There's no question about it. The movie is about Jesus come again ("Jesus" and "Joshua" are cognate btw). But aside from "Joshua" being the subject of the film, and the endorsement that necessarily brings, we're not hit over the head with Christianity. In fact, the film goes out of its way to present the notion that the scripture can be confusing and can be interpreted in multiple ways, none of which is necessarily wrong, as represented by Father Pat's struggle to find his voice in the shadow of Father Tardone (Pat's joke at the pulpit was a great example). I think this is the main message. By recognizing our differences, we can come together, which is what Joshua achieves - indirectly (or is it?) - among the townsfolk.
As for why he's in Auburn? No good reason other than it's a super nice place and fits with the feel-good G-rated production. Thankfully there are some star actors that make the G-rating bearable: the lead played by Tony Goldwyn, Father Pat's Kurt Fuller and Father Tardone's F. Murray Abraham.
The only serious criticism of the film that brings it down a couple stars is the odd, left-turn it takes in the last quarter, with the trip to Rome. This didn't fit with the message of the film up to then, which was a parable, and instead turned it into an apocalyptic message. Perhaps this was added to appease religious-minded producers eager to send that message. It's like injecting politics into Leave it to Beaver, or vinegar into wine.
As for why he's in Auburn? No good reason other than it's a super nice place and fits with the feel-good G-rated production. Thankfully there are some star actors that make the G-rating bearable: the lead played by Tony Goldwyn, Father Pat's Kurt Fuller and Father Tardone's F. Murray Abraham.
The only serious criticism of the film that brings it down a couple stars is the odd, left-turn it takes in the last quarter, with the trip to Rome. This didn't fit with the message of the film up to then, which was a parable, and instead turned it into an apocalyptic message. Perhaps this was added to appease religious-minded producers eager to send that message. It's like injecting politics into Leave it to Beaver, or vinegar into wine.