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February 16, 2009
The Visitation (2006)
Should I see it?
Sure.


Short Review: It’s a “Christian film” that’s not half bad. This of course means it’s one of the best “Christian films” of all time.

The Visitation

As factious as my short review sounds, this is one of the better pieces in its genre. Being labeled one of the better Christian films however isn’t exactly like winning the Nobel Prize. The “Christian film” genre is loaded with less than brilliant pieces. This is primarily because the makers of Christian films are bigger on intent than results. When I rip on Christian film I usually refrain from attacking the intent, but man do I have a special place in my sarcastic heart for their final products.

To look at the genre itself, I loathe the term “Christian film”. It’s such an obtuse label that somehow acts like an explanation. It reminds me when white suburbanites are describing someone and they say “my co-worker Robert, who happens to be black.” “I just saw a film, which just happens to be Christian!”

Back to the film, it’s good. It’s well acted, aptly directed and certainly not weighed down by too much preaching. Based on Frank Peretti’s novel, the film tells the story of Travis Jordan, a fallen preacher who confronts a strange mystic who sets up shop in Jordan’s small town. Produced by two of the better Christian film production companies, Namesake Productions (Left Behind) and Signal Hill (Mercy Streets) this film hopefully shows that its possible to make an overtly theological film without making the audience feel like they’re in Sunday school. It also shows that a “Christian film” doesn’t have to be completely neutered of any interesting content.

One of my favorite actors, Martin Donovan portrays Jordan, and delivers another toned down but effective performance. Donovan, a veteran of Hal Hartley’s Generation-X, art house whine fests, is the master of underplaying for effect. I’ve always liked his delivery and style. Most audience members probably won’t know this guy from Adam, but me finding him in a cast list is like finding a twenty dollar bill on the sidewalk.

Edward Furlong (the kid from Terminator 2: Judgement Day, who’s not a kid any longer) is horribly miscast as a charismatic mystic who lures the residents of a small town to their doom. The issue here is the word “charismatic”. Firstly, Furlong looks like a roadie for Foghat. Secondly, his performance is something you’d expect to see during auditions for a community theater. While Furlong’s unfortunate performance distracts, the rest of the production is good enough to carry his weight.

The script by screenwriter Brian Godawa is tight and concise but a little tone deaf in regards to some scenes. The script seems to be constrained by the story itself. The arc of the story isn’t dramatic enough to really work to full effect so the final act stumbles somewhat. Forgiving that, there are some good moments that make for a reasonably good film. This isn’t a great work but on the flip side it won’t make you feel like you’ve wasted your time.


Related Reviews:
Christian films
Thr3e (2006)
The Second Chance (2006)


Other Critic's Reviews:
DVD Talk
DVD Verdict

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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 9:00 AM




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1 Comments:

Anonymous Joi said...

Hmmm. I may have to see it, then. I've always had a fondness for Peretti's books, and this one in particular (long story there). Thanks for the review!

February 17, 2009 at 10:13 PM  

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