The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry (2008)

A bit sweet but filling.This is a faith based film that is set in 1970. As a child of 14 growing up in a small town in 1970 I found the scenes, clothing and language authentic to the period and that was what was most entertaining to me. The story was simplistic, and uncomplicated but entertaining. As a child growing up in that era and being part of a church going family much of it was familiar. The polite talk and genteel and caring way people dealt with each other was reminiscent of my childhood and a great escape from the crude, crass and lurid entertainment in vogue today. I do wish it had a more dynamic story.Mr Sperry reminds me of two men in my life who were very much like him in the way he went out of his way to bring young boys to Christ. Although I fell from the path many times in my life their memories always urge me to get back on it.As a former soldier, biker club president and self employed businessman my life and faith walk is much more complicated with many more challenges but the simplicity of this story reminds me of a simpler time and re-enforces my resolve to be the man I aspire to be. Although I have seen much of the seedier and cruder part of life in my day the two men who made that investment in me as a boy have kept me in Christ's fold.

There is no need to be intolerant or suspicious about The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.If you're uncomfortable leaving your personal bias at the doorstep, and watching how others teach their children by example, then don't watch this movie.On the flip-side, if your children are not quite getting their Sunday school lessons, then this is a marvelous movie for them to watch. Because that's what The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry feels like, a Sunday school lesson.Jonathan Sperry doesn't teach anything out of the ordinary. If you don't want to be lied to, then don't lie to others. It's that simple. It's your choice. Do you need God in your life to follow these simple principles? No. However, some prefer that God be part of their lives.Jonathan Sperry acts as a guide to several young boys in his community. Sperry and the boys all belong to the same church – they all know one another. Jonathan Sperry practices what he preaches. He teaches the children by example; examples they can understand and put forth.We are a society with deep crevices of division – religious, societal, educational, race, and on and on. Sperry takes his little community and one by one, helps to fill those crevices. He passes on what he knows so that hopefully the division will become less and less. So when Sperry's wife dies in a car accident caused by neighbor Mr. Barnes, played by Robert Guillaume, does Sperry hire OJ's powerful lawyers and sue? Does he lament on a daily basis? Does he forever point his finger? Does he cry "poor me"? Nope. He kills Mr. Barnes with kindness. Why? Because Sperry needs to feel better. How does he feel better? By helping Barnes to feel better. And damn, isn't this a concept some people just can't wrap their heads around? Some people call the concept forgiveness. Others call it healing.Sperry's lesson is division within a community, clan, schoolroom, family, boardroom, or society, is not healthy. It causes chaos. Do you need the Bible, or the Tao to teach you about chaos and how to handle it? Well, if you don't have common sense, then perhaps you do.So, when a bully comes on the scene, Sperry shows the boys how to deal with the bully and shows the bully how to overcome what's eating him.I think it's brave, brilliant, and wonderful that the Christiano brothers used their energies and creativity to try and fill in those crevices and make our children's world a more solid place to live in.Gavin MacLeod is a delight to behold. Mr. Guillaume will have you bringing out the Kleenex.The movie is well-written, well-paced, well-acted, and touching.Great job tying up Dustin's loose end with Tanya. Wasn't expecting that one!!

Here you're going to read a lot of unfair commentary on this film that is largely based on hatred of basic Christian values. That's come to be expected and that point is even made in the film. If you want to be entertained by a family friendly comedy about a kid who learns a valuable life lesson(in an unexpected way) without having to worry about the obligatory negatives of the average theatrical release then you won't be disappointed. I think you'll find as I did a great story and surprisingly professional grade acting among the young cast members and outstanding performances among the senior members. I was surprised by the quality of this film and I expect you will be too.

Words can't express ... let's just say "Kirk Cameron loved it!" That's enough for anyone to stay far away from this film.But for deeper consideration - if you're the one of the few mind-washed true believers who wants to support faith-based film-makers, please put your money somewhere else. Communicating a strong message about one's faith is fine, but please find some writers who can write and directors who can produce more than simple god-is-great cardboard.On the other hand, throw your money down these types of rat-holes and keep self-feeding on your limited community! Eventually funding will evaporate and we won't have to be subjected to such cruel celluloid.Yes - I saw a prescreening - I was tricked into it and nearly duct-taped to my seat to see it through to the end because "I needed to hear it's message." Sheesh! If we're not intelligent enough to seek our own insights about the beauties of life, a film like this will destroy the last few brain cells left.I'd rather watch Love Boat reruns - at least I'd then get to enjoy the antics of Isaac, that wacky bartender.