Believe Me (3/3/2015)

Rated PG-13 for some language.

Starring Alex Russell, Zachary Knighton, Johanna Braddy, Miles Fisher, Sinqua Walls, Max Adler, Nick Offerman and Christopher McDonald

Directed by Will Bakke

I Believe…this is one of the best Christian films ever made. Do you Believe Me?

Sam (Alex Russell) stands on stage as thousands of fans go wild. Smart, charismatic, handsome, he moves them with his message, and when he calls for donations to his charity, the money pours in. The only thing is, Sam doesn’t believe a word he’s saying.

Just months earlier, Sam was a typical college senior focused on keg stands, hookups and graduation. But when a surprise tuition bill threatens his dream of law school and leaves him thousands of dollars in the hole, he’s forced to think outside the box. Convincing his three roommates they can make a killing exploiting the gullible church crowd, the guys start a sham charity and begin campaigning across the country, raising funds for a cause as fake as their message.

For Sam, embezzling money is easy compared to getting attention from the person he cares about the most. When Callie (Johanna Braddy), the tour manager and Sam’s love interest, finally uncovers the guys’ ruse, it’s Sam’s moment of truth. On the final night of the tour, before a packed auditorium but alone in the spotlight, it’s time for Sam to decide what he really believes.

There is so much to love about Believe Me. From sarcasm to satire this movie is a no holds barred, brutally honest look at the Christian faith.

This film pokes fun at the way we worship, the way we dress, the way we pray, the way we do almost everything. It equates mission trips to vacations that other people pay for and sermons to nothing more than an emotional appeal for more money. I’m sure no one ever really thinks that.

Gabriel is hilarious. From his Hebrew tattoo (that he doesn’t know what it says) to his camel backpack, he is the quintessential flashy worship leader. My favorite scene of his is when he is talking about writing his song “Jesus.” The song just repeats Jesus 144 times because “that’s who the song is about, so it doesn’t need all the other words.” The funny thing is Gabriel’s name is on top of screen, in a bigger and cooler font…classic.

The “Studying the Christians” part was my favorite part of the film. It’s true, “you don’t want to be Shawshanking in a room full of Geckos.”

It’s funny because it’s true…actually it’s kind of sad. We as Christians, are far too often guilty of what this movie shows. If you don’t believe me, just visit your local Christian bookstore.

The crisis of conscience feels authentic and plays well on screen. The conversations that follow are gut wrenching and memorable. Most of that credit goes to the cast. They are so likeable and believable. Plus it has Nick Offerman and Christopher McDonald and even a Lecrae cameo where he plays a doctor in a super cheesy Christian movie…I loved it.

I loved everything about Believe Me and would highly recommend it…it’s “Worth Buying!”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yeah this one is great for teenagers. There is no sex or nudity and the language is on the mild side. There are a few drinking/partying scenes…but they are mild compared to most PG-13 films.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. The theme of being honest comes up time and time again in Believe Me. What are your thoughts on being real and honest?


2. What were some of the lies in the film?


3. What do you think of Pierce’s comment to Sam, “You only tell the truth when it’s convenient for you.”


4. What areas in your life do you struggle with being completely honest?

Read the following verses:

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Proverbs 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.



5. How can you live a more honest life so people will Believe You?