THE RESURRECTION OF GAVIN STONE
A clean, charming comedy about grace, redemption, and second chances.
Should You Watch It?
This is a fun, clean comedy with a terrific message of grace. Its characters are down to earth, its dialogue avoids the preachy or cheesy tone found in some independent faith-based films, and its humor gives Christian audiences plenty to recognize and enjoy.
The story is predictable, but the journey is charming. Gavin’s redemption comes through the grace shown to him by people around him, especially as he rethinks his assumptions about Christians and the character of Jesus. Some jokes about church traditions, Christians, and communion may offend more sensitive viewers, but they are generally presented in good fun.
If your family enjoys wholesome Christian entertainment with plenty of laughs and an inspiring message, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is worth the trip.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESGavin Stone was once a famous child actor, but he is now a washed-up partier whose latest trouble lands him in community service at a local megachurch.
When he discovers the church’s Easter Passion Play, Gavin pretends to be a Christian so he can play Jesus and complete his service hours. But as he becomes involved with the church community, develops feelings for the pastor’s daughter, and learns more about Jesus, his assumptions about Christians—and about himself—begin to change.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is an enjoyable, charming film with clear limitations. It delivers many laughs and offers down-to-earth characters, a refreshing lack of preachy dialogue, and a strong emotional center built around grace and redemption.
The movie does not break new ground. Its story is predictable, and some characters become caricatures of themselves, including Gavin as the stereotypical bad boy and the church men who provide comic relief. Still, those familiar character types help the audience follow the story, and the film’s humor and message make the journey worthwhile.
The Worldview
The film presents a strongly Christian, moral worldview centered on forgiveness, grace, conversion, and the character of Jesus. It shows Gavin’s transformation happening through the way people treat him rather than through a forced speech or extended Gospel presentation. Kelly particularly embodies the idea of showing Jesus through actions rather than merely talking about Him.
The church community is not presented as perfect. Gavin’s assumptions about Christians are challenged as he discovers that they are ordinary, down-to-earth people. At the same time, the movie makes fun of church traditions, Christian behavior, and elements of faith. The jokes are mostly intended as harmless comedy, but improper communion and similar humor may make sensitive viewers uncomfortable.
The film’s central longing is for redemption—for grace to meet a person who has made a mess of his life. That longing aligns with Scripture’s good news: “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, moral worldview including gospel witness, forgiveness, grace, and conversion to faith, plus protagonist’s conversion involves comical examples of mocking and/or not understanding elements of Christian faith, a scene of improperly taking communion or jokes about “Jesus Christ – Superstar” are intended for comedy but may offend more sensitive audience members; no foul language; the Passion play includes a depiction of the crucifixion where protagonist has blood on his head and upper body; no sexual content; upper male nudity when protagonist’s shirt is off as he cleans the blood off of him; protagonist mentions several times throughout movie he’s sober but is tempted to drink an alcoholic drink at the end of the movie; no depiction of smoking or drugs, but a wild party and protagonist’s drug-ridden past are mentioned several times; and some miscellaneous immorality when protagonist lies to the church in order to play Jesus (spoiler: he later comes clean and receives grace and forgiveness).
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Gavin begins by pretending to be someone he is not. Why is honesty important, and how does grace help someone change?
Ephesians 4:25 · 1 John 1:9The church members show Gavin grace through their actions. What does it look like to show grace to someone who has made poor choices?
Ephesians 4:32 · Colossians 3:12–13Gavin has to rethink his assumptions about Christians and Jesus. How can a person learn about Christ by watching the lives of His followers?
John 13:34–35 · Matthew 5:16Gavin’s story resembles a prodigal-son story. What does Jesus’ parable teach about repentance, forgiveness, and returning home?
Luke 15:11–24The Final Word
Predictable but charming, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone delivers clean laughs and a terrific message of grace. Some jokes about Christians may trouble sensitive viewers, but families seeking wholesome, inspiring entertainment can enjoy the journey. WORTH THE TRIP.
