Gotta admit I’m probably not the target audience for this type of film. 

I found it hard to really get into the history because there was just so much to nitpick. The acting is spotty, dialogue is straight out of Disney channel, and they restated the message about 9 times. 

The main actor was pretty solid despite everyone else and I thought the sets and aesthetics were placed together well for an Indie Studio. It was also cool to see a few locations from my hometown used in the making of this.

Again I don’t want to trash on this movie because I don’t think I’m the type of person this film is targeting. I do think I would have enjoyed this more as a live play.

Gotta admit I’m probably not the target audience for this type of film. 

I found it hard to really get into the history because there was just so much to nitpick. The acting is spotty, dialogue is straight out of Disney channel, and they restated the message about 9 times. 

The main actor was pretty solid despite everyone else and I thought the sets and aesthetics were placed together well for an Indie Studio. It was also cool to see a few locations from my hometown used in the making of this.

Again I don’t want to trash on this movie because I don’t think I’m the type of person this film is targeting. I do think I would have enjoyed this more as a live play.

I watched this because I saw it had 0% on rotten tomatoes. One thing I learned watching this movie is in 1787, there were four dudes that had the job to give Benjamin Franklin’s fat ass a piggy back ride to help him get around. So basically cars took away jobs if you think about it

I watched this because I saw it had 0% on rotten tomatoes. One thing I learned watching this movie is in 1787, there were four dudes that had the job to give Benjamin Franklin’s fat ass a piggy back ride to help him get around. So basically cars took away jobs if you think about it

To begin with, A Great Awakening is quite successful due to the fact that it manages to make history feel human instead of cold and educational.

Instead of turning the story into another dry historical retelling, the film focuses on people trying to navigate major cultural and spiritual change in real time. That choice gives the movie a level of sincerity that makes it much easier to connect with emotionally.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is how grounded everything feels. The conversations carry real meaning without sounding like the movie is trying to lecture the audience. The writing has enough confidence to let scenes breathe, especially during discussions about faith, influence, and personal conviction. It allows those ideas to exist naturally instead of simplifying them.

The performances are strong throughout, especially during the quieter moments. Some of the most effective scenes are simply characters talking to one another rather than delivering dramatic speeches. Those interactions make the relationships feel believable and give the film a stronger emotional core.

The movie does have some pacing issues. Certain sections slow down quite a bit, and a few supporting characters could have been developed more. At times it feels unsure whether it wants to be a personal character drama or a larger historical epic.

Still, the sincerity of the film carries it through most of its weaker moments.

A Great Awakening may not completely reinvent the historical drama genre, but it approaches its subject matter with enough honesty and thoughtfulness to leave an impression.

Reflective, well-acted, and more engaging than expected.

★★★★☆

To begin with, A Great Awakening is quite successful due to the fact that it manages to make history feel human instead of cold and educational.

Instead of turning the story into another dry historical retelling, the film focuses on people trying to navigate major cultural and spiritual change in real time. That choice gives the movie a level of sincerity that makes it much easier to connect with emotionally.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is how grounded everything feels. The conversations carry real meaning without sounding like the movie is trying to lecture the audience. The writing has enough confidence to let scenes breathe, especially during discussions about faith, influence, and personal conviction. It allows those ideas to exist naturally instead of simplifying them.

The performances are strong throughout, especially during the quieter moments. Some of the most effective scenes are simply characters talking to one another rather than delivering dramatic speeches. Those interactions make the relationships feel believable and give the film a stronger emotional core.

The movie does have some pacing issues. Certain sections slow down quite a bit, and a few supporting characters could have been developed more. At times it feels unsure whether it wants to be a personal character drama or a larger historical epic.

Still, the sincerity of the film carries it through most of its weaker moments.

A Great Awakening may not completely reinvent the historical drama genre, but it approaches its subject matter with enough honesty and thoughtfulness to leave an impression.

Reflective, well-acted, and more engaging than expected.

★★★★☆

I thought the Hamilton soundtrack was about to play

I thought the Hamilton soundtrack was about to play

lowkey bawled my eyes out during the coal mine part

lowkey bawled my eyes out during the coal mine part