Theatrical Release: 4/19/2002
Video Release:
10/22/2002
Reviewer: Dick Rolfe
Source: Theater
Company: Crusader Entertainment
Director: Jon Purdy
Producer: Howard Baldwin
Genre: Religion
Runtime: 90 min.
MPAA Rating: G
Starring: Tony Goldwyn, F. Murray Abraham, Kurt Fuller, Stacy Edwards and Giancarlo Giannini
Synopsis:
A stranger comes to a town and starts helping people rebuild a church. He helps them any way he can and in ways that they need most. He even heals a blind woman so she may see. Although he attracts many people as friends, a lone Catholic Priest fights to have the Catholic Church denounce this man and all he has done. Who is this man really, and how can he do these miraculous things?
Dove Worldview:
I read Joshua, the first book of the multi-million-selling novel series, just prior to seeing this film. This movie is somewhat difficult to review, since I don’t want to spoil the story line before you have the chance to enjoy this enchanting film under the direction of Jon Purdy. The all-star cast of Tony Goldman, F. Murray Abraham, Kurt Fuller, Stacy Edwards and Giancarlo Giannini do an outstanding job interpreting the characters penned by priest-turned-novelist, Fr. Joseph F. Girzone.
The movie version of "Joshua" is spiritual but not preachy, provocative without being gross, entertaining without taking the low road that so many filmmakers feel compelled to travel. The story is enhanced by a moving soundtrack scored by Michael W. Smith, with songs by noted artists Rachael Lampa, Nicole C. Mullen, Point of Grace, Mark Schultz, Third Day and Jaci Velasquez.
Epiphany Films was not satisfied making a charming film. They took advantage of a wonderful opportunity to translate the movie’s message into a valuable teaching tool. Check their website at http://www.joshuathemovie.com for a well-prepared, free leaders guide for your youth or study group.
All in all, Joshua is a highly entertaining movie with a powerful spiritual message of hope and peace. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this film. Mark my word; you’ll love Joshua, the man and the movie.
Sex: Maggie is having car trouble and Joshua walks up introducing himself. Just after he says “You never know what will make you want to stick around,” her skin-tight top suddenly reveals impressions of her chest. It’s not cold weather? Maggie is shown in the same way again later in the film.
Language: Suck-2, as in, "I am bad at something."
Violence: None
Drugs: None
Nudity: None
Other: None
