Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Naive, contradictory drama about faith in politics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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God's Not Dead: In God We Trust
What's the Story?
In GOD'S NOT DEAD: IN GOD WE TRUST, a candidate for Congress unexpectedly dies, and Peter Kane (Ray Wise)—who wants to keep religion out of politics—is now running unopposed. The other party finds Reverend David Hill (David A.R. White), a humble man of faith who has trouble keeping his local women's center open, and taps him to enter the race, with no-nonsense Lottie Jay (Samaire Armstrong) as his campaign manager. The team hopes that Hill's goodness and faith will win the day, but Lottie knows that, to win, some mud-slinging must happen. She especially knows this because her mortal enemy, John Wesley (Scott Baio), is Kane's campaign manager. The candidates' initial debates go badly, as Hill goes "off script," and then things tank completely when an attempt to find some "dirt" on Kane turns out to be a fraud. Everything comes down to the final debate, where Hill finally decides to get out of his comfort zone and say what he really feels.
Is It Any Good?
The fifth movie in the God's Not Dead series, this preachy, talky drama is a mess of contradictions, revealing a clear naivete about politics and what's really happening in the world. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust introduces us to Peter Kane, who sneers, looks sinister, and drinks whiskey ... but also wants universal health care. Then we meet Reverend David Hill, who thinks that the "separation of church and state" laid down by the founding fathers is a threat to Christian values. Who's the hero, and who's the villain? Viewers' answer may vary depending on their own personal politics.
The movie includes several debates and arguments, but, given that they were all written by one person with a specific agenda, they're all pretty one-sided. (And a bizarre analogy about pinecones is particularly baffling.) As with any message movie, characters and story are on the back burner. Plus, anyone who's trying to find a connection to issues that are actually being discussed in the current political landscape will come up short; the film exists within a bubble. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust leaves viewers with the data that "40 million Christians don't vote, and 15 million Christians aren't even registered," and then offers a QR code for quick access to registration. Registering and voting are definitely good things, but so is getting information about the issues from life instead of from a movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how God's Not Dead: In God We Trust relays its specific point of view. What is that perspective? Who is the audience for this movie? How can you tell?
Are all movies designed to convince you of something? How does it feel when you identify with a movie's perspective? What's it like to watch a movie that's promoting beliefs that are different from yours?
Do you consider Reverend David Hill to be a role model? Why, or why not?
How does the movie address the "separation of church and state" concept? What are the two sides of the argument?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 12, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : October 4, 2024
- Cast : David A.R. White , Samaire Armstrong , Ray Wise
- Director : Vance Null
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fathom Events
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 4, 2024
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