Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, sexuality, drug and alcohol content, and some language.
Starring Marshall Allman, Tania Raymonde, Claire Holt and Jason Marsden
Directed by Steve Taylor (The Second Chance)
If you liked the book, you’ll love the movie.
Based on The New York Times bestseller by Donald Miller, BLUE LIKE JAZZ follows a devout 19-year-old college student as he impulsively transfers to one of the most liberal colleges in America. His new surroundings force him to confront some previously held biases and decide what it is that he truly believes.
Like Machine Gun Preacher, Blue Like Jazz tells a great story that is raw, gritty and at times uncomfortable. The entire time I just kept thinking two things… “I really love this movie” and “I know a lot of Christians that won’t.” I personally believe too many Christians are afraid of doubts.
The movie is beautifully woven together with narration, imagination and fantastic story telling. And make no mistake about it; this is all about the story. A story based on Donald Miller’s pendulum swing away from his legalistic Southern Baptist church to the most liberal college in America. We see him struggle with that place where real life meets faith and where rules crash into total freedom.
I loved how this movie wrestled with real issues that real Christians are willing to admit are real. I loved the honesty of it all. And the best part is that is comes off as authentic not preachy…I hope the guys at Sherwood pictures take notes.
Marshall Allman is a strong and likeable hero. I instantly was on his side and was rooting for him the whole time. The rest of the cast is believable as college students trying to figure it all out.
Finally, Director Steve Taylor, who co-wrote the script with Miller and Ben Pearson, gets it right. From the intellectual elitism of Reed College to hypocritical know-it-all-ness of the church, the “extremes” ring true. There are details that those outside of those two extremes may think a little too far fetched. But there really is a “scrounge table” at Reed where students not on the meal plan can eat other kids’ leftovers for free. And we all know pastors out there who have used plastic solider toys to talk about putting on the full armor of God.
With a best belling book and nearly $350,000 donated by about 4,500 “associate producers” through Kickstarter, Blue Like Jazz has a strong fan base. And this movie will only attract more, it’s “worth buying.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I think every high school junior and senior should watch this movie. There is mature thematic material, sexuality, drug and alcohol content, and some language, but nothing is graphic and it will open the door to some very candid conversations.
Conversation Starter
- Have you ever had doubts about God? Faith? The Bible?
- Why do you think people are afraid to express their doubts?
- What do you think would be the worst thing that would happen if we questioned what we believe?
- What would be the best thing that could happen?
- When you have doubts, don’t be afraid of them. Write them down and then ask someone you trust to help you work through those doubts.
Remember that doubts lead to questions.
Questions lead to answers.
Answers lead to truth.
And the Bible tells us that “the truth will set your free.” (John 8:32)
