Well guys, today, we are going to be stepping into some rather unfamiliar territory, as we will be reviewing a documentary film today. I’m not sure how many of you out there have heard of a movie director by the name of Roger Ross Williams. Well, he directed another film that came out a few years after this film that I have been eager to see for quite some time (which I also plan to watch in the near future). Anyway, loft now, let’s talk about the Roger Ross Williams directed film, God Loves Uganda.
Plot: The movie first takes place in Kansas City, Missouri, and revolves around a church that’s located there by the name of International House Of Prayer (or IHOP). Yeah, apparently, if one lives there, be careful about saying IHOP, since IHOP is also an acronym for the restaurant International House Of Pancakes. Confusing, yes? Anyway, the movie talks about how some of the people in that church have been bringing politics in their faith, and doing cruel things to the people of Uganda that attempted to live a life of homosexuality. The film documents topics lie. This, and includes people like the pastor of IHOP, and a Ugandan LGTBQ activist.
Wow, okay, first of all, while I watched this movie this past weekend, I was shocked to discover that IHOP is an acronym for two different things, a church, and a restaurant. So does IHOP stand for other things that either I, or other people don’t know of yet? Well, you got me! Anyway, this movie does a good job of showing how flawed people can be even in their way of thinking when it comes to trying to be the church to others. I mean you have people who are offended by what others say when they don’t like hearing something that they should hear. Also, mixing things like Christianity, and politics together, God Loves Uganda shows just how dangerous of a line that can be. I mean we, as Christians do have certain beliefs based on what God’s Word says, be it things about homosexuality, bitterness, anger, you name it. However, this movie does a great job of showing how some people that are supposed to be part of the church, whether that be leaders, or people that attend church, can have a tendency to be judgmental of others at times, and can rub off of people the wrong way. Yes, this movie does show the true, loving kind of Christians as well. Honestly, that’s what makes this film really good, is that it shows the loving Christians that are non-judgmental, as well as showing the people that call themselves Christians, while also acting judgmental towards other people that don’t think the same way as them. Honestly, the only thing that could have made this movie a little better would have probably been if the movie had been a little longer, and the characters a little better known.
And that’s my review for God Loves Uganda. Yeah, it goes without saying that this film does a great job of showing how difficult Christians can be, and how we, as Christians, need to be careful when it comes to how we treat others. And yes, the movie does a good job of showing both the church culture, especially at IHOP (International House Of Prayer), and the African culture. I would say definitely give this film a shot whenever you can, and see what you think!
Final Grade: A
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 