Cast
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Stephen Baldwin
as Chad Chase
Donald Faison
as Jonathan
Erin Cahill
as Carla Finney
Chynna Phillips
as Mrs. Cameron
Isabella Hofmann
as Sue
Joey Fatone
as Tino
Tessie Santiago
as Jennifer
Andrew Morgado
as (voice)
Stacey Arwen Raab
as Church Member
Michael Monks
as Pastor Skip Finney
Samantha Baldwin
as Girl in Confessional
London Fuller
as London
Andriana Manfredi
as Gretchen
Ryan O'Quinn
as DJ Jazzy Carl
Diana Matlak
as Youth Worker
Crew
Director
- Christopher Shawn Shaw
Writer
- Bob Sáenz
- Thor Ramsey
- Wes Halula
Producer
- Stephen Baldwin
- John McGalliard
- Andrea Kaufman
- Thor Ramsey
- Christopher Shawn Shaw
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Christians can be funny too, often unintentionally_**
A popular youth group pastor at a megachurch in greater Los Angeles (Thor Ramsey) struggles with the assembly losing the point with their perpetual gimmicks while possibly romancing the pastor’s daughter (Erin Cahill) and dealing with an unexpected girl from his past (Andriana Manfredi).
“Church People” (2021) is a fun satire with snappy dialogue related to the typical happenings at a large, popular fellowship. Ramsey works well as the protagonist with winsome Erin Cahill offering quality support, along with Manfredi. The only other flick I’ve seen Erin in is "Boogeyman 3” from 13 years prior; she’s reminiscent of Karen Allen. Meanwhile the senior pastor (Michael Monks) is reminiscent of Jack Hayford, who passed away a couple years after this was released.
Stephen Baldwin is on hand as a ‘weird’ greeter with the uncanny gift of the word of knowledge. There’s a great joke involving him near the end.
The flick really won me over at the midpoint with the laser tag sequence and the hilarious meeting of the two females. As for the climax, it revolves around self-crucifixion and is actually moving.
The movie runs 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was shot at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, which is in the high country 25-minutes northwest of Malibu, a 45-minutes drive from Hollywood to the east.
GRADE: B
Jun 13, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Church People represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Christopher Shawn Shaw brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Church People took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 173 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Church People shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dogma, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Church People subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Italian for Beginners and The Blues Brothers explore similar territory, Church People stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 13, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 55m
Where to Watch
