Jesus Revolution

In 1968, the stern yet respected Southern California pastor Chuck Smith realizes his church, Calvary Chapel, is slowly dying and he is unable to connect with the younger, live-free hippie generation of teens and young adults. His daughter, Janette, gives a ride to a colorful hippie hitchhiker named Lonnie Frisbee, who says he is traveling around and telling people about the ministry of Jesus. Smith, at first suspicious of Frisbee, eventually warms up to him and welcomes him to his church and his home. To the dismay of Chuck and his wife, more hippies soon arrive at the Smith house. After Lonnie introduces Chuck to a newly-formed band called Love Song, and the group performs a song in his living room, Chuck develops a new attitude toward the young people. He and Lonnie end up joining forces and start a successful movement to evangelize hippies and other youth.

Meanwhile, high-school student Greg Laurie runs away from his Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps class and joins a girl named Cathe and her friends, who "turn him on" to drugs at a Janis Joplin concert. At the concert, Timothy Leary is seen preaching the value of LSD for self-discovery. However, Greg sees that various hippies are dangerously irresponsible; at one point, Cathe's sister gets sick from a drug overdose. When watching a movie, Cathe gets angry at Greg for not caring about the dangers of drugs and ends their friendship. They reconcile the next day, with Cathe telling Greg she found Lonnie's church and he should attend with her. After getting baptized at Pirates Cove, Greg and Cathe find solace at Smith's and Frisbee's church, though Cathe's establishment and conservative parents are not enthusiastic about Greg.

The ministry explodes in popularity, being seen as a "Jesus Revolution" and the young attendees as "Jesus freaks". Christian conversions and group baptisms in the Pacific Ocean follow as membership at Calvary Chapel grows to such proportions that services have to be held outside under a large tent. Time magazine does a cover story on the movement in 1971, and both Lonnie and Chuck are featured on Kathryn Kuhlman's weekly television show.{{cite web | title=TIME Magazine Cover: The Jesus Revolution - June 21, 1971 | website=Time | date=June 21, 1971 | url=https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19710621,00.html | access-date=March 13, 2023 | archive-date=March 11, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311154645/https://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19710621,00.html | url-status=live }} Lonnie and his wife, Connie, start having difficulties in their marriage, and Lonnie believes Chuck is trying to diminish his contribution to their joint ministry. Lonnie eventually leaves for Florida with Connie after increasing disagreement with Chuck. Before Lonnie's departure, Greg offers to take over a ministry branch of Calvary chapel in Riverside. He eventually marries Cathe and becomes a pastor of his own church, which becomes Harvest Fellowship. At the end of the film, the credits reveal that Smith and Frisbee reconciled and both are remembered as founders of and leaders in the widespread Jesus movement that started at Calvary Chapel.

