much for young viewers, I think this film is a worthy addition to any home library.

Fun stuff

[mh-47467 · 8/10 · 13 November 2021]

Entertaining and humorous film, yet thoughtful film. Solid work by David A. R. White, Eric Roberts and Cynthia Watros. Some uncanny similarities to Oceans Eleven, except this movie came out first. Reminds of The Sting as well. Enjoy!

Excellent

[hizgirl · 8/10 · 7 August 2001]

After seeing Mercy Streets for the first time, I was shocked at how clever it was in delivering it's positive message. Without being "too preachy" the message of forgiveness and mercy were clearly stated. It held my attention and I didn't have a problem inviting friends over to watch it on a lazy Friday night. Overall, it was well done and it represented well.

Bad Words and other thoughts

[ncvp · 28 June 2008]

Why do people feel that foul language MUST be used to make a movie good. We are so indoctrinated in gutter language now that we feel it is not "real" if a movie does not contain it. How about the STORY, folks? How about the characters? Plot? Timing? Why is it that we can accept the old "classics" that never contained any serious swearing, but we have to dis a newer movie that omits such language? It just shows how low we have sunken as a society. Mercy Streets was a really good movie on every level. A lack of swear words should have nothing to do with how one judges it.

In terms of the acting (it seemed realistic), the pacing (it moved along quickly), the story (it was compelling), and the editing (it was contemporary and well done),the movie worked on all levels. I am very suspicious of people who reject movies because they are "Christian" but accept just passable movies like "Blair Witch". It's funny that movies that deal with occult issues, which are also supernatural, as are Christian themed movies, are somehow OK, but Christian ones are not in the eyes of many people. I think it is actually the message Christian movies put forth that many people do not want to accept and deal with in their own lives that cause them to criticize them.

Just one man's opinion.

gripping story of dealing with life and receiving redemption

[keithandjamie · 9/10 · 17 June 2006]

This is an excellent movie!! We bought it a while ago and didn't watch it for some time. We then watched it critically, not sure what to expect from a small production and were surprised to find it a first-rate film even in comparison with Hollywood-level budgets. Definitely worth watching and even owning. Excellent cinematography, gripping without terrifying, well-written storyline and individual lines, refreshingly real and yet interesting character portrayals. One of the best movies we've seen in a long time. Believable, not cheesy, not predictable, definitely a very good movie!! Appropriate even for pre-teens; there is violence but the fear factor is minimal.

A great action/caper film!

[FINEFILM · 10/10 · 11 September 2000]

I got a sneak preview of this film and was blown away!

Whenever they do a film about brothers or twins they're treading on familiar ground if not thin ice, but director Jon Gun pulls it off in a delightfully surprising fashion. The script mixes elements of a buddy picture, mentor/student film and caper flick with smart music choices from artists like Moby and Sixpence None The Richer.

Eric Roberts is so great as the bad guy, you love him. Stacy Keach has a nice cameo and newcomer David White plays the dual leads with an easy panache. He's gonna be a star!

Definitely check it out if you liked Reservoir Dogs, Boondock Saints and The Sting.

Finally, a non apocalyptic film!

[JackReese · 8/10 · 26 February 2002]

Most Christian oriented films deal with the apocalypse and impending doom brought on by a devil possessed child or adult, and planes falling from the sky. This movie is not about that.

I found this something enjoyable to watch because it's not normal. Sometimes the frame will stop or it will sink into slow motion and we just ask "Why?" but we really don't care all that much, because we know we are getting a good movie. And might I add, that Eric Roberts is totally awesome, despite his one liners and the one that is plastered on his shirt in short cooking scene...

Definitly worth watching