“Welcome to the imperfect Club.”

Synopsis: Sam Walker, an ex-convict, finds work in a one-horse town and is looking to escape his past and find new meaning to life. Chris, a proud small-town pastor and new husband, is trying to impress his new congregation while on trial for the position of their next pastor. Yet he is dealing with a secret sin that could not only shatter his wholesome image but also his marriage.

The movie starts with Luke 10:29-37…

Sam (Ruselis Aumeen Perry) walks into the church where Chris (Nathan Clarkson) is giving his trial sermon. And after the service, the elder of the church expresses to Chris that his kind words about Sam are not welcome there. And impresses upon Chris that he must tell Sam on no uncertain terms that he’s not welcome there. So Chris tells Sam, “church isn’t for everybody,” trying to convince him, nicely, not to come back.

Chris’s wife, Megan (Rachel Shin), was very disappointed in his actions and is upset because he didn’t stand up and do what was right. Which led to another discovery—a secret Chris was able to keep until his wife walked in and caught him in the act.

This sent him fleeing into the streets, where he drove to the nearest bar and took a seat. He began ordering drinks and talking to the bar psychiatrist, Jimmy (Eric Roberts), who asked him in the midst of their conversation… what kind of work he was in, and he told him he was a pastor. To which the bartender replied, “The last time I was in church, I was eight years old.” Chris asked why he hadn’t been back. He said, “If I walk through those doors, I’ll probably burst into flames.” He goes on to say, “Church is good for good people, pastor.” Then Chris asks, “You think we’re good?” And the bartender says, “Pastor, No one is good, none of us…”

Will Pastor Chris find his way back to peace and redemption? Will Sam lose his faith in God? You’ll just have to watch the movie to find out.

What I found interesting was that Sam was able to get a job at the local bar without any issues. But when he went to the place, the church, where he needed spiritual help, he was instantly turned away.

The Unlikely Good Samaritan was released in 2019 and is 1h 16m. Available on Amazon Prime Video (subscription), Apple TV from $3.99, Fandango at Home (Free), Fubu TV (subscription), Google Play Movies from $2.99, Pluto TV (Free), Tubi (Free), and YouTube from $2.99.

• Directors Brandon Toy and Nathan Clarkson.
• Writer Nathan Clarkson.
• Stars: Charlie Aligaen, Stephen Fuller Austin, and veteran actor Eric Roberts.

We give The Unlikely Good Samaritan

This movie touches our hearts. It shows we all carry burdens. Many Christian films have familiar ideas. Here, they feel fresh and meaningful. The film shares messages of grace and second chances. The story may unfold slowly because it is a modest production. But it’s worth watching.

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