The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

Gavin Stone (Dalton) was a popular child star.  As an adult, his career is over due to his partying lifestyle.  No one takes him seriously. After his latest stunt, he has to complete 200 hours of community service at the megachurch in his hometown.

Pastor Allan Richardson (Sweeney) puts him to work as a temporary custodian.  On his first day, Gavin discovers the church is preparing for their annual Passion Play.  The play is directed by the pastor's daughter, Kelly (Johnson-Reyes), who is not impressed with Gavin.  However, he has the best audition and he is given the role of Jesus.  As Gavin works off his community service hours, he is forced to live with his estranged father, Waylon (Flynn).  Can Gavin get his life together and rejuvenate his career?


This film was produced by Vertical Church Films and in 2015 WWE Studios acquired the distribution rights for the film.  It was released/distributed by WWE, indie distributor BH Tilt, and Walden Media.  The script was written by Andrea Gyertson Nasfell and directed by Dallas Jenkins.

The story is predictable, but it is still a fun ride.  The characters are interesting and keep the film / story from being too one-dimensional.  Brett Dalton, best known for his role on TV's Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., is charming and keeps the character from becoming veering into the ridiculous.  You want him to succeed.  Anjelah Johnson-Reyes is a great comedian and I love her stand-up and her characters on Mad TV.  I enjoyed seeing her take on a serious role.

The main characters were good, but it was the side characters that really get a chance to shine.  Neil Flynn is always great, and I loved him on Scrubs, he is gruff but entertaining.  Then there are his friends in the show: Doug, John Mark, and Anthony.  Tim Frank is John Mark, the naive Bible nerd.  He is endearing and adorable.  Patrick Gagnon is Anthony, the amateur / wannabe actor, who grabs your attention from the beginning.  And finally former professional wrestler Shawn Michaels is Doug, the biker with a heart for others.  He is a delight.

It is an entertaining film that keeps your attention until the end.

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2016) 92 minutes
Director: Dallas Jenkins
Starring: Brett Dalton as Gavin Stone
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes as Kelly Richardson
Neil Flynn as Waylon Stone
D.B. Sweeney as Pastor Allan Richardson
Shawn Michaels as Doug
Tim Frank as John Mark
Patrick Gagnon as Anthony