I liked the movie because it was real and not churchy. I felt the character's emotions and felt like I was apart of their life. My one wish would be more elaboration on some events than others. LOVED how the neighbor played into the plot. Awesome!
63 Reviews
Great movie and highly recommended
ChrisinDesMoines23 January 2021
I only heard about this movie because it was advertised on Facebook. I was hesitant to purchase because far to often I've found myself disappointed in Christen faith based movies.
I watched the trailers and liked what I saw, but I don't really trust reviews on Christian movies. Bad reviews are usually from people who are only reviewing to bring down the overall score and good reviews are from Christians who will give a 10 rating no matter what so I bit the bullet and got it.
Worth every penny!
Favorite Christan faith based movie is between this and Hell and Mr. Fudge (I've reviewed it in here). The acting in Mr. Fudge is better, but not by much. Plot in here I liked better, but again, not by much.
The plot and acting in here may come across as a little over the top, but definitely some situations I can relate too and many of the characters remind me of people I know which is part of the reason why enjoy it so much. Definitely not a "pray and your prayers will be answered" movie, but also a "don't judge" movie as well.
If you're a Christian, it's definitely a must see and if you're not, I would argue that it's an accurate look at what Christians are like in person. Sure, some of the behaviors might turn you off, but the support you get from Christians is spot on.
I watched the trailers and liked what I saw, but I don't really trust reviews on Christian movies. Bad reviews are usually from people who are only reviewing to bring down the overall score and good reviews are from Christians who will give a 10 rating no matter what so I bit the bullet and got it.
Worth every penny!
Favorite Christan faith based movie is between this and Hell and Mr. Fudge (I've reviewed it in here). The acting in Mr. Fudge is better, but not by much. Plot in here I liked better, but again, not by much.
The plot and acting in here may come across as a little over the top, but definitely some situations I can relate too and many of the characters remind me of people I know which is part of the reason why enjoy it so much. Definitely not a "pray and your prayers will be answered" movie, but also a "don't judge" movie as well.
If you're a Christian, it's definitely a must see and if you're not, I would argue that it's an accurate look at what Christians are like in person. Sure, some of the behaviors might turn you off, but the support you get from Christians is spot on.
Hypocrisy and humanity
MickyG33330 March 2024
7.7 stars.
A movie director goes undercover in a church to videotape a bunch of people. The theme of his documentary is to expose hypocrisy in protestantism. His goal is to inform and educate, but his boss has a more nefarious agenda. In the process of secretly recording interactions with members of the church, he and his wife become good friends with these people. Eventually, the plan begins to unravel.
There is a lot of drama across the spectrum in 'Small Group'. If you are looking for a funny and inspiring movie about church and friendship, you will find a little bit of everything.
The theme is fairly obvious: an agnostic family is on the fence about God. Eventually, they come to terms with the fact that their existential problems are too much to handle. Will they turn to God and their small group for guidance and support?
Good stuff, albeit it's a bit all over the place, but cohesive enough to be entertaining and inspiring.
A movie director goes undercover in a church to videotape a bunch of people. The theme of his documentary is to expose hypocrisy in protestantism. His goal is to inform and educate, but his boss has a more nefarious agenda. In the process of secretly recording interactions with members of the church, he and his wife become good friends with these people. Eventually, the plan begins to unravel.
There is a lot of drama across the spectrum in 'Small Group'. If you are looking for a funny and inspiring movie about church and friendship, you will find a little bit of everything.
The theme is fairly obvious: an agnostic family is on the fence about God. Eventually, they come to terms with the fact that their existential problems are too much to handle. Will they turn to God and their small group for guidance and support?
Good stuff, albeit it's a bit all over the place, but cohesive enough to be entertaining and inspiring.
