God's Not Dead: We the People is a 2021 American Christian drama film directed by Vance Null, with a script written by Tommy Blaze, from an original story co-authored by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman.[2] The sequel to God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness and the fourth installment in the God's Not Dead series, the plot centers around Rev. David "Dave" Hill's role in defending religious homeschooling before Congress. The film stars David A. R. White, Antonio Sabato Jr., Francesca Battistelli, Judge Jeanne Pirro, Isaiah Washington, and William Forsythe.
| God's Not Dead: We the People | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Vance Null |
| Screenplay by | Tommy Blaze |
| Story by |
|
| Produced by | Brent Ryan Green |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Brian Shanley |
| Edited by | Vance Null |
| Music by | Pancho Burgos-Goizueta |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Fathom Events |
Release date |
|
Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1.1 million[1] |
The film was released on October 4, 2021, in a three-night theatrical engagement,[3] and grossed over $1.1 million in the domestic box office.
A sequel titled, God's Not Dead: In God We Trust was released on September 12, 2024.[4][5]
Plot
editA group of parents led by a local pastor, Dave Hill, are home-schooling their children when a representative from social services makes an unannounced visit and determines the parents' teaching is not sufficient in meeting federal education standards. The parents are summoned to court after their curriculum is deemed non-compliant with state educational standards. The families argue that they should have the right to educate their children in alignment with their religious beliefs. When the judge rules in favor of the state, the families, along with Reverend Dave, decide to appeal the decision.
They travel to Washington, D.C., where they seek to make their case in front of a congressional subcommittee. With assistance from fictional Congressman Daryl Smith, they argue that government oversight of their curriculum infringes upon parental rights and religious freedoms. The film culminates in a hearing where Reverend Dave and the families present their views on individual liberties and the role of the state in education. Following the conclusion of the hearing, a judge rules in favor of Dave Hill and the families' appeal.
Cast
edit- David A. R. White as Reverend Dave Hill, a pastor who appeared in all three previous God's Not Dead films.
- Antonio Sabàto Jr.[6] and Francesca Battistelli[7] as Mike and Rebecca McKinnon, a couple who plan to homeschool their child
- Jeanine Pirro as Judge Elizabeth Neely,[2] the local town judge who decides whether the McKinnons will continue to homeschool their children, send them to public school, or have them incarcerated if they refuse. Pirro previously made an uncredited cameo in the third film.
- Isaiah Washington[2] as Rep. Daryl Smith, a Congressman who helps Dave.
- William Forsythe as Senator Robert Benson
- Matt Anspach as Brandon McKinnon, Mike and Rebecca's older son
- Benjamin Onyango as Reverend Jude Mbaye,[8] a minister from Ghana and Dave Hill's friend who died in the previous film. He appears in a dream to encourage Dave to stand up for freedom.
- Dani Oliveros as Kayla Neely, Judge Neely's daughter who sells Brandon her car and becomes his girlfriend
- Marco Khan as Misrab, Ayisha's estranged father who rejected her from the first film, and tries to reunite her in an attempt to redeem himself all while deciding whether or not to accept Jesus Christ as savior
- Hadeel Sittu as Ayisha, Misrab's daughter who became Christian, and becomes involved in a car accident
- Paul Kwo as Martin Yip
- Paul Carroll as Congressional Aide
Production
editThe film's production was announced on David A. R. White's Instagram in late 2020.[9] It was filmed in Oklahoma during the COVID-19 pandemic.[10]
Reception
editThe film, like its predecessors, was largely panned by critics. Steve Pulaski of Influx Magazine gave the film a rare "F" letter-grade, criticizing the plot and message saying, "God's Not Dead: We the People is not merely the worst in an already-misbegotten series, but so utterly deplorable that its status as a three-night-only event in theaters at least assures that significantly fewer people will see it."[11]
Conservative Christian film critic Christian Toto praised the film, stating that while it "shares the franchise’s flaws...its bold mission statement has never been more necessary."[12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "God's Not Dead: We the People (2021)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
- ^ a b c Vlessing, Etan (January 22, 2021). "Pure Flix Rebrands as Pinnacle Peak Pictures". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
- ^ David A.R. White [@DavidARWhite] (May 10, 2021). "When you can't make the gym, work out at work... In this case on the set of God's Not Dead 2. #godsnotdead2 #Throwback God's Not Dead: We The People in theaters this coming October" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Lambert, Harper (September 13, 2022). "'God's Not Dead': Fifth Installment in the Works at Pure Flix and Pinnacle Peak Pictures (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Ortega Law, Jeannie (September 15, 2022). "'God's Not Dead' to return with part 5, asks 'Is God dead in American politics?'". The Christian Post. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Bond, Paul (July 14, 2021). "New "God's Not Dead" movie to star "blacklisted" Antonio Sabato Jr". Newsweek. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
- ^ "Francesca Battistelli to Star in Upcoming Film "God's Not Dead: We The People"". The Gospel Music Association. July 14, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
- ^ Harper, Jennifer (August 12, 2021). "Inspirational film explores challenges of homeschooling, the battle for 'our children's intellect'". The Washington Times. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
- ^ Hallowell, Billy. "'God's Not Dead 4': A New 'God's Not Dead' Installment Is on the Way". insider.pureflix.com. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
- ^ "Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Signs 'Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021' Increasing State's Film and TV Incentives". Oklahoma Department of Commerce. May 26, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ Pulaski, Steve (October 5, 2021). ""God's Not Dead: We the People" (2021) Review". Influx Magazine.
- ^ Toto, Christian (October 6, 2021). "'God's Not Dead: We the People' Is the Movie We Need, Flaws and All". Hollywood in Toto.