Blue Like Jazz

Not your "typical Christian movie" is an understatement for this film in all the best ways. The absence of poor acting or cheap looking Hallmark-like production, gives Blue Like Jazz authenticity to tackle the misrepresentation of Christianity in a boldly candid way. While making fun of the way church is often viewed by the public, the movie tries to show the audience that there is more than meets the eye to this perceptively stuffy, and often annoying, complacent religion. There is a poetry to the universe that should evoke some search for deeper meaning that isn't so much about absolute rightness, as it is about continuous discovery, and pursuit of truth and compassion. The movie roughly follows the book's range of stories and characters, but introduces several fictitious turns to tie us in emotionally to the story. There are several major themes and little details that anyone who has read Blue Like Jazz would recognize and connect with. However, for those who are not familiar with the book, the overall story should be easy to follow, relevant, and entertaining. And to those who watch it and become intrigued, I can only say that the book takes you on an even deeper and more thorough journey. Don't believe me? Just ask the 4500 fans who financially supported the making of the film when all seemed lost. The story behind the movie is just as poignant as the movie itself. Disclaimer: There is a decent amount of profanity, drug and alcohol use, and adult themes that nearly cost the movie an R rating. So while it is PG 13 it was made for mature audiences that can comprehend the compromising nature of the real world. I know this film will cause an inadvertent dropping of the jaw for most of the Christian community, but the response of the rest of the world seems to be a refreshing sigh of relief. So come without expectations, and a willingness to see the bigger picture, and I think it will create a good amount of discussion that could lead to a change in our subculture.

A movie based on a book will almost always fail. This exceptional exception to that rule creates a new story from the spirit of the book and... it works beautifully. Forget the apologetic phrase, "It's not like the book." This movie stands on its own. It's quite funny, touching, realistic pangs regarding Faith, and diverse in that you WILL find at least one scene or catchy line that will forever resonate with you. The acting was spot on which also had great casting for the characters looked just like I pictured them while reading the book. I saw the screening recently with Donald Miller and Steve Taylor, etc in attendance taking Q and A. Please consider seeing this movie on opening day. They said that day/weekend will make or break this movie with a small advertising budget. If the movie bombs, it WILL become a cult classic to be memorized and enjoyed by anyone who's been hurt by The Church's sometime's distant or superficial approach to what should be a loving place. The final scene was also a work of art that shows a symbolic new dialog between the general public and Christians for each "side" has issues to be cleared up. There is quite a bit of drug/alcohol use so I would take the PG-13 rating seriously. The book that changed lives for the better will now be a movie that changes even more lives.

Blue Like Jazz comes out strong, you start and you feel, "this is going to be great", but then it carries on, on weak acting by some of the cast and a very weak script that makes you want to get up and walk away, the movie message is good and it does preach commitment to Christ. The movie message can be easily related to, as a Christian I know of times (when I was new in the faith) that I concealed my identity of being a Christian just to blend in, the movie's message rides on that; it rides on a Christian trying to be part of the world, forgetting that we are but on a pilgrimage in this world and heaven is our final destination. Based on a book of the same name written by Donald Miller, it (the book) is a semi-autobiographical work, and on the cover the book is subtitled "Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality," I happen not to have ready the book, but from the movie I believe it is named such because of the protagonist father's love for Jazz, and the fact that he was the person that pointed the protagonist in the direction where doubt looms. The book and movie plot follows the life of Don, a nineteen-year-old sophomore at a Texas junior college. Don moves to Pacific Northwest, where he learns that being a Christian makes you an outcast, so in order to escape his Biblical background and Biblical way of life, Don does everything possible to make sure he is part of the cool kids, even denying his faith. Before watching I did a little research to know what I am getting in to, some people say the movie is a Christian movie, the director claims that it is not, just a regular movie with religious undertones. I have seen the movie and I wonder how people didn't see it in the same view as the director. Also the movie actually came to being from the contributions put together by fans of the book (and more) from the Kickstarter website. The names of the contributors can be seen at the end of the movie, in the credits. In conclusion, the movie message is great as I said before, but the implementation is just canny the director is trying to cover up a Christian film with a lot of worldly additions just to make the movie look secular. He added controversial things like cursing and homosexuality, knowing that many have different views concerning such. This movie could have been better, but since I have not read the book, I can't ascertain that the story in the movie has strayed from the original, but I can ascertain this though I didn't like this film. www.lagsreviews.com

At the National Youthworkers Conference in Atlanta in November, I got to go and see an advanced screening of Blue Like Jazz: The movie. I loved it. I first read the book in college and loved every word. For me, I was trying to figure out what it means to be a Christian and how to interact with a world that does not care for Jesus. Donald Miller has a way with words and storytelling that help give voice to my struggles. This book was a meaning full part of my Christian walk in college. I list Blue Like Jazz in my top ten books of all time or me. I make sure to hand out a copy to all my seniors that graduate from high school from our church. I know they might not read it right then, but if it is on their self, maybe one day they might open it up and it might seek to them and it did me. The movie differs from the book in detail, but not in spirit. The movie deals with Donald wanting to get away from Jesus and is journey back to Christ. That story is important to tell and college age kids struggle with this identity of who they are, who Jesus is, and how one has faith. The journey is not easy nor simple, but the journey is important. The moment this movie hits theaters I plan on seeing it again and if you like good movies that stir your mind and heart, than you will like this movie too. -Moose

