Sorry, this movie sucks

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

A Masterpiece!

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Over zealous Christians are going to mist likely take this drama about a Pentecostal preacher as a slap in the face of passionate, soul-saving organized religion. It takes a slam dunk look at the way big religion has dumped an over powering feel of judgmentalism on the typical sinner who has turned their backs on religion, either worshiping independently or becoming atheist, agnostic or even involved in satanism. It is Robert Duvall's powerful performance that guides this character study of a flawed man who may have done more harm than good, needing to open his eyes to his own missing spiritual deficiencies and view the world through a larger telescope rather than the binoculars of obsessive bible thumping that doesn't understand the damage it has caused.I have begun to believe that obsessive Christianity is a step to madness, taking on hot topics in sometimes violent ways. Committing sins to stop sins, so to speak, all through as they say over "Holy ghost power". Duvall is certainly on the verge of losing his sanity, like he does with his own church, tossed out for living in sin with equally religious Farrah Fawcett. Duvall continues to pray and praise as he walks down the street, and while that's not enough to make him certifiable, his open sinning yet preaching against similar transgressions. The worship scenes can get rather uncomfortable, reminding me of why I turned to independent spirituality rather than the big halls that had such foot stomping energy that it would make a rise on the Richter scale.In spite of my own personal uncomfortable feeling towards these over the top forms of worship that go way too far. "No speaking in tongues!", the radio station manager warns Duvall when he convinces him to take him on as a religious talk show host. Duvall's journey becomes intriguing to watch, and that's what makes this film less cringe-worthy. This didn't convince me to return to public worship, but it didn't dissuade me from my spiritual emotions, either.

the performance of Robert Duvall. the atmosphere of South. the simple and convincing story. and the admirable manner to use different pieces for a generous picture. it is not exactly a religious film. only a movie about a fight out of ordinary definitions. without limits. and with the hope of conquest of peace. a film like a battle. for the perfect note who defines each new nuance. for the new beginning. for references to literary themes and to South America culture. for the each scene who preserves not only the missionary's fever or passion but the wise way to give it to the viewer. Robert Duvall is, at the first sigh, not the best choice for the lead role. but, step by step, he becomes the apostle. in a fascinating manner. and the final message seems be - it is not just a movie. it is a hard, serious work who has not the status of answer but question. and the result is real impressive.

This is one of those rare Performances that seems to transcend Acting. Robert Duvall is the Apostille, one might say. A firebrand force, a Jesus Juggernaut, a Preacher who will not be denied. He will invoke Jesus' Name until it literally drives Satan away holding his ears.The trouble, as far as this Movie goes, it may drive Viewers away with its relentless Bible Thumping and sing-song Religious Rants, most shouted at supreme volume, with or without the aid of a microphone or Amplitude Modulation. There is so much of this and it is so intense that it almost, but not quite, leaves the more subtle, sublime elements drowning in a Sea of self-indulgence.There is much to admire in this singular effort from the Producer/Writer/Star/Director. The backdrops all have a realism of Rural, Southern Americana and the Cast are all fitting and the combination of Pros and Extras add an almost Documentary feel. Much praise and much Screen time is given to Stylistic Sermonizing by the Apostille and although it is totally believable and compelling, there maybe just too much of a Good thing.Overall, this gallant effort is not without its Sins and is quite an Excellent Character Study. A bit of editing and just a little restraint may have made this a Masterpiece.

Sonny Dewey (Robert Duvall) is the charismatic preacher of a fundamentalist Texas church, until his short temper gets him in serious trouble. He runs off to Louisiana, becomes part of a small community, and starts a new church where he brings hope and salvation to his loyal followers.Robert Duvall is a powerhouse; he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in this movie - and it's wonderful. He is so convincing as the southern evangelist that it really surprised me to hear him speak in his normal voice in the Extras. Sonny is completely devoted to saving people and spreading the Word, but we suspect he may have a violent and unsavory past, and that dichotomy keeps our eyes glued to Duvall at all times. As Sonny, he's driven, tireless, and simply inspired.While Duvall gets excellent performances out of many local, non-actors in small parts, there were several casting choices that didn't seem right to me: Farrah Fawcett plays Sonny's wife and she's so recognizable as a former "Angel" and glamour girl that it was hard to buy her as a quiet, plain-Jane. June Carter Cash plays Sonny's mother although she is only two years older than Duvall - and looks it and that was distracting. And Billy Bob Thornton has a very small role as a troublemaker that was never developed; I kept expecting him to show up again and do something important and worthy of his stature.The term "tour de force" can certainly be applied to Duvall's performance; he is riveting, charismatic, and utterly believable. Interestingly, the story makes him neither a hero nor a villain; it is left up to the viewer to decide who exactly "the Apostle" is. Highly recommended.