X
- 2011
- R
- Relativity Media
- 2 h 9 m
- 2011
- R
- Relativity Media
- 2 h 9 m
Summary When ex-biker-gang member Sam Childers makes the life-changing decision to go to East Africa to help repair homes destroyed by civil war, he is outraged by the unspeakable horrors faced by the region’s vulnerable populace, especially the children. Ignoring the warnings of more experienced aide workers, Sam breaks ground for an orphanage ...
Directed By: Marc Forster
Written By: Jason Keller, Ian Urbina
- 2011
- R
- Relativity Media
- 2 h 9 m
- 2011
- R
- Relativity Media
- 2 h 9 m
Machine Gun Preacher
43
6.7
Where to Watch
Summary When ex-biker-gang member Sam Childers makes the life-changing decision to go to East Africa to help repair homes destroyed by civil war, he is outraged by the unspeakable horrors faced by the region’s vulnerable populace, especially the children. Ignoring the warnings of more experienced aide workers, Sam breaks ground for an orphanage ...
Directed By: Marc Forster
Written By: Jason Keller, Ian Urbina
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 32 Critic Reviews
43
16% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
63% Mixed
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
22% Negative
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 32 Critic Reviews
43
16% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
63% Mixed
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
22% Negative
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
The exploitation title may not do it any favors, but this biopic based on the incredible life journey of Sam Childers is gripping, inspirational and well told.
It's gratifying to see Butler giving a proper acting role the old college try. Despite his best efforts, Forster's film, while pulling no punches, still somehow manages to miss the mark.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 54 User Ratings
6.7
57% Positive
31 Ratings
31 Ratings
26% Mixed
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
17% Negative
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 54 User Ratings
6.7
57% Positive
31 Ratings
31 Ratings
26% Mixed
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
17% Negative
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
This story held me glued to the screen from the very beginning. I was touched deeply by Sam Childers' heroic efforts. At least he is trying to make a difference. It only takes a spark to get a fire burning. Bravo for Sam, who stands up for what he believes is right. This movie definitely inspired me to think about what is really important. Saving children and helping the needy should be our primary focus, but unfortunately in our society, its all about taking care of numeral Uno. I loved this movie, and I'm proud of the fact that it is based on actual events. We need more inspiring characters and movies like this.
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I don't see how this movie is rated so low, this movie was amazing yet sad and touching at the same time. Gerald Butler was a great actor chosen for this movie. This movie is actually a true story, they are still alive to this day. It's so hard to see good true movies now-a-days.
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Is he a hero or a lunatic? He's possibly neither, or possibly a little of both, but this is the problem with making a movie about a real person.
In movie terms, Mr. Childers's story is too true to be good. Machine Gun Preacher, directed by Marc Forster and starring Gerard Butler, illustrates some of the ways that a terrific story can turn into a bad film despite the best intentions of everyone involved.
With its combustible mix of high-octane action and Christian faith, and an overall vibe that falls somewhere between bloodthirsty nihilism and an unshakable belief in the twinned powers of religious redemption and obsession, Machine Gun Preacher is certainly the strangest examination of grace under AK-47 fire to merit a mainstream release in ages.
Machine Gun Preacher has a lot more wrong with it than a bullet-riddled premise. It is yet another iteration of the big, strong white man who comes to save legions of poor anonymous black Africans.
The title, Machine Gun Preacher, makes it sound like a piece of grindhouse kitsch - and by the time it's over, you'll be thinking, ''If only!''
"MACHINE GUN PREACHER" - A very powerful movie. My question is: how many modern American Preachers would actually teach in support of the efforts of San Childers and how many would condemn his methods? This R-rated film is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the unimaginable brutality still going on in the Sudan. My favorite aspect of this film was that it showed the deep flaws and humanity of Childers, his struggles, doubts and anger.
My hat is off to Relativity Media and the other production companies for their courage in bringing this movie to us. Stars Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan, Kathy Baker, Michael Shannon, Madeline Carroll, Souleymane Sy Savane and the rest really put it on the line here!
Too often "christian: films paint an unbelievable picture of the faith process and the way God works in this world. It would be very hard for me to imagine any American church showing this movie to its congregations, but church leaders themselves, at least, need to watch and deal with these realities. How do we reconcile God of the Old Testament with God in the New Testament? Did David have Bible study with Goliath? Was not King Saul commanded by God to wipe out nations? How does this "fit" with the Gospel of peace Jesus preached? We know "the Lord our God is one God" and that He is immutable (never-changing). The concept of Dispensations only shallowly addresses this topic. Preachers: let's hear it!
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[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
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I found this movie very "preachy" and honestly boring. It picks up in the second half, but the first half is so dreadful, why bother? I thought Gerard Butler did a fine job with what he was given, but what he was given was a shallow cartoonish character, who is not only rather uninteresting but unlikable to boot. If you are interested in Africa or the atrocities that have and continue to go on over there, due yourself a favor and find a documentary or other film to satiate your appetite!
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There is in fact an incredible story to be told of Childers' life and of his mission to help children in Sudan. Unfortunately, Machine Gun Preacher is not an incredible film but rather one lacking the emotional pull needed to adequately reflect the work Childers has done on behalf of so many who are completely unable to help themselves.
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Production Company
Relativity Media,
Virgin Produced,
Apparatus Productions,
GG Filmz,
1984 Private Defense Contractors,
Mpower Pictures,
ITS Capital,
Merlina Entertainment,
MGP Productions,
Moonlighting Films,
Safady Entertainment
Release Date Sep 23, 2011
Duration 2 h 9 m
Rating R
Tagline Hope is the greatest weapon of all
Awards
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
Guild of Music Supervisors Awards
• 1 Nomination