==Cast==

• Joel Courtney as Greg Laurie{{cite news|last=Ortega Law|first=Jeannie|title=Emmy-winning actor Kelsey Grammer to portray Pastor Chuck Smith in 'Jesus Revolution' film|date=February 28, 2022|newspaper=The Christian Post|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/kelsey-grammer-stars-as-influential-pastor-in-jesus-revolution.html|accessdate=May 3, 2022|archive-date=June 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619063929/https://www.christianpost.com/news/kelsey-grammer-stars-as-influential-pastor-in-jesus-revolution.html|url-status=live}}
• Jackson Robert Scott as young Greg Laurie{{cite web|last=Duffy|first=Thomas|title=Film Review: JESUS REVOLUTION (2023): Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie are Superb in Overlong but Interesting Christian Film|date=February 24, 2023|website=FilmBook|url=https://film-book.com/film-review-jesus-revolution-2023-kelsey-grammer-and-jonathan-roumie-are-superb-in-overlong-but-interesting-christian-film/|accessdate=February 27, 2023|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227103142/https://film-book.com/film-review-jesus-revolution-2023-kelsey-grammer-and-jonathan-roumie-are-superb-in-overlong-but-interesting-christian-film/|url-status=live}}
• Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee{{cite web|last=Dick|first=Jeremy|title=Kelsey Grammer to Play a 1970s Pastor in Lionsgate's Jesus Revolution|date=February 19, 2022|website=MovieWeb|url=https://movieweb.com/kelsey-grammer-jesus-revolution-casting/|accessdate=May 3, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601214119/https://movieweb.com/kelsey-grammer-jesus-revolution-casting/|url-status=live}}
• Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Charlene, Greg's mother
• Anna Grace Barlow as Cathe
• Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title=Kelsey Grammer Joins Lionsgate's 'Jesus Revolution'|date=February 18, 2022|website=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/kelsey-grammer-joins-lionsgate-jesus-revolution-1234956827/|accessdate=May 3, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618122817/https://deadline.com/2022/02/kelsey-grammer-joins-lionsgate-jesus-revolution-1234956827/|url-status=live}}
• Nic Bishop as Dick
• Nicholas Cirillo as Charlie
• Ally Ioannides as Janette Smith
• Julia Campbell as Kay
• Mina Sundwall as Dodie
• DeVon Franklin as Josiah{{cite web|last=Grobar|first=Matt|title=Producer DeVon Franklin Steps In Front Of The Camera For Lionsgate & Kingdom Story Company's 'Jesus Revolution'|date=May 12, 2022|website=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/devon-franklin-joins-jesus-revolution-film-from-lionsgate-kingdom-story-co-1235022332/amp/|accessdate=June 2, 2022|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603144638/https://deadline.com/2022/05/devon-franklin-joins-jesus-revolution-film-from-lionsgate-kingdom-story-co-1235022332/amp/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | last=Taylor | first=Savannah | title=DeVon Franklin Speaks About Portraying a Black Journalist in 'Jesus Revolution' | website=Ebony | date=February 27, 2023 | url=https://www.ebony.com/devon-franklin-jesus-revolution/ | access-date=March 13, 2023 | archive-date=March 13, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313081341/https://www.ebony.com/devon-franklin-jesus-revolution/ | url-status=live }}
• Charlie Morgan Patton as Connie
• Jolie Jenkins as Pilar
• Shaun Weiss as Vietnam Vet

The film was announced in June 2018, with Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn writing the screenplay, Gunn directing, and Greg Laurie, Kevin Downes, and the Erwin Brothers producing. Jim Gaffigan and Joel Courtney signed on in the lead roles in June 2020, although Kelsey Grammer eventually replaced Gaffigan.{{cite web |last= N'Duka |first= Amanda |title= Jim Gaffigan, Joel Courtney To Star In 'Jesus Revolution' For Lionsgate & 'I Still Believe' Producers |date= June 26, 2020 |website= Deadline Hollywood |url= https://deadline.com/2020/06/jim-gaffigan-joel-courtney-to-star-in-jesus-revolution-for-lionsgate-i-still-believe-producers-1202970951/ |accessdate= February 24, 2023 |archive-date= October 29, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201029195442/https://deadline.com/2020/06/jim-gaffigan-joel-courtney-to-star-in-jesus-revolution-for-lionsgate-i-still-believe-producers-1202970951/ |url-status= live }} Filming occurred in Mobile, Alabama in March 2022, with several other scenes being shot on-location in California.{{cite web|last=Lane|first=Keith|title=Kelsey Grammer movie being filmed in Mobile seeks extras for big church scene|date=March 25, 2022|website=WPMI-TV|url=https://mynbc15.com/news/local/kelsey-grammer-movie-being-filmed-in-mobile-seeks-extras-for-big-church-scene|accessdate=May 3, 2022|archive-date=June 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619063929/https://mynbc15.com/news/local/kelsey-grammer-movie-being-filmed-in-mobile-seeks-extras-for-big-church-scene|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Specker|first=Lawrence|title='The Jesus Revolution:' Director discusses project being filmed in Mobile|date=March 20, 2022|website=Al.com|url=https://www.al.com/life/2022/03/the-jesus-revolution-director-discusses-project-being-filmed-in-mobile.html|accessdate=May 3, 2022|archive-date=January 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106182234/https://www.al.com/life/2022/03/the-jesus-revolution-director-discusses-project-being-filmed-in-mobile.html|url-status=live}}

