HONK FOR JESUS, SAVE YOUR SOUL – Review by Gadi Elkon

Writer/Director Adamma Ebo and twin Producer Adanne Ebo’s feature film debut links powerhouses Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall in the witty church satire, HONK FOR JESUS, SAVE OUR SOUL.  Here is my full review.

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. is a satirical comedy starring Regina Hall as Trinitie Childs – the proud first lady of a Southern Baptist megachurch, who together with her husband Pastor Lee-Curtis Childs (Sterling K. Brown), once served a congregation in the tens of thousands. But after a scandal forces their church to temporarily close, Trinitie and Lee-Curtis must reopen their church and rebuild their congregation to make the biggest comeback that commodified religion has ever seen.

Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall full commitment to the unaware satirical delivery pushes the film to scandalous heights.  As the plot unravels and we become more aware of the incidents that have forever impacted the Pastor and his megachurch’s hold on the community.  The witty banter elevates the church speak that has become so mockingly sculpted since the megachurch movement in the southern states.  Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul goes full tilt in showing the evil perils of the mixture of capitalist and religious ideals.  All the while allowing for Sterling and Regina to fully showcase their flamboyant characters.

Comparisons to HBO’s Righteous Gemstones is most fitting as The Ebo twins have amplified the Southern Baptist megachurch to its most profound levels.  The way in which the Black church’s connection to the community is all in compassing is a major point in the film.  You’ll find yourself laughing, cringing and cringe-laughing throughout as the plot escalates the trials of the Childs.

Timing wise this film may have been a real unique hit if released during Easter, as the film takes place during this time frame.  The way in which the holiday imparts and motivates choices in the film is creatively accomplished. So seeing this film pushed to the end of summer does slightly steal the potential of the release.  Nonetheless the incredible pull of two superstar talents getting to fully embody this dynamic couple should bring folks out in mini-congregations. Of course, church goers may feel a bit attacked, but the Ebo twin’s film is not a condemnation but rather an amplified honest reflection.

Put down the bible, get your smile on.

#HonkForJesus

HONK FOR JESUS, SAVE YOUR SOUL

3.5 out of 5 Stars.

Written & Directed by: Adamma Ebo

Rated: R

Running Time: 1h 42min

Comedy / Satire

Release: September 2nd

Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Regina Hall, Nicole Beharie, Conphidance, & Austin Crute