Plot had potential but didn't deliver. Seems like it was filmed in a few days without much thought.
19 Reviews
I made it through, barely
RandyFoxglove3 November 2020
Only tuned in for Jason Alexander...
alicankunt12 October 2020
Even the premise of the film isn't that original but I wanted to give it a shot, since Jason Alexander was in it and could be a fun movie to laugh along for an hour or so.
What a giant let down. I did chuckle a few times at the beginning, but gradually it turns out none of the jokes are landing, none of the characters are well established, and you find yourself not rooting for anybody in the film because nobody has a developed character.
I get that the film is low budget, but the plot didn't need to be this ham-fisted and devoid of any interest whatsoever. There are better student films on a lower budget than this.
What a giant let down. I did chuckle a few times at the beginning, but gradually it turns out none of the jokes are landing, none of the characters are well established, and you find yourself not rooting for anybody in the film because nobody has a developed character.
I get that the film is low budget, but the plot didn't need to be this ham-fisted and devoid of any interest whatsoever. There are better student films on a lower budget than this.
its a try
ops-5253510 October 2020
Making a promising premise of an idea, that i laughed at at first glance, drown in a gurgling babble of dialouging..Its like walking on thin ice, stark naked and praying to god, will it carry me through this? well the music made for this film carries the spirits till the end of the tunnel of light, so theres hope for everyone if youre a believer...
its a comedy take on religious moneymaking, where the smile and chime in getogethernes in the name of what you believe to be the higher source, in a win win opportunity to make quick money on a film franchise for true believers.
if you love richard riehle celebrate his 404'ish or around that feature movies as an actor, elsewise i'm still sitting here like a bull waiting for a good movie made by opportunists on cristian moviemaking cause cristian movies dont need to be good, because they are bad, and so is this one too.
but if you like b.acting on a c-scale with wind and wuthering in your sole, please be my guest, because im old and grumpy , therefore just a 5, a small recommend
its a comedy take on religious moneymaking, where the smile and chime in getogethernes in the name of what you believe to be the higher source, in a win win opportunity to make quick money on a film franchise for true believers.
if you love richard riehle celebrate his 404'ish or around that feature movies as an actor, elsewise i'm still sitting here like a bull waiting for a good movie made by opportunists on cristian moviemaking cause cristian movies dont need to be good, because they are bad, and so is this one too.
but if you like b.acting on a c-scale with wind and wuthering in your sole, please be my guest, because im old and grumpy , therefore just a 5, a small recommend
Hologram David Koechner
cocainebeehole28 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Seemed like a cool premise and being a fan of DK I thought this would be a fun little movie to kill some time with. David Koechner does his best current year Bruce Willis impression where he is in the movie for maybe 10 mins and is shown mostly in commercials (meaning he was never really on screen for ANY scene) Honestly felt betrayed. Better than being kicked in the head but not by much.
The trailer looked quite hilarious, the movie however was NOT.
imseeg2 January 2022
NOT funny. Then why did it look funny in the trailer? Because the idea for the story was kinda funny.
The bad: the 2 leading actors are bland. Way below average. AND they do not have any comical skills whatsoever.
More bad: a nice trailer can be made out of anything worthless, so it goes to show, but a really funny movie is hard work and you need a GREAT WRITER and GREAT ACTORS as a bare minimum. This movie lacked both.
Completely forgettable...
The bad: the 2 leading actors are bland. Way below average. AND they do not have any comical skills whatsoever.
More bad: a nice trailer can be made out of anything worthless, so it goes to show, but a really funny movie is hard work and you need a GREAT WRITER and GREAT ACTORS as a bare minimum. This movie lacked both.
Completely forgettable...
Pokes fun at "Christian Culture", but not so much at Christians themselves
zacboring121 May 2021
As someone who just "left" the Christian faith VERY recently due to some of the exact issues presented in the movie; it was honestly a really therapeutic viewing experience. 'Faith Based', on the surface, is a goofy buddy-comedy about two friends trying to get rich. But underneath the puns and bro comedy lies a very thoughtful critique on the culture that surrounds the Christian faith, and how much of it comes off as a very performative act. I worked at a church AND a movie theater during the huge faith-based film craze, and this movie nailed the atmosphere perfectly (and that worship song had me equally cracking up and cringing at its accuracy). I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this movie but I was pleasantly surprised by the end result. I for one am excited to see what this team does next.
Finally!!
harbaughfilm30 October 2020
As someone who has endured all three of the God's Not Dead Trilogy, I can assure you that this film does not suck. It has well-written dialogue (only took a point off for some of the more cornier lines), interesting and fun characters, REAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SAID CHARACTERS, a famous guest star that isn't Kirk Cameron, and so much more! If you're a big fan of satire, but with a purpose, Please do yourself a favor and watch this!
Not a comedy, but philosophy!
obi_wan_kenobi_UKR25 July 2022
I accidentally came across this project. I do not fully understand what really interested me - the title, the abstract or the poster. But I firmly decided to spend 4 hours of my time watching this video.