Small Group Hilariously & Beautifully Captures the Heart of Church
jacobsahms7 April 2020
Matt Chastain's film about a reporter who goes "undercover" to expose the true nature of church is incredibly funny - and poignantly shows how church can get it right. Fully aware of all the ways church can get it wrong, Chastain's script delivers in ways that people who've been in small groups will chuckle knowingly and people who haven't will realize what they've been missing all along. In the end, having entertained us, Chastain will also leave us mulling over what it means to be a person of faith - or even a person who wants to leave an impact on the world. Now, we have to sit back and wait to see what he's going to challenge us with next.
Beyond what I expected!
llm-3233422 October 2018
I DID NOT want to see another corny, terribly written, bad acted Christian movie. My small group was going to see this movie and I had said no to the invite. With some coaxing I went along. WOW! What a raw, gritty, well written, well acted HONEST movie about what the Christian walk really is. Thank you for bringing real TRUTH onto the big screen.
Well Done
georgebiz25 October 2018
This movie did a good job showing how there are problems in life and in relationships, but that we can find help through the encouragement and support of others and certainly through our faith. There was humor, sadness and joy which contributed to the main message.
Gah. Eesh.
rhmurphy-810-98420619 October 2020
I'll admit that Christian films are getting better, but this wasn't one of those steps forward. Not enough editing, not enough re-writing. Too many characters, too many jokes. No budget for decent music.
To be honest, it's a hard genre. Non-Christians don't care about us taking a "hard look" at our own weaknesses. And all their presuppositions about irrelevance are propagated by a film like this. So they don't want to watch. Christians would like to see their own story and culture on the big screen....but not in such cringe-worthy fashion. So they rarely watch...or do so begrudgingly.
I'm going to go watch "Mom's Night Out" again.
To be honest, it's a hard genre. Non-Christians don't care about us taking a "hard look" at our own weaknesses. And all their presuppositions about irrelevance are propagated by a film like this. So they don't want to watch. Christians would like to see their own story and culture on the big screen....but not in such cringe-worthy fashion. So they rarely watch...or do so begrudgingly.
I'm going to go watch "Mom's Night Out" again.
I was hesitant going in but thoroughly enjoyed this movie
timdemott2 July 2020
I won't even lie, I was concerned going in because it is a faith based film and well--no one likes getting preached at. But this movie takes a different approach and is all the better for it. Rather than berating the viewer with bible verses and kitschy morals, this movie focuses on telling a good story that just so happens to contain a few morals along the way.
This film not only captured the nuance of real life in a way that no other faith based film I've seen has before, but was also willing to take risks with the writing and directing which make it far more accessible to a secular audience.
Small group has something for everyone including a story that is actually interesting, characters you can actually empathize with, and jokes that are actually funny. And while it may or may not have you wondering if you should start going to church again, it's definitely worth the watch.
This film not only captured the nuance of real life in a way that no other faith based film I've seen has before, but was also willing to take risks with the writing and directing which make it far more accessible to a secular audience.
Small group has something for everyone including a story that is actually interesting, characters you can actually empathize with, and jokes that are actually funny. And while it may or may not have you wondering if you should start going to church again, it's definitely worth the watch.
Nothing new here.
patriciataylor-8877028 October 2018
This is the most hackneyed, unoriginal story imaginable. Full of stereotypes and extremely slanted. I went based on the reviews on this site and the fact that it mentioned documentary film maker in the description. I went hoping for an honest examination of followers of the Christian religion. I was disappointed.
No cheese here
mikeatnega23 October 2018
First thought was 'another cheesy independent film' but that was totally wrong. This movie dives into the Christian church scene but in a way anyone could follow, Christian or not. The story line is strong and supported by emotional moments both happy and sad. Honestly laughed out loud one minute and buried my head in my sleeve the next as I shed a tear. Highly recommend to all.
Unfortunately it Rambled around too much, too jumpy.
bwarden3618 July 2023
Let's start out by saying "Small Group" was rated very high, 100 on another site, and 6.8 on IMDB.
We've enjoyed many Christian based movies and this was a struggle to watch. The movie didn't flow smoothly at all.
In fact it was difficult to sit thru the whole thing.
