86 of 89 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
JOSHUA FIGHTS THE BATTLE, February 16, 2004
As my wife and I sat down to watch this movie, we jokingly said, "Well at least we won't be hearing the F word every other sentence, there won't be any gratuitous sex scenes, or violence and gore." Instead, JOSHUA gave us both an exceptionally inspirational evening.
Director Jon Purdy knowing he wasn't going to be filming a shoot em up or even a hells a fire movie, relies instead on the simply beautiful story of a young man named Joshua who comes into the little town of Auburn and gives the religious people there a sense of community and belonging. In spite of the stereotypical hardhearted priest, Joshua bonds with the assistant pastor, and all the people in the town, regardless of their denominational preference. He helps rebuild a Baptist church; he goes to a Christian rock concert, and ultimately he has an audience with the Pope.
I can't praise this movie enough for the sense of love and acceptance it portrays. Tony Goldwyn gives his most effectively controlled performance of a stellar career; evoking the soft masculinity of a carpenter and the embodiment of friend and brothere, Goldwyn is perfectly cast. His final scenes with F. Murray Abraham and Giancarlo Giannini as the Pope are delivered with such quiet intensity, their impact is boundless.
Abraham is wonderful in a thankless role; his moment of epiphany, though sudden and brief, is awesomely presented. Kirk Fuller as Father Pat is the movie's comic balance, but there is a warmth and understanding in his performance that makes him all the more believable.
This movie made us feel good; it made us think; and its power of faith and love was inspirational. We loved this movie and thank Purdy and his crew for bringing us such a warm and simple affirmation of what's good in the world.
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39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joshua made me laugh and cry--I saw it twice in two days., April 22, 2002
Joshua is a Christian movie that also appeals to non-Christians like myself and my family. It's hard to say much without giving away the movie's secret, but it is the story of small town USA and the winsome stranger who comes to visit and change the lives of the people who live there. There's lots of humor and loveable characters, and several very moving moments. The acting was wonderful. I'm trying to think of another movie to compare it to, and "It's a Wonderful Life" comes to mind.
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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Movie, April 26, 2002
"Joshua" is an uplifting movie with a truely Christian theme. I felt it was well acted, touching, humorous at times and totally enjoyable. In this era of questionable values, with Hollywood's proclivity towards sex and violence in film, this was a refreshing change.
Joshua, a stranger, comes to a small town and demonstrates through his actions and words what being a Christian is all about. His presence challenges the "church authority" and hollow observance of religious customs.
I highly recommend this movie.
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