First Reformed (2018)

This movie is not some great wonder of cinema that needs to be seen by everyone. This movie falls flat on so many levels. Nothing happens for the first 1 hr 15 min of the movie. And the movie is only 2 hours long. I mean, seriously.... nothing happens. The buildup is so slow it is uninteresting. And then it escalates rather quickly towards the end into the most anticlimactic finish imaginable. And if you know anything about Christianity and the Church you would know that a man in Ethan Hawke's character's position would never go the route that he did with such little justification SO QUICKLY. It is not feasible. It takes much more to "turn" someone (so to speak). I'm surprised Paul Schrader, who grew up in a Church of the same denomination and attained a theology degree (BA) in college, would attempt to paint things in such a weakly constructed light.And I'm not even a Christian. But I grew up in the Church and I know enough about it to know that this is not realistic.This movie seems more like liberal propaganda meant to undermine the meaning of Christianity. A person in Ethan Hawke's character's position is not so easily befuddled by the science discussed in this movie. And that is where the true light of this movie shines... on a science that Christians don't care about because they are not wrapped up in it and misinformed about it like mainstream liberals. But since they view it as their own religion they think that it is as strong as Christianity to a Christian. The term to describe this movie the best would be "boring". There are 5 interesting moments in this movie, and the first one doesnt occur for almost an hour. It should not take an hour to develop the character to the extent that Ethan Hawke's character was developed. The ending is RADICALISM. Horrible. 5/10.

The film centers on Reverend Toller of the First Reformed Church and souvenir shop. He keeps a journal of his activity which wasn't bad except he reads to us in monotone his boring writings. He counsels one person who is an environmental activist. Toller sees his point of view that we need to protect God's creation and be good stewards of the planet. Toller is also ill and we suspect stomach cancer. Toller must plan for the 250 year celebration of the church as he explores his options. Ethan Hawk made the film extremely boring. Amanda Seyfried had a normal role and was also boring. Very dull writing. Oh yeah, save the planet. Maybe God wants us to cover the surface with asphalt, concrete, and plastic. I couldn't tell if the film was about Toller and human relationships with an environment background, or an environmental movie done badly. Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.

The Earth is doomed for destruction by corporations. I hope this film encourages change in preserving our only home.

Totally Rubbish ... Don't waste one minute of your life watching that movie! If you do ... well don't say that I didn't advise you!