Review of Jesus Camp (2006) by Ollie W — 07 Aug 2011

It's not as objective as it thinks it is - the editing and music are quite definitely employed with a laughably obvious agenda, but with characters as deplorable and terrifying as Pastor Becky Fischer, the leader of the "Jesus Camp" and so-called creator of "future Christian Soldiers", it's not hard to pick sides.

Enemies of liberal values and seemingly educated reasoning, Fischer's gang of hysterical, volatile Christian youths are shown "speaking in tongues", praying over objects and buildings (anything that resembles an abortion clinic) and crying uncontrollably at the thought of sin and it's consequences.

Papantonio's frustrated, orchestrated arguments for separating Religion from Politics provide the film with a type of narration, reinforcing the film's point (without a hint of subtlety) that there is a significant difference between Christians and Extremists.

Small faults aside, this really is a truly upsetting, utterly terrifying journey into the world of misguided faith and America's fanatically religious youths... plus it's easily one of the best documentaries of the last decade.