Christian comedy Road to Redemption has a lot going for it, including a cute concept, sharp comic direction, and a winning cast bound to give the film crossover appeal to secular audiences. A financially strapped couple, A... more »manda (Julie Condra) and Alan (Jay Underwood), "borrow" $250,000 from Amanda's mobster boss, Santoro (Leo Rossi), and bet it all on a racehorse that doesn't come through. Terrified of Santoro's wrath, Amanda goes in search of her wealthy grandfather, Nathan (Pat Hingle), who is in ill health but agrees to give her the money if she'll go fishing with him in Montana--more than a thousand miles away. Meanwhile, Alan is forced by Santoro to accompany an enforcer, Vincent (Tony Longo), and a tracker (Wes Studi) to catch up with Amanda and get the cash. The latter situation yields a lot of laughs, especially through feckless Alan's unlikely friendship with Vincent, with whom he bonds over eight-track recordings of David Cassidy's greatest hits. Amanda and Nathan are also funny together but have many poignant experiences as well, including Nathan's gentle explanations about the comfort he takes in his relationship with God. Writer-director Robert Vernon makes it all crackling entertainment with a real heart. --Tom Keogh« less
"It's always a risk to buy a DVD sight unseen, but I bought this gem based on some reviews I've read and the fact that it's made by Worldwide Pictures who have produced some great movies (Vow to Cherish, Something to sing about). Road to Redemption tells of a young couple Amanda Tucker (the lovely Julie Condra) and Alan Fischer (Jay Underwood) who are sick of struggling along financially so "borrow" some money from Amanda's boss who also happens to be a Mob boss, along with the money comes racing tips for some fixed races so off they go to the racing track. All does not go to plan and Amanda finds herself having to leave town to track down her Grandfather Nathan (Pat Hingle) in order to hit him up for some cash so she can pay back her boss.There are some excellent performances put in by the lead actors as well as the supporting mobsters Tony Longo as Vincent the enforcer is very amusing as it Wes Studi as Frank Lightfoot. There are some real funny set pieces in this film and some of it reminded me of the also excellent Dumb and Dumber (minus the crudeness).Road to Redemption is a family friendly comedy with real heart. It's extremely amusing and a joy to watch. It also very moving and touching as well as Amanda gets to know her Grandfather and learns about what is most important in life. I recommend it whole-heartily for anyone needing a good laugh and it's refreshingly free from smut, foul language and jokes made in bad taste. Enjoy this film and thanks for reading."
A story about the Relationship that Really Matters
RNB | San Antonio, Texas United States | 04/19/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Road to Redemption is dubed as a comedy movie. Although the comedy part of the movie, allowed a chuckle now and then. The movie made a bigger hit in it's message. A young girl living with her lover works for a Mob boss. She and her lover in get in trouble by talknig illegal money mailed to her boss. Financially dry, she and her lover blow it on fixed horse racing bets. When they loose all the money, she travels to her meet her rich retired grandfather, who by the way has not seen her since she was a little girl. He agrees to give her the money owed under one condition. That she takes him fishing. Off they go cross country, with the mob at their heels, and her lover who turns eventually out to be her traitor. The theme is no doubt directed towards a grandfather who wanted to start a new relationship with his granddaugther, who is only intrested in getting the money she needs. A Good story, with a God inspired message, a good dvd for all young and old."
Is the Mob after you? God can handle it!
shoutgrace | Charleston, WV United States | 04/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one Christian film that lots of people will enjoy. I mean believers in Christ and non-believers. It's a great insight on following the road to Christ. It's about a couple, Amanda (Julie Condra) and Alan (Jay Underwood) who found stolen mob money. They decide to gamble the money on horse racing and lose the money. The gangsters find out about this and go after the couple. The grandaughter, Amanda seeks the help of her wealthy grandpa Nathan (Pat Hingle) for the money she needs to pay back the mob. But grandpa has plans. It seems he "got religion" and is willing to give her the money. But she has to drive him to visit his favorite fishing hole some 800 miles away. There are some breathe-taking scenes of Utah. So they're all on the run from the mob and along the way learn a valuable lesson of choices and consequences. In the meantime, God gets Amanda's attention and God gives the mob a run for their money. The movie is rated PG for thematic elements and mild violent content, but still a clean Christian movie. It's advised that very young children shouldn't view this. For older teens and adults may find a lesson to be learned that doing something you know is wrong can only get you into deeper trouble. Billy Graham's 'Road to Redemption' is really a great movie with a great message to lead those to Christ."
A++++
Disciple4thelord | New Mexico | 03/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Road to redemption was better than I hoped for. A Christian movie with some humor. Don't miss out-Get the DVD version! You will get many extras that you won't find on the VHS. This is not a witnessing tool, but a good addition to the Christain DVD collection, try "Vanished" by cloud ten pictures for a witnessing tool. If you liked this movie try "Something to sing about" & "A Vow to Cherish" both are heart warming Christian movies and are also by world wide pictures. Plus they have many extras if you purchase the DVD versions."
A Creative Christian Comedy
Elaine M. Newkirk | Centralia, WA USA | 04/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, it's corny at times, but if you do corny just right, you can not only get away with it, but it can be great entertainment! Most comedies end up trying to be funny by getting as close to the border of offensive as possible. It is SOOOO refreshing to find something that makes you laugh that you also don't feel like trashing in the next scene. The story starts out a bit weird and corny and develops into a humorous, dramatic, heartwarming tale of what real meaning in life is about. It is unique in it's genre, in a world full of too many rapture, end-days Christian movies or the alternate end of the road, then get saved variety. Yet, at the same time, it effectively assaults the shallow thinking of today's society with looking beyond the veil. Try the movie, make sure you get past the 1st 10 minutes and I think you'll love it."