The Apostle (1997)

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Over zealous Christians are going to mist likely take this drama about a Pentecostal preacher as a slap in the face of passionate, soul-saving organized religion. It takes a slam dunk look at the way big religion has dumped an over powering feel of judgmentalism on the typical sinner who has turned their backs on religion, either worshiping independently or becoming atheist, agnostic or even involved in satanism. It is Robert Duvall's powerful performance that guides this character study of a flawed man who may have done more harm than good, needing to open his eyes to his own missing spiritual deficiencies and view the world through a larger telescope rather than the binoculars of obsessive bible thumping that doesn't understand the damage it has caused.I have begun to believe that obsessive Christianity is a step to madness, taking on hot topics in sometimes violent ways. Committing sins to stop sins, so to speak, all through as they say over "Holy ghost power". Duvall is certainly on the verge of losing his sanity, like he does with his own church, tossed out for living in sin with equally religious Farrah Fawcett. Duvall continues to pray and praise as he walks down the street, and while that's not enough to make him certifiable, his open sinning yet preaching against similar transgressions. The worship scenes can get rather uncomfortable, reminding me of why I turned to independent spirituality rather than the big halls that had such foot stomping energy that it would make a rise on the Richter scale.In spite of my own personal uncomfortable feeling towards these over the top forms of worship that go way too far. "No speaking in tongues!", the radio station manager warns Duvall when he convinces him to take him on as a religious talk show host. Duvall's journey becomes intriguing to watch, and that's what makes this film less cringe-worthy. This didn't convince me to return to public worship, but it didn't dissuade me from my spiritual emotions, either.

The Apostle will primarily appeal to those 30 and older. Robert Duvall is the only reason for seeing this movie. Otherwise, I found this movie extremely boring and slow. Robert Duvall's performance makes this movie worth watching to see terrific acting. This is my third preaching movie seen today. I think that I am all preached out. This is a good movie to see in the afternoon if you want to stay awake for the entire film. I usually enjoy watching Robert Duvall in his movie roles. This role makes him both a villain and a hero. Most of the time I remember Robert Duvall as mostly the villain in a movie. Bring plenty of munchies for this film. Enjoy.

This is one of those rare Performances that seems to transcend Acting. Robert Duvall is the Apostille, one might say. A firebrand force, a Jesus Juggernaut, a Preacher who will not be denied. He will invoke Jesus' Name until it literally drives Satan away holding his ears.The trouble, as far as this Movie goes, it may drive Viewers away with its relentless Bible Thumping and sing-song Religious Rants, most shouted at supreme volume, with or without the aid of a microphone or Amplitude Modulation. There is so much of this and it is so intense that it almost, but not quite, leaves the more subtle, sublime elements drowning in a Sea of self-indulgence.There is much to admire in this singular effort from the Producer/Writer/Star/Director. The backdrops all have a realism of Rural, Southern Americana and the Cast are all fitting and the combination of Pros and Extras add an almost Documentary feel. Much praise and much Screen time is given to Stylistic Sermonizing by the Apostille and although it is totally believable and compelling, there maybe just too much of a Good thing.Overall, this gallant effort is not without its Sins and is quite an Excellent Character Study. A bit of editing and just a little restraint may have made this a Masterpiece.

Generally I place entertainment at the top of my list for enjoying a film. Although the acting by Robert Duvall is terrific, the movie fails as entertainment. Two plus hours of what seemed like one long church sermon is close to unbearable. Duvall's character is anything but sympathetic, considering his violent solutions, religious brain wiring of the gullible, and outrageous showmanship. He simply comes across as a religious huckster. I can truthfully say that for me, "The Apostle" was a huge disappointment. I'm sure that to the correct audience it will be vastly appealing. Not recommended here however. .............................. MERK