Holy Hell

The first film that I went to was called Holy Hell a comedy about a financially struggling church that decides to make a horror film to keep their church afloat. The film was funny because none of the church members were technically qualified to make a film and had no idea what they were doing. The pastor of the church desperately wants the film to work so that the church that he has worked so hard to build will be saved. However, being that the church is making a horror film other Christian organizations are quick to criticize them for trying to market evil. This leads to protesters following the filmmakers wherever they go and bringing national attention to the church's plight.

All around good movie with funny and witty dialog kept the movie going at a good pace. It was interesting in how it portrayed Christian groups. For example, the organization behind the protests comes across as incredibly over-zealous. A pastor of a mega-church is shown to care more about the number of people he can attract. Then there is church trying to make a film to save their small congregation. Another point I found interesting is that the film did not have any "perfect" characters. By that I mean characters that have everything together and are the undisputed good guy (or girl). The filmmakers all are struggling with personal problems and lose sight of the true reason for trying to make a film. The other groups portrayed come across unloving, judgmental, or self-serving. But it is because of that fact that made the film enjoyable.

My rating: 5 out of 10