Jesus Revolution - A Review (and memoir)

I went to a movie with friends last night called Jesus Revolution. Almost changed my plans when I got there and saw that Cocaine Bear was also playing. Glad I stuck with the original plan because I really enjoyed it. Kind of funny that the first thing my friend Al Margheim and I mentioned after coming out of the theater was the music. If you know us at all you know that's how we roll. Killer soundtrack but not always accurate. The movie was set from about 1968 - 1972, but one of the songs featured didn’t come out until 1974 and another one 1977. I’ll allow some artistic license because they’re good songs that fit the mood of the scene. I did not, however, enjoy some of the movie goers acting like it was a revival meeting with their loud “amens” and comments. I thought of saying to them that this was not The Rocky Horror Picture Show and audience participation was not required. But I didn’t, and they calmed down a bit after awhile. Some of the characters in the movie reminded me of my own experiences during that time with the unkindness I was shown and holier-than-thou attitudes of a few church authorities and leaders. I remember, for example, visiting a local church and having one member of the hierarchy tell me I would never be fully accepted into their congregation unless I was able to “speak in tongues.” Well, I couldn’t see that happening so I left. Other scenes brought back some very fond memories of the friendships I had and fellowships I shared with some beautiful people. I also liked the fact that they included a VW van and an old beat up Corvair in some scenes. I had some good times with friends in a VW van and drove an old Rambler. It wasn't a Corvair, but pretty close. I later upgraded to a Chevy Impala which was way cooler.  So...yeah...I recommend the movie. Especially to people who were coming of age about that time. If you are between the ages of 62 and 72 it's going to be right in your wheelhouse. I also recommend it to anyone younger. You will see for yourself that your parents and grandparents dealt with a lot of the same things you might have dealt with while growing up or maybe even that you are dealing with right now. And...you may realize that we were actually pretty cool. Once upon a time.

Roger O'Dea      2/27/2023