And he did not regret it.
It's hard for me to call what I watched a comedy. To be honest, I smiled only in two moments and never once laughed out loud.
But there is something in this film. The picture is not full of philosophical meanings about the meaning of being and true friendship. The characters make you feel for them. Perhaps you can see yourself in them - an adventurous and talented person who cannot or does not want to put all of himself into business or simply find his niche in life.
It's a 7/10 and not a point below. I recommend watching.
And he did not regret it.
It's hard for me to call what I watched a comedy. To be honest, I smiled only in two moments and never once laughed out loud.
But there is something in this film. The picture is not full of philosophical meanings about the meaning of being and true friendship. The characters make you feel for them. Perhaps you can see yourself in them - an adventurous and talented person who cannot or does not want to put all of himself into business or simply find his niche in life.
It's a 7/10 and not a point below. I recommend watching.
An indie gem!
dfdaumit11 October 2020
This movie overcomes its low budget and delivers on story and laughs. It has a lot of heart, great cameos, and solid performances all around.
Please note: Don't judge it based on its title. This is not a skewering of religion. Far from it. Nor is it an endorsement of religion. It's just a light-hearted movie that entertains for 90 minutes. I don't know about anyone else, but that pretty much fits what I want to see in a comedy nowadays.
Please note: Don't judge it based on its title. This is not a skewering of religion. Far from it. Nor is it an endorsement of religion. It's just a light-hearted movie that entertains for 90 minutes. I don't know about anyone else, but that pretty much fits what I want to see in a comedy nowadays.
Amusing, but a bit slow.
ejonconrad14 December 2020
You know the setup: a couple of losers decide to make a Christian movie, because those make money no matter how bad they are. It's an entertaining premise for those of us who are constantly scratching their heads over the fact that Kirk Cameron is somehow worth (checks google...) No, really? $20M! How can that possibly be?!?
This movie is to Christian cinema what the "Faith +1" episode of South Park was to Christian music; however, that episode was 30 minutes long, and these guys have a hard time stretching the concept to fill 90 minutes. Don't get me wrong, it definitely has its moments, but it really starts to drag in the second half.
Also, whereas Parker and Stone have mastered the art of making biting satire while still somehow not being "mean", this movie takes the more traditional route of pulling punches, which really takes the edge off.
Finally, they really pull a bait and switch with David Koechner (Champ on Anchorman). He's barely in the movie. In fact, most of his scenes are in the trailer.
So, worth watching, but maybe wait until it's free.
This movie is to Christian cinema what the "Faith +1" episode of South Park was to Christian music; however, that episode was 30 minutes long, and these guys have a hard time stretching the concept to fill 90 minutes. Don't get me wrong, it definitely has its moments, but it really starts to drag in the second half.
Also, whereas Parker and Stone have mastered the art of making biting satire while still somehow not being "mean", this movie takes the more traditional route of pulling punches, which really takes the edge off.
Finally, they really pull a bait and switch with David Koechner (Champ on Anchorman). He's barely in the movie. In fact, most of his scenes are in the trailer.
So, worth watching, but maybe wait until it's free.
Not as mean spirited as you would think
manleygurl25 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I believe this movie set out to be a mean satire of all the ridiculous religious themed movies but it turned out to be about two people pursing their passion of making movies. In the process their lives changed for the better. One of the main characters got closer to his family and another found his future wife. I was pleasantly surprised.
This made me excited for indie movies again!
sarahkasprzykpr15 October 2020
I want to dispel a seemingly common belief about this film: this film is NOT about dogging on people of faith, or Christianity. Instead, it exists as a satirical commentary on people who exploit the faith of others for financial gain, which admittedly, has the potential to be a huge problem for the faith in general. Arguably, if the critique is listened to, it could ultimately serve the church well. Christians are hungry for wholesome media, and this is continually exploited by money-driven production companies who care more about the bottom line than quality/production value, and have no incentive to deliver a great product because there's not really any alternative for people who are looking for faith-based media.
Luke and Tanner's characters' imperfections serve the story line well and make an otherwise absurd undertaking feel oddly relatable, in a way almost reminiscent of the way The Good Place's four central humans. Tanner is an id-driven player who finds meaningful connection as he learns to serve something bigger than himself. Luke struggles to find acceptance in places where he feels like an outsider and learns the importance of being honest and following through on promises, and making keepable promises in the first place.
They really, truly nail the church parts. Parts of the film took me immediately back too my religious days over a decade ago, but in a good way; the feelings it brought back bordered on a pleasant nostalgia and I didn't feel antagonized for formerly having that belief system.
The movie is comical, and light/easy watching. A great film to watch while chilling out after work. The execution and production value is exceptional when you consider how low the budget was; the only truly "bad" parts are the parts that are supposed to be bad.
