The Gospel

It's such a pleasure to see a modest film about middle-class African Americans—with no hoes, no bitches, no bling-bling, no profanity, no gangstas or guns—that forgiving The Gospel's flaws is relatively easy. Disillusioned by the death of his mother, and resentful of his hardworking pastor father (Clifton Powell) for not being there when she dies, once-devout son David Taylor (played in his adult years by Boris Kodjoe) turns his back on the church and goes on to become a hip-hop star (his big hit is "Let Me Undress You," a title that pretty much telegraphs the movie's overall lack of subtlety). But when Bishop Taylor falls ill and David returns home, he's mightily distressed by what he finds: the church is in general disarray, especially financially, and Rev. Charles Frank—once David's best friend but now a vain, power-hungry hypocrite—is in line to take over. This time it's his pop career that David leaves behind, as he stays on to help make things right (of course, the presence of a comely young parishioner doesn't hurt). Okay, one needn't be a prophet to predict how this will turn out, and some of the dialogue is cringe-inducing, but what writer-director Rob Hardy's film has going for it is a refreshing dearth of cynicism and pretension. It also sheds some light on the church's prominent role in the black community, while treating viewers to some fine contemporary gospel music, performed by singers such as Yolanda Adams and American Idol finalist Tamyra Gray. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Rob Hardy and producer Will Packer, a 16-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, three extended musical performances (14 min.), nine deleted scenes (8 min.), a photo montage, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a formulaic but energetic film.] (S. Graham)