Divine Intervention (2007/I)

Director:

Van Elder

Writer:

Van Elder (writer)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

He lost his soul, she lost her faith... They found each other.

Plot:

Reverend Robert Gibbs is a young, hip pastor who temporarily takes over the helm of a Fundamentalist...

Plot Keywords:

Church | Love Triangle | Ensemble Cast | Spiritual | Politics

Cast

Jazsmin Lewis	...	Divine Matthews
Wesley Jonathan	...	Rev. Robert Gibbs
Laz Alonso	...	Deacon Wells
Roz Ryan	...	Mother Candice
Carl Gilliard	...	Deacon Grier
Cynda Williams	...	Sister Grier
Reynaldo Rey	...	Deacon Jones
James Avery	...	Rev. Matthews
Shang Forbes	...	Deacon Thomas
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jack Chandler	...	Flamboyant Church Member (as Chandler)
Lisa Dewitt	...	Older Woman
Van Elder	...	Usher
Eboni Renée Jackson	...	Eboni
Kyra Locke	...	Butch Church Member
Luenell	...	Sister Jones
Johnathan Wellman	...	Andre
Orlando Wilson	...	Gang Banger in Church

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Bullz Eye Productions

This film is 'hip'!

I was very much impressed, and moved, by this film. "Divine Intervention" (2007/I) is not only a funny film, but it puts a religious theme on both a secular and non-secular level that anyone should be able to relate to. When I found that the story evolved around a fundamentalist church--which, next to an evangelical church, is probably the most conservative in the religious hierarchy, my first thought was not to watch the film. But, when I went beyond my first thought, I found the film to be completely enjoyable. It is not holier than thou, or sweet and sugary, and does not sermonize. The film deals with real people, in a real world, and not people that evolve from some fairy tale. The Bible is not read like Aesop's Fables. The church members' lives are honestly depicted as a Pilgrim's (work in) Progress. Although the church members may be 'saved by grace', the 'hip minister' tries to show them the way, by his positive example. They are not above everybody else, including homosexuals, who are also loved by God. God loves the 'whosoever' (everybody) fairly and equally. However, it is sad that the church cannot rid itself of religious jargon (sometimes referred to as 'Christianese') because it separates people from God, and confuses others. People are inherently good but, because we are imperfect, we do not always feel, think, and do the right thing. But, if we try, God does honor us. The film provides a well-written script, great direction, an empowering (if not truly inspirational) storyline, and seasoned actors. In fact, the principal cast members have extensive screen credits. Each cast member is quite capable, and they know their way in front of a camera. The film is well edited, and the story is well organized. The film is not superficial, and the finale leaves one with something positive and powerful. I rate this film a 9 out of 10. The film appears to be available for showing, but in far-too-limited venues. But, if you get a chance to see this delightful film, it is highly recommended for the entire family. And, guess what? There are no obscenities, sex or violence, and yet the film is quite entertaining. Why? Because the film is focused entirely on a solid story, and is not dependent on anything that detracts from its theme.