Review of Blue Like Jazz (2012) by Jonah M — 13 Apr 2012

I was privileged enough to make a road trip out of this movie experience, traveling two hours to the nearest theater that was showing this movie. I am pleased to say, the two hours of travel were definitely worth it! I have to say that movies having to deal with Christianity are not really my cup of tea. Every Christian movie I have seen have all had an agenda, whether they are pro-life or pro-evangelism and are very preachy. I am happy to say Blue Like Jazz does not do that. Christian movies mostly have sub-par writing, acting and production quality. I am very happy to say that Blue Like Jazz does not do that! In fact, I hesitate to categorize Blue Like Jazz as a Christian film, period. It is a movie about finding faith and finding meaning in this crazy world, but it does it in a way that is not preachy, but is very smart, honest, and funny!

Blue Like Jazz is a movie about a Christian who is trying to find himself away from his Christian upbringing in the world of college. This is something that I believe everyone who grew up in church can relate to. The film pulls no punches when it comes to the ways that the Church that is supposed to represent a loving God has completely missed the mark. It is also a very honest look at the college life and it's craziness, and it does so in a very funny way. The writing is very smart and clever, and the actors do a great job! The cinematography and editing are also very well done and unique. I loved how genuine and relatable this movie felt to me. Especially since Don, the main character, befriends a lesbian named Lauryn, and I took a friend with me to see the movie who also happens to be a lesbian. We had a good laugh over all the similarities we had with Don and Lauryn.

When the end credits started rolling, I sat in my movie chair with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face, mulling over everything that I had seen. My friend also agreed that it was a very good movie, which led to a meaningful conversation after the movie that was filled with tears and smiles. I think everyone, Christian or not, can watch this film and appreciate it for what it is.

My thanks to Steve Taylor, Don Miller, Ben Pearson and all the actors involved that made this gem possible. It was very meaningful, charming, honest and thought-provoking!