I am a huge fan of the book "Blue Like Jazz" and was so looking forward to the movie. I felt this was a great opportunity to produce a Christian film that would be authentic, could show what Christianity really could be, something based on an authentic relationship with Jesus, something really quite beautiful. To say I was disappointed with the movie is an understatement. For those of you who have read the book and really loved its essence, its soul, how relationships with the key characters were developed, how his relationship with Jesus was developed and experienced, you will be disappointed too. The thing about the book was it was so authentic, so real, so honest. The movie is none of those things. To say it is a loose interpretation of the book is giving this movie too much credit. It is not an honest and authentic portrayal of the book. I feel like in some ways Donald Miller sold out - that is, he allowed a movie to be produced that is not an accurate depiction of how he got to Reed college, his key "struggle" is fabricated, acts of deviance are fabricated, the whole movie is really a fabrication. I was so sad. What a great opportunity missed.

One of the Greatest Books ever written, to become one of the Greatest Movies. Donald Miller is witty and creative. His philosophical approach to some the questions about life leaves his audience with questions well worth thinking about. Overall, the story offers a challenge to culture, a challenge to Christians who pretend to be better than the world, and a challenge to those who hate Christians just because of their title. It is an incredible depiction of what Christians should be like (open and honest) and breaks every norm of what you would expect from a Christian movie. By breaking the cultural boundaries, Don is able to wholeheartedly express problems everyone deals with on a day to day basis, creating a real and relatable story line. I recommend his book to everyone and I am sure I will recommend his movie as well.

I was expecting another B-rated cheese fest with a perfect tidy ending - it was none of those things. Laughed in this movie almost as much as I did watching the new 21 Jump Street, but this was far more engaging and memorable, not to mention a great date movie. Super-religious types will probably hate it and try to get it banned, but it's actually a refreshing attempt to address a tough topic. We (in the US) often say you shouldn't talk about religion or politics. But movies get political all the time, here's one that tackles religion, or at least pokes at it a little anyway. I give the director, writer and actors credit for having the brass to make this movie. It will be one I add to my library for sure.

One of the few movies that get's it right when it comes to portraying one man's struggle coming to terms with what exactly he "does" believe. I've seen two pre- release screenings (one last summer and the other on 3/21/12 here in Dallas. There are multiple scenes that stick with you. For sure the confession booth is stunning as we watch both Don and the Pope come to terms with what they believe and get a better understanding of what it is exactly they do believe and why. One other scene that stuck with me from both screenings was when Lauren crawls into bed with Don, broken hearted over finding out that her "crush" was actually straight after all. It was touching, real, funny and snarky all at the same time. The movie is quite tame by "Hangover/Bridesmaids" standards but pushes the envelope for what will be tagged in some circles as a "Christian" film. Just don't put this in with "Fireproof" or "Courageous" and certainly not in with the "Left Behind" series. This is far more along the lines of the great Robert Duvall films "Tender Mercies" and "The Apostle". Yep, they drink, they barf, the use a few words that fall into the category of "swear" words. There is nothing gratuitous or out of place with their use. If anything, they pull their punches several times. If you don't think so, then you're hanging out with a pretty straight laced crowd :) So, the movie opens nationwide April 13 and the soundtrack comes out the next day (did I mention that the music and soundtrack is really, really good?). If you want to support a movie that asks honest questions about faith, God, beliefs and doesn't shove the answer down your throat, this is the movie to pay full price for and go see. Take some friends. Especially take friends who have a big problem with God, the Church and Christians . . . you will have plenty to talk about afterwards over a few pints.

I read Blue Like Jazz a few years ago. In the years since, I've noticed changes in my thinking which I can trace back to having read the book. So last night, when I was privileged to go to a preview screening of Blue Like Jazz: The Movie, I was pleased to find that my reaction to the movie matched my reaction to the book--in that sense, the movie is true to the book. While it will immediately alienate some viewers, it will cause many to rethink some things, possibly without them even knowing it. Since it is unashamedly fictionalized, that is no small accomplishment. BLJ moves effortlessly among comedy, drama, and thought-provoking. Characters are complicated enough to feel real, not so complicated as to feel contrived. Bottom line, it's a good story; realistic enough to feel believable and unrealistic enough to be interesting. It's an excellent film, and I'd highly recommend it to believers and unbelievers alike. You should be prepared to see it more than once; I got the feeling that, knowing the story, a lot of nuanced themes would show up.

This film was fantastic: by all counts, blew me away and far surpassed any expectations. The cinematography alone is reason to see it. It was brilliantly written from a book that was not well crafted to be a movie; the result stands on its own feet apart from the book at all. Feel free to read the book to get more in the main character's head, but you should also know it isn't necessary. The two are so drastically different, you might wonder why some of the fantastic scenes in the movie weren't originally included in the book! Whether or not you even read or liked the book: this is a worthwhile movie. This movie has been described as an "edgy" film - but that only applies in the "conservative Christian" realm. The truth is, this film is well suited for teenagers and older. It is rated PG-13 and earned that title, but don't hesitate to let your teenage-kids see it: you'll be glad you did. It will provide an amazing forum for discussion thereafter. That is my greatest recommendation: when you do see this movie - and bring all your friends! - make sure you plan ahead and allow time after for discussion afterward. It is thought-provoking and deep and intellectual and spiritual. This movie will make you stop and think about many things in life: prepare to have your mind blown.