Mercy Steets DVD: David White) is a small-time criminal who, upon his release from prison, is met by his former partner, Rome (Eric Roberts). Rome wants John to join him in a counterfeiting scheme that could earn them $20 ... more »million. John is trying to go straight, but he needs to raise money for a real estate project he's trying to get off the ground, so he agrees, despite his misgivings. Rome trusts John with $50,000 in front money, but John double-crosses Rome and runs off with the cash; Rome is not at all amused and is determined to get revenge on John. On the run and with few options, John seeks out his estranged twin brother Jeremiah (also played by White), a novice minister who long believed his brother was dead. But John soon discovers that Rome has mistaken Jeremiah for John and has taken him hostage. Jeremiah tries to play along in hopes of saving his brother's life, while John tries to stay undercover by posing as Jeremiah -- and even tries to fool his brother's girlfriend Samantha (Cynthia Watros) into believing he's a man of the cloth. Produced by a Christian film production firm, Signal Hill Pictures, Mercy Streets also features Stacy Keach, Lawrence Taylor, and Robert Lasardo. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Starring: Eric Roberts, David A.R. White, Cynthia Watros« less
The first Christian movie that could pass for a secular one.
Mark Arndt | Belleville, Illinois USA | 08/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film blows The Omega Code out of the water. When watching Mercy Streets, for the first time ever with a Christian movie, I forgot I was watching a Christian movie. I judge movies harshly -- I am unforgiving of flaws, usually. This movie is virtually flawless. I had very few criticisms of it. I'm still surprised that a Christian movie turned out to be so well-made! With The Omega Code, it was more like I was donating my time and money by watching it, though I didn't enjoy it. With Mercy Streets, I want to see it again!"
Most christian movies are really bad, except...
TooLoud66 | Houston, TX USA | 02/24/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best "Christian movie" I have ever seen. Most of the movies in this genre are cheap and unimaginative. I am a fan of movies like Reservoir Dogs and Snatch, and would have never thought a movie like this could have been made. This film has the feel of such films, yet has something to say about, not only life, but the after-life. The casting was very well done. I especially enjoyed the cameo by Stacy Keach. As a Christian independent filmmaker, I was elated to realize that a movie can be made especially gritty, yet have this kind of message behind it."
Unexpectedly Entertaining
Morgan | New York | 07/20/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While perusing the shelves at the video rental store, not in a mood to see the same films I've seen a dozen times before, I came across this diamond in the rough. Not knowing what exactly to expect, I took a chance and rented it. I must say that I was pleasently surprised. Although a Christian movie, it didn't feel like I was listening to a sermon/homily or even sitting in Sunday school. It is inviting, engaging, and thoughtful. If you ever crave an original film with a familiar storyline (criminals vs. law-abiding citizens - twins switch identities) but long for a bit of variety, definitly invest. I've since bought the movie myself."
Message of Redemption Wrapped Up in Action Flick
K. Dellaria | Austin, TX | 05/29/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pretty good show. Yes, it sounds cliche`... the whole long lost twin coming back and assuming your life. But I actually found this story fresh. There are few films that address issues of faith and guilt and accepting forgiveness without being vaguely warm-fuzzy-feel-good or over-the-top-evangelical-preachy.I liked that the main character was both a minister (or about to be) and had serious spiritual and relationship struggles. And that the other main character was a rough-edged criminal with just as valid a faith.The other characters fleshed the story out. Noone served the "typical" side-kick role. There was the friend, the girlfriend, and the priests who served as mentors. But they each had their own fresh personality, not the standard cookie-cuts. Even the criminal mastermind fellow was not a stereotype.There was violence and the ending was weaker than I had hope for. But this is the only movie I have ever paused to get a piece of paper and write down a quote. The story will live in my head for a long time as a parable of accepting God's forgiveness and pressing myself to forgive others."
Solid drama about family and spiritual turmoil
TOMMY C ELLIS | Federal Way, WA United States | 08/08/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What makes this movie work is that the character who receives the strongest "preaching to" is a clergy-candidate. Many viewers are put off when the super-righteous spiritual persons speaks down to the ignorant sinner. The hero, Jeremiah, is torn with guilt over an incident that took place when he was 14. His twin brother was under attack and he froze. The guilt has scarred his life ever since. Mercy Street's primary story is Jeremiah's journey through this guilt to true reconciliation with the episode, with his brother, and with God. The frame for the story involves a criminal counterfeiting scam. Even the unsavory Rome, the chief "counterfeiter," gets to preach at Jeremiah. The plot does offer suspense on this level, but also much light-hearted humor.Bottom-line: This is a solid drama that should lead to interesting discussion. It garners four-stars as an excellent film, with a strong "Made For TV" feel."