Review of Blue Like Jazz (2012) by Jason V — 24 Apr 2012

As I watched the previews before Blue Like Jazz, I was worried that the writers had sold out and made a Christian college romance, but the movie stayed true to the book while being original. Another fear that was quelled was that this would be another Christian movie that inspired me but would be somewhat embarrassing to show to my friends. Instead, I would feel comfortable watching this with nearly anyone I know and was pleased with this honest and refreshing story of a young man dealing with many issues I have dealt with in the past and still deal with.

The movie follows the character Don (Marshall Allman) who grew up with a fundamentalist church background whose faith is shattered by hypocrites. To escape, he chooses to attend liberal Reed College and to fit in, he hides his upbringing. He befriends a number of other students who help him to adjust to this new life: the activist Penny (Claire Holt), the liberal critic known as the Pope (Justin Welborn), and a savvy lesbian (Tania Raymonde). He deals with a new environment while trying to understand what he values and to find meaning in life. His struggles are realistic and his weaving through it all is genuine and enjoyable.

The movie, like the book, offers many things to ponder about in dealing with faith, people, and who one is - without being preachy at all. The acting and screenplay were excellent and kept me interested throughout. I would encourage anyone to see it who has really thought about his life and how it relates to those around him.