Parents' Guide to

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Redemption film has strong performance, message, weak story.

Movie PG 2017 92 minutes
The Resurrection of Gavin Stone Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Jim N
Jim N Adult
October 10, 2022
age 10+

Positive

This movie was very touching and had a deep message behind the characters.It showed that the heart and spirit of a person can be changed in a positive way.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Rebecca S.
Rebecca S. Adult
April 24, 2018
age 8+

Wonderful, funny and poignant

Well acted, funny, great sweet story about second chances, redemption and forgiveness. Love the line, "This is what we do" (forgive). One of my favorite films.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE RESURRECTION OF GAVIN STONE, former child star Gavin Stone (Brett Dalton) is now in his twenties -- and known mostly for hotel-trashing antics. His hi-jinks land him prime spots in "Where Are They Now?" segments and earn him 200 hours of community service at a local church. Since mopping the bathroom floor is a drag, he pretends to be a Christian to earn a spot in the church's stage performance. Gavin lands the lead role of Jesus but is really more interested in landing a date with the pastor's daughter, Kelly (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes), who's directing the play and isn't impressed with the spoiled actor's take on the life of Christ.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7):
Kids say (2):

This faith-based dramedy is well-made and has solid performances, but it suffers from a standard-issue redemption plot that has no surprises and little drama. Dalton is believable as a whiny, washed-up former star, and his gradual evolution from a self-centered brat to someone who cares for other people is admirable. But his story is something we've seen many times before. Co-star Johnson-Reyes doesn't do as much with the material; her portrayal of a pastor's daughter who never dates feels pretty generic. It's clear from the first scene of The Resurrection of Gavin Stone that Kelly will dislike Gavin intensely before she falls for him. Just another reason this journey falls a bit short.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the main character's journey in The Resurrection of Gavin Stone. What prompts Gavin to start thinking about others? How does the film show his realization?

  • How does Gavin's story demonstrate humility? Why is that an important character strength?

  • How does the film portray Gavin's struggle to stay sober? What choice does he make, and what helps him with his decision? What do you think about the film's portrayal of addiction?

Movie Details

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