Machine Gun Preacher

[ladams888]

Saw this last night in Wimbledon. At first I thought the plot was ludicrous, and then it dawned on me that it was based on a true story – so … ludicrous, but true! Gerard Butler was perfectly cast as the drug-taking, ex-con, gangster who found God and tried to save the world (well - Sudan, anyway). He played the role with passion. The scenes with the orphans were harrowing but just brought home the fact that a lot of Africa is a mess, it has been for as long as I can remember and no matter how much money you throw at it - it is still a mess and will always remain so. I think this point never quite got through to the real Sam Childers who became completed obsessed (and probably still is). The film was a bit too long and kept swapping between life in Sudan and life in Pennsylvania - so much so that the locations/timescale became confusing. The supporting cast were very good. I couldn't help thinking that the number of previews available for this film was maybe to get the message across. My major criticism was the title of the film was appalling and very off-putting - couldn't they have thought of something else?

[ClarkeEJ]

Saw this with my hubby last night and we both really enjoyed it. An excellent film and a real eye opener. Really glad I went to see it.

[Celini]

Don't waste 2H20 of your time, unless you are into ultra-religious moronic gun-lover and self-proclaimed (Machine Gun) preacher (sic!)

Luckily the Q&A with Childers was before the movie (ask sf or bevvy if you want a summary!)
Because by the end of this ultra-long shitty Hollywood production I was completely disgusted by the guy!

2/10 (and I am being very generous!)

edit: please people read the news, the net, watch documentaries, inform yourselves... this is very scary (I think) and sad that people find this educational or eye opening!!!!!!!

[TheDude]

I gave this up after 20-25 minutes.... It looked crap.

[bonnybon]

I had tickets to this but I was ill so my mum saw this with a friend on Tuesday and she absolutely loved it! She said it was shocking in places but very intense and emotive. She really wants to see it again.

[snowman2k]

I really likes it, not your average film and the screening on Tuesday wasn't even 70% full which i was surprised wrt number of offers to see it. Anyway bloody good long film and even better based on some ones life story and amazingly the guy is still alive and saving kids.

[McG]

I gave this up after 20-25 minutes.... It looked crap.

It just goes to show that we all like different films!

[Celini]

I knew I had seen the little girl singing in the church before!
For a while I thought I saw her @Ellen's, but she is just another one of those big internet sensation...


Gorgeous voice for a 7yo!

[McG]

I'd fprgotten all about the wee girl singing in the film but I don't know why as she was very. very good for a small child!
Thanks, Celini for reminding me. She could be one to watch!

[missgotty]

OK this is not a film I can say that I liked but what I appreciated was the fact that it highlighted the plight of the people of Sudan, what they went through and are still going through today.