The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2017): A Heartfelt Comedy with a Powerful Message

 

What happens when you throw Brett Dalton, Anjelah Johnson, Shawn Michaels, and Neil Flynn into the same movie? Apparently, Dallas Jenkins asked himself the same question—and the result is The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, a film that delivers both humor and heart in a surprisingly refreshing way.

The story follows Hollywood bad boy Gavin Stone (played by Dalton), who finds himself in legal trouble and is sentenced to community service at his hometown church. In an effort to make the experience more bearable, he pretends to be a Christian so he can land the lead role in the church’s Easter production. But as he gets deeper into the church community, his world begins to shift. The more time he spends around genuine believers, the more he starts questioning his own life, beliefs, and choices. What starts as a performance soon becomes something far more real.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is its cast. Brett Dalton is perfectly suited for the role of Gavin, bringing both charm and depth to his character’s journey. While I wasn’t as engaged with Anjelah Johnson and Neil Flynn’s performances, the overall ensemble does a great job, and the film carries a lighthearted yet meaningful tone throughout.

What really sets this movie apart, though, is how it presents faith. Rather than leaving things vague or watered down, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone makes it clear who Jesus is and what grace and salvation truly mean. While we see Christianity through Gavin’s skeptical, jaded perspective at first, the film ensures that his misconceptions are corrected by sincere believers along the way. In a world where many stories shy away from making bold statements about faith, this movie stands out by delivering a message that is both clear and uplifting.

That’s why I highly recommend watching this one with your family. It’s perfect for a family movie night or even a fun watch with friends. You’ll laugh, you’ll be entertained, and most importantly, you’ll follow a story of redemption, grace, and humility. The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is definitely worth a watch—gold star from me!

(For a more detailed review, check out my podcast below).

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