“The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” Relies On the Charm of Actor Brett Dalton

“The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” (High Top Releasing)

“The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” is a faith based film playing in a thousand or more theaters. It has no big name actors so being “faith based” is its only drawing card. Brett Dalton is the star of this movie and he is very good in the title role of Gavin Stone. He creates a character full of brashness, cockiness and charm. His performance alone is worth attending this movie. If this was a mainstream movie it would propel him to stardom.

At the start of the movie former child star Gavin Stone has finally partied to such an extent the law can’t look the other way. His antics have gotten him some two hundred plus hours of community service which he will serve out in his hometown in Illinois. He will serve these hours at a local church, pastored by Allen Richardson (D B Sweeney). His father (Neil Flynn) has agreed to him have having his old room back at his home.

His first day is spent mopping floors but then he learns of a play about the life of Christ being produced at the church. Knowing no one can do the part better, he volunteers to take on the role. The pastor’s daughter, Kelly (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes), is directing the play and she reluctantly agrees to this.

As Gavin goes through the rehearsals the impact of the role begins to affect him. The way he is changed and the way he changes others is the heart of the film. It is told and shown in a simplistic manner and because of Dalton’s charm and charisma as Gavin Stone, it is all believable.

D B Sweeney has had a fairly long career in movies. Thus his presence as the pastor lends a touch of authenticity to the film. This is seconded by the appearance of Flynn as Gavin’s father. Flynn is currently portraying Mike Heck, the father on ABC’s “The Middle”.

Johnson-Reyes pays the love interest in the movie. She is a competent actress but it takes a while for her to grow on you as Kelly. Just when you have about given up on any sparks between these two leads, Johnson-Reyes breaks out of her shell and brings life to her role. She is still out charmed by Dalton but she is at least in the race.

The movie is rated PG and who knows why. There is no profanity, no sex, no nudity and no violence.

Faith based movies have become very popular in certain parts of our country. They are low budgeted and if they strike the right chord with the Christian community they make a good bit of money. If people hear of the charm of Dalton’s performance this one could do alright for itself.

I scored “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” a religious 6 out of 10.

Jackie K Cooper

www.jackiekcooper.com