Same Kind of Different as Me - Movie Review

There has been a recent uptick in the number of "faith-based" movies being produced. Traditionally, faith-based movies were a recipe for disaster. They were low budget, poorly conceived films with a strong heart but poor execution. It seems that trend has started to change. With films like Risen and Hacksaw Ridge, the paradigm has shifted. Many of these films have Hollywood budgets, A-list actors and quality writing. Writing where the heart isn't ripped out in favor of mass appeal. Same Kind of Different as Me is one of those well executed films.

Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) is an art dealer who has done very well. His judgment isn't necessarily a reflection of his success. Hall has a beautiful, loving wife (Deborah - Renee Zelweger), but manages to go astray. Deborah has a soft touch, but has a silent strength that allows her to meet his indiscretions head on. The episode draws the pair closer as Hall also begins to take a larger role in his wife's philanthropy. Deborah has had dreams that have called her to minister to the homeless. In particular, her efforts focus on a violent homeless man named Denver (Djimon Hounsou). As life runs its course, Ron is forced to deal with other issues in his life that have been simmering. His reflections on his past lead him toward fulfillment. It is a story of submission, redemption and faith.

Same Kind of Different as Me is based on the true story of the Hall family and their friendship with Denver Moore. The screenplay is based on the book that Hall and Moore co-authored. Director Michael Carney collaborated with Hall and Alexander Foard on the screenplay. Hall was not an author when he wrote his memoirs. So this film was written by a handful of novice writers. You wouldn't guess that from watching the film. The dialogue was crisp and often humorous. The film was told in flashbacks, but never felt choppy. The pacing was steady. The heartbeat was evident. The film never felt contrived or forced. It wasn't preachy or cloying. It was solid drama delivered deftly by an A-list cast.

Before anyone takes issue with me referring to this cast as "A-List" allow me to explain my thinking in using that term. There is no hard fast definition I can find. They are generally actors whose name alone will secure funding for a project. The name will get people into the theater. Zellweger is most recognizable. While no longer in her prime, Zellweger did win an Oscar and was nominated for two more. She has an impressive trophy collection. Jon Voight, who plays Hall's father, won an Oscar along with three other nominations. Hounsou has two Oscar nominations. Kinnear has one nomination. With four Oscar winners/nominees in the cast, I would consider that to be an A-list cast. Your opinion may differ. But what matters is the quality of their performances in this film. The performances were flawless. Riveting at times. It is impressive to see such quality casting for a faith-based film.

Same Kind of Different as Me deals with the issue of homelessness as an integrated part of its core. This involves some mild violence, language and delicate issues like prostitution. The MPAA settled on a PG-13 rating, which I can understand. But the contextual nature of those elements make sense to me. I would not be concerned with younger viewers seeing this film. The messages of faith, giving and humanity are a sharp counterbalance to the mild thematic elements.

With the volume of sheer garbage coming out of Hollywood, it is refreshing to see a heartwarming true story that has the polish and finesse of a big budget film. Stuart Heritage of the Guardian described this film as "the worst, most offensive thing I have seen." I find that hard to believe, even if it were offensive or bad. Which leads me to believe that Heritage is a pedantic self-righteous elitist. At least I know that I can't trust his reviews going forward. I read that before seeing this film, which gave me low expectations. I don't expect this film to break any box office records. It is a solid film that was well executed. And I left the theater feeling satisfied. It is worth catching at the matinee if it stays in theaters long enough for you to catch it. Otherwise, it is worth dropping in your queue when it hits streaming. 7.5/10.