The film had its premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on February 15, 2023,{{Cite web |url=https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/joel-courtney-attends-jesus-revolution-los-angeles-premiere-news-photo/1466578624 |title=Joel Courtney attends Jesus Revolution Los Angeles Premiere |first=Jon |last=Kopaloff |date=February 16, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223012802/https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/joel-courtney-attends-jesus-revolution-los-angeles-premiere-news-photo/1466578624 |url-status=live }} and was theatrically released in the United States on February 24, 2023 by Lionsgate.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2022-06-15 |title='Dirty Dancing' Sequel Sets 2024 Release; 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' Heads To Pre-Summer 2023 |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/dirty-dancing-sequel-sets-2024-release-are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret-heads-to-pre-summer-2023-1235046562/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720104909/https://deadline.com/2022/06/dirty-dancing-sequel-sets-2024-release-are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret-heads-to-pre-summer-2023-1235046562/ |url-status=live }} The film was released internationally, starting in Singapore on March 23, 2023, with Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries set for release in the subsequent months.{{cite web | title=Jesus Revolution ~ International Release | website=Jesus Revolution | url=https://jesusrevolution.movie/international | access-date=March 14, 2023 | archive-date=March 14, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314203030/https://jesusrevolution.movie/international | url-status=live }}

Jesus Revolution was released for VOD on April 11, 2023, followed by a Blu-ray and DVD release on April 25, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/11083/jesus-revolution|title=Jesus Revolution DVD Release Date|website=www.dvdsreleasedates.com|access-date=May 4, 2023|archive-date=May 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504104413/https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/11083/jesus-revolution|url-status=live}}

In the United States and Canada, Jesus Revolution was released alongside Cocaine Bear, and was initially projected to gross $6–7 million from 2,475 theaters in its opening weekend.{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Box Office: 'Cocaine Bear' Takes on Marvel's 'Quantumania,' Aims for $15 Million-Plus Debut |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/box-office-cocaine-bear-opening-weekend-estimates-1235530347/amp/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |website=Variety |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221214109/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/box-office-cocaine-bear-opening-weekend-estimates-1235530347/amp/ |url-status=live }} The film made $7 million on its first day (including $3.3 million from previews from the days leading up to its release), raising weekend estimates to $14 million. It went on to debut with $15.8 million, finishing in third place. In its second weekend it made $8.7 million, continuing to outperform expectations,{{cite web |last=Ayoola |first=Simbiat |date=March 5, 2023 |title='Jesus Revolution' Passes $30 Million at Domestic Box Office |url=https://collider.com/jesus-revolution-domestic-box-office-30-million/ |access-date=March 7, 2023 |website=Collider |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307003948/https://collider.com/jesus-revolution-domestic-box-office-30-million/ |url-status=live }} finishing in fifth place.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=March 5, 2023 |title=MGM's 'Creed III' $58M+ Franchise Record Opening A Gamechanger For Amazon Studios – Sunday Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/box-office-creed-iii-michael-b-jordan-2-1235277748/ |access-date=March 5, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306054443/https://deadline.com/2023/03/box-office-creed-iii-michael-b-jordan-2-1235277748/ |url-status=live }} In its third and fourth weekends the film made $5.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively,{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/box-office-scream-vi-2-1235284781/ |title='Scream VI' Even Louder With $44M+ Franchise Opening Record, 'Creed III' Punching $101M+ - Sunday Box Office |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 12, 2023 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |access-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312002142/https://deadline.com/2023/03/box-office-scream-vi-2-1235284781/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-box-office-bomb-1235303827/ |title='Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Doesn't Fly With Moviegoers At $30M Opening: Here's Why – Sunday Box Office |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 19, 2023 |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |access-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319010808/https://deadline.com/2023/03/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-box-office-bomb-1235303827/ |url-status=live }} to pass $40 million and briefly become the highest-grossing Lionsgate movie since 2019.{{Cite web |title=Jesus Revolution Passes $40 Million to Become Lionsgate's Highest-Grossing Film Since 2019: 'Incredible' |url=https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/jesus-revolution-passes-40-million-to-become-lionsgates-highest-grossing-film-since-2019-incredible.html |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=ChristianHeadlines.com |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513134907/https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/jesus-revolution-passes-40-million-to-become-lionsgates-highest-grossing-film-since-2019-incredible.html |url-status=live }} The film eventually passed $50 million.{{Cite web |title=Jesus Revolution Passes $50 Million, Sets April 11 for Home Video Release |url=https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/jesus-revolution-passes-50-million-sets-april-11-for-home-video-release.html |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=ChristianHeadlines.com |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420224027/https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/jesus-revolution-passes-50-million-sets-april-11-for-home-video-release.html |url-status=live }}

