5/5 I was impressed . . .
  by A. Parker (San Francisco, CA United States)
I must admit, I initially did not think this would be a quality production, but it was. They did a much better job than I expected. The music was very inspirational and the story of redemption was very powerful. It made you remember that Jesus came for the lost - who needed him - not just for the folks who have it all together and never messed up. The viewer was challenged to remember the real purpose of Christ's entry into humanity. This would be great for folks who have been long-time church goers as a reminder of what it really means to be a Christian.

4/5 Who needs a miracle?
  by Carrol J. Banks (USA)
I purchased this item while browsing the site. I am a fan of Mr. Perry's, however, Mr. Talbert's play was so refreshing. I read some of the other reviews for this play before purchasing it. I decided to buy it anyway. Of course he isn't Tyler Perry, he's David Talbert. I believe that there is room for all to be able to showcase their talent. I loved the character of Dion, not because of his flamboyance or his obvious preference, but the fact that he knew God would deliver him if he asked, and I really did believe that the young man that played Pastor Jackson really did love God very very much. If you don't judge unfairly, then I suggest that you buy this play. It really touched my heart. Now I can enjoy Mr. Perry and Mr. Talbert's talent and not compare the two.

1/5 HORRIBLE MOVIE
  by Tekisha Alexander (Michigan)
I HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT THIS MOVIE SO I PURCHASED IT, SADLY TO SAY THAT IT WAS SO BAD THAT I COULDNT EVEN FINISH IT, I COULD ONLY WATCH LIKE THE FIRST 20 MIN. OF THE MOVIE AND THE ACTING WAS HORRIBLE, PLEASE DONT WASTE YOUR ,MONEY ON THIS ,MOVIE

2/5 Screen this before showing Young Children
  by G. Jennings (Outside)
Unlike any of Tyler Perry's features, this play has themes that are much darker and edgier. I don't recommend showing this to young children. There are a couple scenes in which church members are either shot or threatened with weapons by gangsters. No blood, of course, but the actions are very apparent.

The script has a bit of a haphazard to slow start before getting to the crux of the story, and the rag tag members of the True Vine church are not characters one would seem to sympathize with except for the new pastor who seems to have the only real zeal of faith to make things happen.

Perhaps it was as director/writer David Talbert had envisioned. He is able to depict the very raw and seedy side of the Detroit Streets. The actor who plays Demetrius plays his gangster role so well and so powerfully, you cannot help but hating his antagonizing character. He is a thug, and he is mean.

But the play does have a redemptive quality. Crime boss Satin Jones, played by Clifton Powell, is able to repent of his ways. His monologue at the end of the play is done with the right pace, intensity and interpretation. At one point he breaks character as chokes tearfully in emotion and has a hard time delivering his next line, but it just made the scene that much better.

Not the uplifting in rejoice ending you would be expecting, but there is a silver lining to this cloud. Just be sure you check the weather carefully before venturing outdoors...with the young ones.

2/5 More like 2.5
  by ChocolateQT (La Vergne, Tennessee)
It was okay, the beginning was very slow and I lost interest a few times. About an hour into it, it picked up and held my attention. I guess I missed the laugh out loud moments that others mentioned in there reviews and the singing was average. Perhaps TP has spoiled me but I didn't care for the choir director's voice. There were No BIG stand out messages or memoriable parts. Nephew Tommy was good but he just wasn't believable as a thug/drug dealer mostly because I'm use to his comic side on the Steve Harvey Morning Show and his side kick D is also a comedian so their roles to be were like Blah. I say rent it or borrow it, or if you can get a $4.50 deal from one of the market sellers like I did then its worth the purchase if you like collection black stage plays.