My one criticism is that of the tangential love story in it: I wish that it had been a bit more fleshed out. Tanner's love interest almost feels like whatever the conservative Christian/evangelical answer to a manic pixie dream girl is in some ways. We don't really learn about her much at all, but she seems responsible for a large portion of Tanner's character development. I wish we could have seen more of that relationship grow and the timeline around it felt a little clouded.
Overall, it's a solid film with an interesting premise. Can't wait to see what Tanner, Luke, and Lone Suspect do in the future.
Luke and Tanner's characters' imperfections serve the story line well and make an otherwise absurd undertaking feel oddly relatable, in a way almost reminiscent of the way The Good Place's four central humans. Tanner is an id-driven player who finds meaningful connection as he learns to serve something bigger than himself. Luke struggles to find acceptance in places where he feels like an outsider and learns the importance of being honest and following through on promises, and making keepable promises in the first place.
They really, truly nail the church parts. Parts of the film took me immediately back too my religious days over a decade ago, but in a good way; the feelings it brought back bordered on a pleasant nostalgia and I didn't feel antagonized for formerly having that belief system.
The movie is comical, and light/easy watching. A great film to watch while chilling out after work. The execution and production value is exceptional when you consider how low the budget was; the only truly "bad" parts are the parts that are supposed to be bad.
My one criticism is that of the tangential love story in it: I wish that it had been a bit more fleshed out. Tanner's love interest almost feels like whatever the conservative Christian/evangelical answer to a manic pixie dream girl is in some ways. We don't really learn about her much at all, but she seems responsible for a large portion of Tanner's character development. I wish we could have seen more of that relationship grow and the timeline around it felt a little clouded.
Overall, it's a solid film with an interesting premise. Can't wait to see what Tanner, Luke, and Lone Suspect do in the future.
Good low budget indie comedy
bobbieosmithieo23 October 2020
Go in to it expecting what it is, a low budget indie comedy and enjoy the ride. Faith Based tells the story of two friends who are stuck in the doldrums of life and then decide that they want to get rich making a Faith Based film. It is silly, it has drug use and foul language and it is brings laughter along the way. Slows down a little towards the 3/4 point of the film, but finishes strong enough.
While it touches on sensitive topics and could have been mean-spirited or cruel it is none of those things. If anything it actually leaves you the feeling that each person should do their own thing and that's cool. There is poking of fun and humor about religion, but its a pretty good story.
I actually ended up watching it second time because a friend wanted to see it and found it to be worth the re-watch, there are little details in the scenes that you may miss the first time. The jokes and humor are still good, some even better, the second time around.
While it touches on sensitive topics and could have been mean-spirited or cruel it is none of those things. If anything it actually leaves you the feeling that each person should do their own thing and that's cool. There is poking of fun and humor about religion, but its a pretty good story.
I actually ended up watching it second time because a friend wanted to see it and found it to be worth the re-watch, there are little details in the scenes that you may miss the first time. The jokes and humor are still good, some even better, the second time around.
Hilarious take on the Christian film industry
markwittig30 October 2020
Hilarious Indie Comedy at it's Finest!
jag25921 October 2020
Love love loved this gem of a film. Really funny all around. Some classic bits. Luke turns in a solid lead performance, elevated by his incredible supporting cast, including Tanner Thomason who is a highlight. Looking forward to seeing both of these fellas in many more things. Lance Reddick crushes every scene (like always) and needs to be in more comedies. Watching Faith Based reminded me of the first time I saw Foot Fist Way but with more heart, or The Brothers Solomon, but more grounded. This should be on everyone's watch list!
Cult Classic in the making
amberjl21 October 2020
This is the sort of movie you revisit again and again. I've already seen it three times and I keep picking up on bits I missed in the previous viewings. So so funny. Indie comedy at it's finest, good natured and with heart. Can't wait to watch this movie with friends after the pandemic. In the meantime I've been spreading the word. Excellent cast, well written, with jokes that stay with you long after the movie ends.
It was just what I needed!!
JessicaSherman8730 October 2020
This movie was just what I needed during these crazy times. It made me laugh, and it made me feel all the feels. It was also a movie that had so much heart, and during a time of mass produced remakes and tent-pole franchises, that meant so much!
A smart, sweet indie comedy
cmiller-0315930 October 2020
I think a lot of reviewers haven't watched this movie and just freak out because they think it's Christian-bashing. They couldn't be more wrong. The film centers on two best friends not getting anywhere in life. Luke, the son of a pastor, is the odd duck out in his do-good family, but when he finds out how much money faith-based movies make from his dad (a brilliant Lance Reddick), he convinces his best friend Tanner (a bartender who realizes he may not want to live life night to night) that they should make one. As if they know anything about making a movie! Comedy ensues as both guys ironically begin to learn the very lessons presented in those Christian movies, but in a real and grounded manner. It is exactly the kind of comedy relevant in this moment in 2020, and it's a funny, smart, sweet and highly enjoyable ride.
God, this is funny.
accounting-8159722 October 2020
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