Stars Shine In Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul. [REVIEW]

Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul, is a dark comedy-drama film that was written, directed, and produced by  Adamma Ebo. The feature film is an adaptation of Ebo’s 2018 short film of the same name. The film talks about the struggles of a pastor, Lee-Curtis Childs played by Sterling K. Brown and his first lady Trinitie Childs played by Regina Hall. The two are trying to regain the prominence they once obtained after a series of scandals rocks their congregation and forces their church to close its doors.  

Religion within itself as many of us know is a very tricky subject. There are those who live their lives by their respective dogmas, doctrines, and traditions. Then, there are those who want absolutely nothing to do with it. There is also that section of people who were once part of a religion in some capacity and there may have been an incident that sours them away from it altogether. That in part is some of the stories which bring us here.

WHAT IS Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul?

One of the biggest themes of the film is the use mockumentary style of filming which many have come to love from popular television shows such as The Office and Modern Family. Much of this is due to Trinitie trying to show the couple in a new light in the midst of numerous allegations that have caused their congregation to leave and head to a new budding rival church – Heaven’s Home run by the  Sumpters. The mockumentary style, however, is not a constant throughout the film. The visual aspect changes to that of a classic film which many times can feel a bit off even though it is supposedly being used to convey a different tone of the film at that particular spot. 

The Darker Side Of Religion

The documentary crew also shows us that their church, Wander To Great Paths, within its own self has a level of flash and pizazz and possesses a gigantic closet space for the pastor and first lady. Of course, it has the highest designer brand clothing. We are also privy to what can be considered archive footage of many of Lee Curtis’ old sermons where he is almost ALWAYS bragging about his high-end and flashy lifestyle. We also meet the “devout Five”. These are members of the Childs’ congregation who have remained by their side despite all of the allegations of same-sex misconduct with young men of the church. They believe firmly that pastor Childs is not guilty of any wrongdoing. This mirrors the real-life allegations the late  Bishop Eddie Long faced amidst his own congregation. 

Throughout the film, we see Trinitie almost break while dealing with the pressure of the film crew. As well as, former congregation members while also trying to salvage her marriage. Regina Hall gives a phenomenal performance as his wife. Sterling K Brown also holds his own in this film while it touches on some dark issues. However, he’s also trying to juggle humor, and honestly doesn’t always hit its mark.  

The Journey of the film isn’t quite perfect

For many, this movie talks about a culture that many will only see or hear one side of. For others, it is something that they may have been completely unaware of. Ebo takes you into the world of glitz,  glamour, shame, and hopeful redemption but the journey sometimes is shaky. This is again mainly due to the switching of aspect ratios. Once you’re in a moment the look changes and you are thrown for a  moment.  

Now, this is just one review from one perspective and there are many others with theirs. It is highly recommended that you take time to sit and watch with an open mind and from there draw your own conclusion. 

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