WasAnnon Slow pace in the most part of the movie.
Marketic It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.
Arianna Moses Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
gdeller170 Jenn Gotzon and the cast did an amazing job of bringing forward what is truly important in our short time on this earth...Its about honoring God's glory, removing ourselves from the worship of worldly possessions and re-aligning our lives.The crew have their heads focused on helping others and even created a ministry to help aspiring actors...truly inspiring! A stand out movie to watch with family who think they "have it all" when they actually have only material items and not a true understanding of Love/Appreciation/Guidance.Well done Jenn and crew!!
ramunnij OK, so for those of you who enjoy faith-friendly films, this is a good one to add to your collection or at least take the time to watch. Like most films of this genre you can pretty much see what's coming from the get-go (starting with the title) but it's still fun to watch things unfold just the way you figured. In any event, Jenn Gotzon does a great job of making you dislike brazen capitalist Meghan, a feat similarly accomplished by Daniel Hugh Kelly who plays her insidious boss. Michael Toland is the credible though somewhat understated owner of God's Country while Gib Gerard plays his sorely passive son Jake, a Harvard Biz-School grad who has decided to thwart the mainstream for more people-friendly endeavors. After watching him in action (or mostly inaction), you might feel that Harvard probably wouldn't have disagreed with his decision.While there are no surprises in the script, the film derives its entertainment value almost completely from Jenn Gotzon's portrayal of Meghan, the ditzy, conceited, bigoted, and downright unlikable banker who ultimately finds God, saves God's Country from Satanic Japanese investors, and wins over the pouty minister's son. Whew, that's a lot but if you don't see most of it coming perhaps you should see an optometrist. In Gotzon's interpretation of Meghan, the Devil does indeed wear Prada although when she finds God a decent pair of hiking shoes fits just fine.Last but not least, this is a message film and I have to admit I found the moral to the story endearing though perhaps a little sappily presented for the New Millennium crowd.All in all, despite its flaws, the film has two things going for it - Jenn Gotzon and the feel-good ending. It may take a while getting there, but hopefully you'll find the trip up to God's Country worth the ride.
sycamorematt I picked up God's Country at Wal-Mart this weekend expecting a feel-good family film and it did not disappoint.Jenn Gotzon plays Megahn Doherty - a hard driving investment banker that has her eye on the prize and keys to a beautiful Ferrari in her designer purse. Jenn has many credits to her name and she employs all of her skill in this film. Over the course of the film she transforms from a character with a heart that is cold and closed to one that is open and radiating life and love. Jenn plays the character brilliantly as the character rides a roller coaster of emotion as this rebirth occurs.Another featured member of the cast is Michael Toland who plays Eden Graham. His character is the owner of God's Country who is trying to cling on to his land and his ministry. Michael does a wonderful job playing the folksy and faithful Eden. He's convincing in his portrayal of a man that feels a connection to the land and sees it as an integral part of his commitment to God.Gib Gerard plays Eden's son Graham. I enjoyed his performance as well. In particular there is a campfire scene which he plays opposite of Jenn that is very good. In it is revealed that he is more than he appears and that he and his father have a grand plan for God's Country. Gib and Jenn play very well opposite of one another and their relationship unfolds very believably and organically over the course of the second act.The third act is also good, if a little predictable. What good is a feel-good family film without a feel-good family ending? I won't go into details but the only problem I had with it is how the financial situation is resolved. The logical side of my brain kicked in and had me wondering at some of the technical aspects but I'd say that's my problem more than a writing flaw. Even with that in mind the actors carry us through to the end in fine style.One final thing I would like to say is that I thought Director Christopher Armstrong did a wonderful job on this film. He captured some great performances and really set the stage for the most impactive scenes by utilizing beautiful desert locations to make every outdoor scene magical.I highly recommend this film to anyone with the desire to see a touching story with a great message in a beautiful locale.Synopsis: Investment Banker and self-professed workaholic Meghan Doherty (Jenn Gotzon) has a rewarding career ahead of her. She's got the clothes, she's got the car and now she has a BIG deal to close. Her boss, Mr. Whitaker (Daniel Hugh Kelly), has his eyes on a property about to go into foreclosure as the foundation for a huge casino/resort complex in the Mojave Desert. He sends big-gun Meghan out to close the deal before it goes to auction. Upon arriving she she meets Eden Graham (Michael Toland) the owner and operator of a spiritual retreat in this quiet corner of the world. Convinced that God has a plan for him, his son and the dream they have worked long and hard to build he asks Meghan to stay and witness their ministry in action. She doesn't realize it but her life will take a big turn over the next six days in God's Country.I don't think I've given too much away in that paragraph and I would encourage you to find out what happens next yourself!
John Baldwin If you're looking for a great evening of quality family entertainment you need look no further than 'God's Country". It is inspirational and moving - a movie that you will want to watch many times. Chris Armstrong's (in his first directing venture) does an exceptional job, especially with the breath-taking scenery. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future. And the cast is superb. Jenn Gotzon really shines in this film and shows why she was voted Best Actress at both the Global Art Film Festival and the 168 Film Festival. Her portrayal of Meghan Doherty as a money obsessed worldly bank executive transformed by love and the power of God is brilliant and inspiring. The supporting cast is excellent as well - Gib Gerard (Jake Graham), Michael Toland (Eden Graham), and Daniel Hugh Kelly (Mr.Whittaker). Does Daniel Hugh Kelly ever age? Kelvin Brown's infectious humor as Lenny and Stephanie Barne's innocent (yet perky) portrayal of Geri are noteworthy as well.But the story of God's Country also speaks to something bigger. It demonstrates the contrast between materialism and spirituality. What the human heart seeks will not be found in riches, jewelery, or Ferrari's (as Meghan discovered) but in the simple truth of God's love for us and our love for one another through community. The people of "God's Country" had found this truth and their acceptance of Meghan in love transforms her. We should seek to emulate this in our own lives.The Apostle Paul wrote 2,000 years ago "...brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Those words are still relevant today and "God's Country" exceeds each one of those standards. I know you will be blessed by this wonderful film as I was.
