Machine Gun Preacher

[big_bad_wolf]

Saw this at a half filled Southampton Odeon and boy was the cinema freezing my toes had frost bite at the end of the film.As for the film thought it was pretty good,it was watchable,had some action and explosions to keep us happy.

[Belly76]

I saw it in Southampton as well and was surprised that it was only 1/2 full, It was quite a good film though.

[havingascreen]

We found this one better than we expected from the reviews - not stellar by any means - but an interesting and thought provoking film. The performances were not great and neither was the way the director (or writer?) had chosen to present the story. I found the content itself was very interesting though - enough for me to want to see what happened.
Our screening had a small, older age audience and people did seem to have their attention held throughout.

I found the end credits, with the photos of the real people involved, one of the best things - it is good to see something not purely Hollywood. The final statement from the 'real Sam' in the credits certainly gave everyone something to think about as they left the film. I don't think you were supposed to like Sam or see much likeable in him - just challenge your thinking about what he did - how he responded to the horrific circumstances he found.

Part of the good thing about getting these free films is the fact that you can expand your viewing by going to things you would not have pa*d to see -- I was not sure I wanted to see it - but I did not regret having seen it when leaving. 6/10

I was very moved by the whole plight of the people, especially the kids and the true story aspect is always more impacting for me. I agree with above about the credits being the best bit.

I was so inspired by his passion and determination that i'll be donating money to help him.

Really powerful story 8/10

[karenlg123]

Saw this yesterday to a nearly full cinema at Braehead. Wasn't expecting much having read some reviews of the movie and the first 15 minutes (as mentioned by others) did nothing to change that opinion. I can only assume they wanted to show how big a turn around he made by throwing in as much profanity etc in the first part of the movie that it would add to his "redemption" when this stopped in the film. It was touch and go whether we would stay during that first part of the movie. However, the movie did improve, quite substantially and was indeed quite thought provoking. Whilst I obviously approve that he did what he did in order to help so many, I am not quite convinced that he would be doing so if the use of guns and mercenary behaviour was not involved. Felt sorry for the long suffering wife and child who seem to have got a raw deal. The movie was much better than I thought, it did make me think about the situation out there and question some of the actions of various people in the movie. If it had not been taken from a real life story, I would have thought it unbelievable and a totally unrealistic script. What saves this movie is the fact that it IS a real person's story and this is STILL going on. Did enjoy the live clips at the end and do think that if you can get through the first part of the movie, it is definitely worth a watch. 7/10

[FAITH2011UK]

I saw this in Southampton on Sunday. Very suprised at the turn out and must admit was not sure whether I would like the movie myself but was pleasantly suprised.

I really enjoyed the film, I found it inspiring and raw and although the acting wasn't Oscar worthy, I don't necessarily think it was needed in this film. The storyline was enough to hold my attention from start to finish. I found it very sad and some parts were horrific and best of all I left wanting to find out more.

I went with 5 others and the overall opinion was split. 2 of us loved it, 1 thought it was average and the other 3 really disliked it.

Personally, I would give it 8/10

[kalel6000]

All these views have got me in a muddle as whether to go see it or not? Reviews haven't been that favourable either!

[jojojoanne]

just got back from seeing Machine Gun Preacher .... a very moving film ... inspires you to want to be a better person...

[minidude2000]

On the whole this was worth watching, a very thought provoking film as has been said before. Only criticisms I really have is that I felt that the third quarter was a bit slow and certain "characters" were a bit irrelevant to the plot. A good 7/10.

[yogi]

A fascinating story and some moving moments, but I'm not sure how much of that was to do with the film itself and just the strength of the subject. I actually started laughing at one point when Gerard got his rocket launcher out, and smiled when a character said he was like an African Rambo as that just what I'd been thinking.

And although I'd glanced at some of reviews on here and had an idea what to expect the movie title does make it sound like a revenge thriller or a Hobo with a Shotgun type film. I'm sure it will put off and disappoint a lot of people.

Watching the real preacher during the credits I thought a documentary would have been much more powerful.

[McG]

Saw this in an almost full Showcase in Paisley tonight. To use the word "enjoy" with this film would seem wrong as I don't think we are meant to enjoy given the plight of the children of Southern Sudan (or some other countries). I did think that Gerard Butler was very good in the part and the fact that the film is based on a true story, it's difficult to criticise the story itself (though I'm sure Hollywood changed it a little to make a good film). I would be interested to hear the real Sam Childers giving his view of the film (I might google this). I think a swith someone who becomes obsessed about something, his family did seem to get the short straw though the real life shots at the end did seem to show that his wife and daughter are still heavily involved in his work. I would say it is a film worth seeing even if only to bring the situation of children in these countries back to our attention.