28th Sep2014

‘Believe Me’ Review

by Richard Axtell

Stars: Alex Russell, Zachary Knighton, Johanna Braddy, Miles Fisher, Sinqua Walls, Max Adler, Nick Offerman, Christopher McDonald | Written by Will Bakke, Michael B. Allen | Directed by Will Bakke

Believe-Me-cast

Four desperate and broke college seniors come with a crazy idea to raise the money needed to pay for tuition. By starting a fake charity, they plan to embezzle money from Christians by promoting a trip to Africa to build wells. But, with no religious background between them will they be able to keep the façade going for long? Will they be caught? Or will what they believe is right and wrong be challenged on this trip of a lifetime?

Religion. It’s a touchy subject. Someone is going to get offended somewhere. Believe Me is a film about exploiting Christian values and beliefs for your own personal gain, however, it also promotes Christian values and beliefs at the same time so it sits in very murky waters. I guess how you approach this film will definitely affect how much you like it. I personally approached it by thinking of it as a Christian film and not there to insult the religion. It does poke fun at Christian stereotypes and mock them a little bit, but making fun of yourself is one key method of comedy.

As a non-Christian, although there was a lot of God praising and praying, I never felt that Christianity was forced down my throat. I didn’t feel I needed to convert to enjoy Believe Me and I didn’t feel that I was belittled for not ascribing to their religion. What was shown was a quite enjoyable, funny film about a bunch of guys trying to get money through questionable means and then they get in a little over their head.

The four main characters are a well acted, varied bunch, each who plays their own part in the story well and bring the majority of the laughs to the film. Zachary Knighton does a great job as playing the arrogant Christian rock ‘n’ roll star and you definitely question whether you like him or hate him throughout the film.

I think if you approach this film with an open mind you won’t be disappointed. It’s entertaining with a good story which will make you smile if you don’t take it too seriously.

Believe Me is out now on limited release across the US and also via VOD.

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