When we hear the words ‘former child star’ it is usually representative of someone who, after the series was finished, morphed into something else either in a good way or bad way. And for former child star Gavin Stone, it was the latter.

Gavin’s (Brett Dalton) bad boy label, fast living, in and out of rehab has driven him to the brink of two last chance options: 200 community hours at his hometown church or sewage cleanup. To which he replies, “What’s the difference.” He chooses the church.

He’s burned so many bridges his second chance road is plagued with a lot of roadblocks that Gavin needs to overcome. Like his ego, pride and know it all attitude.

When the prodigal son returns home to Masonville, he has to eat humble pie by going home to stay with his estranged father (Neil Flynn) who tells him, “I don’t have maid service. This isn’t the Motel Six. If you’re out late, the lights won’t be left on.”

Gavin’s community service in the church is so far removed from his Hollywood living. Yet, like a chameleon he fits right in—plays a role. Is it possible that on this second chance road he may find redemption? It looks pretty hopeless after he lies to the pastor (D.B. Sweeney) and some members of the Masonville Bible Church that he is a Christian—just to audition for the lead role of Jesus in their annual Easter play. He gets the lead role but doesn’t get what Jesus is about. Thinking the spotlight should be on Him, Kelly, the pastor’s daughter, (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes) quickly corrects him, saying, “This is exactly opposite of who Jesus was.” Emphasizing Jesus’ humility.

Yet in this countdown process of practicing, attending church and other ministries you start to see a visible change in him. Gavin is forced to confront the very truths he’s speaking in his role as Jesus. On this comeback road he finds his own flaws and his need for a Savior. He begins to rebuild a relationship with his father and a romance blossoms between Gavin and Kelly.

Intricately woven throughout this film are grace and second chances. And with that grace and second chance the decisions we make and the consequences of those decisions can turn our lives around. The same weekend the play opens Gavin receives a phone call for a comeback role in Hollywood. When Kelly confronts him about the call. He tells her, “Hollywood isn’t like church. Second chances just don’t come around.” Will he take it? Is his integrity more important than being famous? You will have to watch the movie to find out.

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone was released in 2017, is 91 min, is rated PG and can be seen on Netflix.

Director: Dallas Jenkins
Writer: Andrea Gyertson Nasfell
Stars: Brett Dalton, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Neil Flynn

We give The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

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