"Hell no. I just like my guns."
When Sam Childers (Butler) is released from prison, he expects to return to the status quo, but everything has changed. His wife, Lynn (Monaghan), has become a Christian and quit her job as a stripper. Despite her new life, he chooses to return to life as an addict / gang muscle. After a traumatic experience, he begins going to church with the family, and becomes a Christian as well.
One day at church, a preacher in Africa asks for construction help, and Sam decides to make the trip. While in Uganda, he befriends SPLA soldier Deng (Sy Savane), and convinces Deng to take him to Sudan. In Sudan, he is moved by the orphaned children who trek everyday to find a safe place to sleep. He returns to the USA with a mission. Soon he, Deng, and other SPLA soldier construct an orphanage / safe haven for the children. Armed with construction tools and a slew of weapons, he becomes known as The Machine Gun Preacher by the LRA.
The story is based on the life of Sam Childers, as recorded in his book "Another Man's World". Childers used proceeds from the film to support his efforts in Sudan. He also used the movie as a tool to get more churches involved in the ministry. Stick around to watch the credits to see pictures and videos of the Childers family and their efforts in Sudan.
The filmmakers treat Childers faith with respect, without alienating the audience by trivializing or idolizing it. Gerard Butler is convincing at all stages of Childers story. The film focuses on Sam Childers, while jumping back and forth between his two homes. None of the other characters stand out. There is nothing wrong with any of the actors, but the film isn't about them. The children in Sudan are adorable and capture your heart.
Not what I was expecting... but it works.
Machine Gun Preacher (2011) 129 minutes
Rated: R for violent content including disturbing images, language, some drug use and a scene of sexuality.
Director: Marc Forster
Starring: Gerard Butler as Sam Childers
Michelle Monaghan as Lynn Childers
Kathy Baker as Daisy
Michael Shannon as Donnie
Souleymane Sy Savane as Deng
Madeline Carroll as Paige
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