The film received mixed reviews from critics.{{cite web |last=Dick |first=Jeremy |date=February 25, 2023 |title=Jesus Revolution Gets Big Love from Filmgoers Despite Rotten Reviews |url=https://movieweb.com/jesus-revolution-scores/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=MovieWeb |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313074637/https://movieweb.com/jesus-revolution-scores/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title='Jesus Revolution' performs miracles at the box office, receives rave reviews from audience|url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/jesus-revolution-miracles-box-office-rave-reviews-audience|access-date=March 13, 2023|website=MSN|author=Lanum, Nikolas|date=February 28, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313000012/https://www.foxnews.com/media/jesus-revolution-miracles-box-office-rave-reviews-audience|url-status=live}} {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|54|5.8|58|Jesus Revolution fumbles an opportunity to bring fascinating real-life history vibrantly to life, but deserves credit for avoiding the preachiness common to faith-based films.}}{{cite web |title= Jesus Revolution |url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jesus_revolution |work= Rotten Tomatoes |access-date= November 6, 2023 |archive-date= June 27, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230627190640/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jesus_revolution |url-status= live }} {{Metacritic film prose |score=46|count=7}}{{cite web |title= Jesus Revolution Reviews |url= https://www.metacritic.com/movie/jesus-revolution |work= Metacritic |access-date= February 24, 2023 |archive-date= February 23, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230223172436/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/jesus-revolution |url-status= live }} Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A+", giving director Jon Erwin the most films to earn the grade (following 2015's Woodlawn, 2018's I Can Only Imagine and 2021's American Underdog).{{cite web|url=https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/christian-filmmaker-jon-erwin-makes-history-becomes-1st-director-to-receive-four-a-cinemascores.html?amp=1|title=Christian Filmmaker Jon Erwin Makes History, Becomes 1st Director to Receive Four A+ CinemaScores|author=Foust, Michael|work=Christian Headlines|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307054437/https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/christian-filmmaker-jon-erwin-makes-history-becomes-1st-director-to-receive-four-a-cinemascores.html?amp=1|url-status=live}} Those polled by PostTrak gave it a 97% positive score, with 89% saying they would definitely recommend the film.

