REVIEW: The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

Review of
The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
(In Theaters September 18, 2009)
"What He Teaches Them... Will Last Forever"


Made by:
Christiano Film Group
Director: Rich Christiano

View Trailer HERE.
Or go to The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry website.

Description:

Best buddies Dustin (Jansen Panettiere), Albert (Frankie Ryan Manriquez), and Mark (Alan Isaacson) are twelve year old boys looking forward to a summer of fun in 1970.

Dustin has a crush on Tanya (Bailey Garno) and wants to ask her out on a date, something he has never done before. His main obstacle though is the town bully, Nick (Taylor Boggan), who also likes Tanya. When Dustin mows the lawn of seventy-five year old Jonathan Sperry (Gavin Macleod), a man he has seen at church, a unique friendship develops.

What happens the rest of the summer is something Dustin and his friends will never forget.

What people are saying...

“I watched the movie last night and I never expected that it would touch me like it did. It was a "God" moment. My eyes haven't teared up like that in years. What a job you did in producing and directing and what a performance by Gavin, the young boys and everybody else. This is a life changing film and we will help you here in St. Louis”

~ Mike Dunn, St. Louis, MO,
Radio Host of:
“Quest For Character”

“The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is the next hit Christian movie. I personally am prepared to sponsor 5 screens in New England area and know that this film will play a role in leading people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as well as to help believers draw closer to the LORD. After various screenings, I conversed with approximately 15 different pastors who raved about Jonathan Sperry. I will have many churches supporting the theatrical release in my area. The movie touches all the emotions and has a great but non-offensive message.”

~ Tom Saab, Methuen, MA,
Director of:
Christian Film Festivals of America

"Film maker Rich Christiano has produced one of his most compelling films in The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry. Set in 1970, the film is visually beautiful. It was precious to see the many viewers streaming out of the theater who were deeply impacted by this heartwarming Gospel story. I predict that Sperry will become a favorite in the Christian community."

~ Doug Phillips, San Antonio, TX,
Founder of:
San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival

My Thoughts

I had the opportunity of seeing the film at the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, and as Mr. Phillips said, it's "one of [Christiano's] most compelling films."

To start, I would like to point out some positive elements about the film.

The music is very, very good (The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry won the Best Soundtrack Award at the 2009 SAICFF), and the production design, acting, and overall story are very good. The film really captures the authentic 1970's (golden) look.

There are many good (and some not so good) elements in the film. One of the good elements is Mr. Sperry's creative illustration that motivates the boys to read and study the Bible. Mr. Sperry also illustrates the importance of forgiveness and teaches the boys to be a good witness and to turn the other cheek. Mr. Sperry's final and greatest lesson is about death, but I won't go any further than this for fear of spoiling the movie for you.

Now for some constructive criticism.

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is a great improvement from Rich Christiano's last film (Unidentified), and I've heard it said that it is even better than his earlier film, Time Changer. The production design, acting, and overall story, I believe, is better than that of Unidentified, but The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, too, has flaws. I like the way it is more laid back than Time Changer, but in my opinion, with a few changes it could have flowed a little more smoothly.

In reading the description and watching the trailer, one may notice the reference to a twelve-year-old boy wanting a girlfriend. It's not just the age, but the concept of "dating" I disagree with (If you disagree with my disagreement, I recommend listening to (Seven Bible Truths Violated by Christian Dating).

How many years would it be until a twelve-year-old boy is ready to be married?? Eight - ten years?? What is the purpose of that relationship? Should young men be preparing for marriage? Absolutely! But God has a better plan and when the time is right, God will prepare the way.

What's the use of pounding on a closed door, defiling and causing heartache in the process, when God, in His perfect timing, has a door wide open, and all you need to do is trust Him to guide you to it? And what if the door you're pounding on is the wrong door? It's better to stand back and wait for God to open the door. Though it may not be the door you thought it was, God knows what is best.

Mr. Sperry tells Dustin an embarrassing story of an incident that happened to him when he was in school (schooling is another concept I disagree with). He advises Dustin to ask God if he should pursue a relationship with Tanya (which is a step in the right direction), but the movie never conveys that it is wrong for a twelve-year-old boy to date, just that Dustin and Tanya didn't.

Final Comments

I'm not saying this film is not worth watching, but I think the film would be better if a large portion of it isn't Dustin trying to get a date with Tanya. Films like The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry are steps in the right direction (away from Hollywood), and I hope it does well in the Christian film market.

You can find out more about The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry (In theaters Sept. 18) by visiting their website, www.sperrymovie.com.

[The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry poster Layout and Design: Shad Eash, S-Layne-Review.blogspot.com]