On CLIPS In October, 2011
MACHINE GUN PREACHER 

Gerard Butler stars in the true story of Sam Childers, who gave up a life of crime to become a crusader for Sudanese children.

TRIVIA: Gerard Butler did his own singing in what 2004 movie musical?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (3 CAMS)        RATED R

Sam Childers (Gerard Butler), a former drug-dealing biker who spent time in prison, finds God and becomes a preacher thanks to his wife Lynn (Michelle Monaghan). During a trip to the Sudan, Sam crusades for children who have been forced to become soldiers. "Machine Gun Preacher" is an inspirational and interesting true story that's driven by a powerful Gerard Butler performance. The title should give a clue to Childers' ability to fight for his cause. Filmed in epic style by director Marc Forster ("Quantum Of Solace"), violent action sequences with massacres and carnage are interrupted by many sermons. This tends to give the movie an uneven pace. But the intense Butler carries the audience over most of the rough spots. He gets help from the supporting cast that includes Monaghan, along with Kathy Baker, Michael Shannon, Madeline Carroll and Souleymane Sy Savane. Carroll has some heartbreaking scenes as Childers' daughter Paige and Shannon is outstanding as his addicted best friend Donnie. Spectacular scenery fills the screen, courtesy of cinematographer Roberto Schaefer. Definitely a movie with a message, the subject matter and R rated material will find limited audience appeal. Mixing bullets with preaching, "Machine Gun Preacher" may need Divine intervention to succeed.