Joshua Encinias of MovieMaker attributed its positive reception among audiences to "high production values and a storyline that works even if you don't care about Christianity."{{cite web |last=Encinias |first=Joshua |date=March 6, 2023 |title=Jesus Revolution Is a Surprise Christian Hit That Takes Lessons From Blumhouse |url=https://www.moviemaker.com/jesus-revolution-christian-hit-blumhouse/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=MovieMaker |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313074637/https://www.moviemaker.com/jesus-revolution-christian-hit-blumhouse/ |url-status=live }} Rahul Malhotra and Simbiat Ayoola of Collider noted that Christian media is an "underserved audience", that "the production company did its due diligence to create buzz", and "despite mixed critical reviews, Jesus Revolution has proven to be rather popular with its target demographic."{{cite news|url=https://collider.com/jesus-revolution-domestic-box-office-15-million/|title='Jesus Revolution' Overperforms With $15.5 Million in Domestic Box Office Debut|last=Mahotra|first=Rahul|work=Collider|date=February 26, 2023|accessdate=March 4, 2023|archive-date=March 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303233113/https://collider.com/jesus-revolution-domestic-box-office-15-million/|url-status=live}} Michael Foust of Crosswalk gave it 5 out of 5 stars, writing that "although the script carries the film, the cast makes it believable." Noting that Jonathan Roumie is best known for his portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen, Foust added, "it doesn't take long to put that in the back of your mind and imagine him as Frisbee."{{Cite web |title=4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution |url=https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/features/things-you-should-know-about-jesus-revolution.html |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=Crosswalk.com |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420224026/https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/features/things-you-should-know-about-jesus-revolution.html |url-status=live }}

Dennis Harvey of Variety gave the film a positive review, saying the film is "polished and persuasive without getting too preachy."{{cite web | last=Harvey | first=Dennis | title='Jesus Revolution' Review: Solid Faith-Based Movie Remembers Time When Christians Welcomed Longhairs Into the Flock | website=Variety | date=February 23, 2023 | url=https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/jesus-revolution-review-1235530772/ | access-date=March 19, 2023 | archive-date=March 19, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319082445/https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/jesus-revolution-review-1235530772/ | url-status=live }} In another review, James Berardinelli said that "Jesus Revolution takes a fascinating period of American history – the hippie movement and its associated fallout within the Christian community – and transforms it into a bland, TV movie-of-the-week experience."{{cite web |last1=Berardinelli |first1=James |title=Jesus Revolution |url=https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/jesus-revolution |website=Reelviews Movie Reviews |access-date=3 March 2023 |date=22 February 2023 |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303094531/https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/jesus-revolution |url-status=live }} Film Threat writer Alan Ng gave the film an 8/10, saying, "I associate three things with faith-based films: bad acting, an outrageous, overly positive message, and a shoe-horned sermon. Thankfully, this film avoids all three elements."{{cite web | last=Ng | first=Alan | title=Jesus Revolution | website=Film Threat | date=February 23, 2023 | url=https://filmthreat.com/reviews/jesus-revolution/ | access-date=March 19, 2023 | archive-date=March 19, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319082444/https://filmthreat.com/reviews/jesus-revolution/ | url-status=live }} Nell Minow of RogerEbert.com gave the film 2 stars, pointing out that the film skips details like one of its real-life characters' substance abuse and homosexuality, and quoted Jack Kornfield saying "after the ecstasy comes the laundry."{{cite web |last1=Minow |first1=Nell |title=Jesus Revolution movie review |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jesus-revolution-movie-review-2023 |website=rogerebert.com |access-date=2 March 2023 |language=en |date=24 February 2023 |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302134721/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jesus-revolution-movie-review-2023 |url-status=live }} Kathy Schiffer of the National Catholic Register noted, "If you're old enough to remember the 1960s and '70s, you'll find Lionsgate's upbeat new film Jesus Revolution to be a walk down memory lane... As a mainstream Christian film, it focuses on a feel-good faith message, which is more than welcome amid today's culture."{{cite web|last=Schiffer|first=Kathy|title='Jesus Revolution' Is a Christian Ride Through the '70s|date=February 23, 2023|website=National Catholic Register|url=https://www.ncregister.com/features/jesus-revolution-is-a-christian-ride-through-the-70s|accessdate=February 28, 2023|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227210132/https://www.ncregister.com/features/jesus-revolution-is-a-christian-ride-through-the-70s|url-status=live}}

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Category:Lionsgate films

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