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Gospel, The

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Gospel, The reviews
46
6.8 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 14 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 6 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Drama  |  Musical

Written by: Rob Hardy

Directed by: Rob Hardy

Release Date:
Theatrical: October 7, 2005
DVD: January 3, 2006

Running Time: 103 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: PG for thematic elements including suggestive material, and mild language

Starring Clifton Powell, Idris Elba, Nona Gaye, Boris Kodjoe, Aloma Wright, Donnie McClurkin, Omar Gooding, and Tamyra Gray

A young singer turns his back on God and his father's church when tragedy strikes. He returns years later to find the once powerful congregation in disarray. With his childhood nemesis creating a "new vision" for the church, he is forced to deal with family turmoil, career suicide, and relationship issues that send him on a collision course with redemption or destruction. (Screen Gems)

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

80

Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

Rousing, affirmative entertainment.

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75

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

Like an Astaire and Rogers musical, this is a movie you don't go to for the dialogue.

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63

Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington

Is this the modern version of "Going My Way," with those squabbling, heart-warming Irish Catholic priests mixing up pop songs and hymns? Well, in a way it almost is, though its mood is far different and it's set in a far different world that moves to a different tempo and has graver and more troubling social crises.

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63

New York Post Kyle Smith

The gospel according to The Gospel is this: There's a party at God's house, and you're invited.

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60

Chicago Reader Andrea Gronvall

Writer-director Rob Hardy opts for family-friendly drama but tones down the conflicts so much that none of the story lines can rival the music.

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50

Variety Robert Koehler

A creaky melodrama that wants to be a musical.

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50

TV Guide Maitland McDonagh

Though unpolished and formulaic, this tribute to the power of faith and music benefits from the contributions of musicians Tamyra Gray, a first-generation American Idol contestant who plays D.T.'s wholesome love interest; Grammy winner Kirk Franklin, who contributed six songs — three original — to the rousing soundtrack; and faith-based singers Yolanda Adams, Martha Munizzi, Fred Hammond (who also executive produced) and Delores Winans.

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50

Boston Globe Ty Burr

A heartfelt but muddled melodrama.

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50

New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman

You may not subscribe to the film's evangelical message, but you'll be floored by the extraordinary musical scenes, which lead up to a showstopper featuring gospel superstars like Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams.

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40

LA Weekly Mark Olsen

There may be an audience out there for any movie about gospel music, regardless of how bad it is, but as filmmaking or as drama, it's hard to imagine anyone singing the praises of this one.

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40

The Hollywood Reporter Michael Rechtshaffen

Though the concept serves as a soul-stirring showcase for contemporary inspirational performers, the writing and direction (both attributed to Rob Hardy) commit a multitude of sins.

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40

Austin Chronicle Marrit Ingman

Tamyra, Tamyra, Tamyra. I didn't recognize you at first!

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40

The New York Times Laura Kern

When not in song, the words that come out of the frustratingly undefined characters' mouths are mostly awkward and contribute to the film's overall incoherent narrative.

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30

The Onion (A.V. Club) Nathan Rabin

Unsurprisingly, the unimaginatively filmed but high-intensity gospel performances prove a highlight, radiating an energy and urgency that the film's stilted dialogue, awkward romance, and clunky plotting can only aspire to.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 6.8 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Sepialove gave it a9:
This movie may not have the cinenamatic appeal or the production values of a big budgetg movie, but I ABSOLUTELY enjoyed this movie. There was enough passion, intrique and redemption for ALL viewers.

Marc h gave it an8:
Great film for believers. Finally a movie that does not make church folks either hypocites or absolutly holy. I cried and I never cry at movies!

mary f. gave it a10:
Excellent!! I cried at the end of the movie. I couldn't help myself.

Rachel S. gave it a1:
This was the worst movie, i love God and love Gospel i really wanted to support it but now I'm mad i did.This film you can tell was a low budget film and terrible actors. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Brian M. gave it a10:
Any flim that includes God in it, is a 10 in my book.

Michael D. gave it a3:
This is not a good movie. This is a great soundtrack. Only worth it if you're really into the gospel music. Otherwise, don't waste your time, as there is no cinematic value here.

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