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The Gospel (2005)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 35
Fresh: 12
Rotten:23
Average Rating: 5.1/10
Consensus: While it features outstanding musical numbers, The Gospel reduces a series of worthy themes -- faith, family, forgiveness -- to soapy, banal clichés.
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release: Oct 7, 2005 Wide
Box Office: $15,778,152
Synopsis: R&B star David Taylor's (Boris Kodjoe) life at the top of the entertainment industry screeches to a halt when a heavy dose of reality hits him hard in director Rod Hardy's THE GOSPEL. While enjoying the familiar trappings that success... R&B star David Taylor's (Boris Kodjoe) life at the top of the entertainment industry screeches to a halt when a heavy dose of reality hits him hard in director Rod Hardy's THE GOSPEL. While enjoying the familiar trappings that success brings, David suddenly discovers that his estranged father, Pastor Fred Taylor (Clifton Powell), has fallen ill. Father and son haven't spoken since David's mother died, but when he hears the news, the singing star cancels a tour and returns to Atlanta to see his dad. After Fred dies, it's assumed that David's old school friend, Frank (Idris Elba), who remained faithful to the church while his buddy sought fame and fortune, will take over as pastor. But in a surprising move, it transpires that Fred's last wish was for his son to assume the role. This causes acrimony among members of the church, who are angry that such a highly coveted position is being handed to someone who has lived a life of sin. David responds by bringing some Hollywood glitz to the church, and assumes the position with a vigor that rocks the community. But on rediscovering his faith, and possibly finding true love with choir singer Rain (AMERICAN IDOL's Tamyra Gray), it seems he may turn his back on his old ways for good, much to the consternation of his manager, Wesley (Omar Gooding). Coupling soaring gospel songs with an exploratory look at the way African-American churches operate, THE GOSPEL is both uplifting and educational. Singers such as Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, and Gray herself are given plenty of screen time to do their thing, with director Hardy getting the balance of music and plot just right throughout. [More]
Starring: Clifton Powell, Boris Kodjoe, Nona Gaye, Idris Elba
Starring: Clifton Powell, Boris Kodjoe, Nona Gaye, Idris Elba, Tamyra Gray, Omar Gooding, Nona Gaye, Fred Hammond
Director: Rob Hardy
Director: Rob Hardy
Screenwriter: Rob Hardy, William Packer
Studio: Screen Gems
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Reviews for The Gospel
While The Gospel's faith-laced dialogue might annoy non-Christians, the plot mostly explores themes of a universal nature. Recommended to members of any faith for the stirring, onscreen performance of Grammy-winner Yolanda Adams.
A more-than-fine movie -- the kind that Christians who like to complain about Hollywood should support, and the kind that may appeal to people who aren't interested in church.
The gospel performances recommend the movie most highly; otherwise it’s not due for much praise.
An appealing and entertaining package that makes up for whatever it lacks in perfectly polished sheen in exuberance and passion for its subject and message.
When the music isn't pounding in sanctified syncopation, the look and the dialogue of The Gospel are a lot like what you might see and hear on daytime TV.
The soapy, cliche-ridden script aside, the picture is a technical mess of awkward framing and choppy editing that puts a dispiriting damper on all that uplifting music.
The lord may work in mysterious ways, but they shouldn’t include bad acting and hack direction.
Here’s a dramatic version of a familiar story with a contemporary spin and fantastic music.
I loved the music and I admired its good intentions. But there are just too many sub-professional touches for me to recommend the film.
While the script and editing are flawed, The Gospel is still an evening’s entertainment with heart and soul.
"Wesley say and it shall be," pronounces Wesley (Omar Gooding) in The Gospel.
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