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The Gospel
Metascore
46 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    80
    Rousing, affirmative entertainment.
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    Like an Astaire and Rogers musical, this is a movie you don't go to for the dialogue.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    63
    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.
  4. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Kyle Smith
    63
    The gospel according to The Gospel is this: There's a party at God's house, and you're invited.
  5. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Andrea Gronvall
    60
    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.
  6. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    50
    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.
  7. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    50
    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.
  8. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    50
    A heartfelt but muddled melodrama.
  9. Variety
    Reviewed by: Robert Koehler
    50
    A creaky melodrama that wants to be a musical.
  10. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    40
    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.
  11. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marrit Ingman
    40
    Tamyra, Tamyra, Tamyra. I didn't recognize you at first!
  12. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Mark Olsen
    40
    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.
  13. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Laura Kern
    40
    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.
  14. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Nathan Rabin
    30
    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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User Reviews

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User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. Sepialove
    9
    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.… Full Review »
  2. March
    8
    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!
  3. maryf.
    10
    Excellent!! I cried at the end of the movie. I couldn't help myself.
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