I felt like the director knew how he wanted to start and end the story but had not figured out how to bring it all together.
My wife and I have been in many small faith sharing groups. In no way did this resemble any group we've ever been in.
The creator of the story had to create such unrealistic situations so that there would be a story.
Even the boss's attitude was so far fetched that it was completely unbelievable.
It's such a shame because the theme was good but incorporating the theme was a disaster.
We've enjoyed many Christian based movies and this was a struggle to watch. The movie didn't flow smoothly at all.
In fact it was difficult to sit thru the whole thing.
I felt like the director knew how he wanted to start and end the story but had not figured out how to bring it all together.
My wife and I have been in many small faith sharing groups. In no way did this resemble any group we've ever been in.
The creator of the story had to create such unrealistic situations so that there would be a story.
Even the boss's attitude was so far fetched that it was completely unbelievable.
It's such a shame because the theme was good but incorporating the theme was a disaster.
Get a real life experience
etinthegap25 March 2020
If you want to laugh .. watch it. If you want to cry.. watch it. But if you really want to get to know real christians they are just as they play in this movie, simply imperfect humans longing to be better every day. I love it!
Very Satisfied
nealpatrickburnham25 October 2018
A must see! Great movie!
carrlot25 October 2018
A Bit Disappointing
jsmallshaw28 April 2023
After reading all of the positive reviews for this film, we had pretty high expectations for "Small Group". But after seeing "The Jesus Revolution" and "I Can Only Imagine", we felt this film fell short as a Christian movie. Of course, the ending is predictable but we were a little taken aback by all the farting jokes and a portion of the film which was really rather violent. You expect jokes about passing gas in a Bevis & Butthead kind of film but not one that supposedly has a serious spiritual message. We also felt the violent scenes on the missions trip were really out of place for what I would guess was supposed to be a feel good film. Sorry, not recommended.
Really enjoyed the movie!
fallenisdumb23 October 2018
Outstanding Family Movie
deeann-6577523 July 2019
Loved this movie! It has a great plot, moments of laughter, moments of intensity and a great cast. The Christian message is authentic and represents the real struggle so many people have today in the church. There are far too few movies like Small Group - watch and enjoy!
So Refreshing! Finally a Christian based movie that is relatable!
crystalrolader22 October 2018
What a great Movie! I truly feel every person will relate to something or someone in this film. You don't have to be in a Small Group or an avid Sunday Church goer to understand the message of this film. Check it out! This movie has the perfect balance of humor and gravity to deliver a fantastic story!
Great Movie - Small Group the Movie delivers Big!
mlthhighlands23 October 2018
Need more films like this!
rich-5331731 March 2020
This film hits a difficult balances between addressing some of the humorous aspects of church life, while demonstrating the value. If you've been in more than 2 small groups you will recognize some of the members (maybe even yourself?). There are over-the-top comedic moments...while at time hitting difficult emotional notes of loss, grief, and disappointments. One scene in particular(without details) is probably the most powerful demonstration of grieving over time I can recall in any film.
Worth the watch
emilyashford-595016 September 2020
Instant Family Favorite
rodneyqueenlife27 March 2020
Small Group hits home with the stereotypes that plague the Church in the United States. It also reminds the audience that there are genuinely good people in the Church who are selfless and caring. The film is very well written. The actors are very talented. The discussion that my teenage kids had immediately following the film are an indicator to me that this is a hit! "Dad who was your favorite character?", "Mom, will you go with me to Guatemala?". I highly recommend Small Group!
Sooooo funny!!!!!
mrmattsexton24 July 2019
Fantastic Movie!
denice_eads25 October 2018
Wonderful Movie - So Real
pattimaechastain28 March 2020
This movie was eye opening for the church. We must realize whether being watched or not WE ARE THE CHURCH! The movie was funny, inspiring, and overall great! The actors meshed together to bring it to life! I suggest this movie for anyone especially church leadership! Will be watching again!
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