Machine Gun Preacher

Machine Gun Preacher

Action, drama and a socially conscious message—done not particularly well

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Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2012

Based on an autobiographical account by Sam Childers, an ex-con Hell’s Angel who found God and went off to save orphans in Sudan, this one has action, drama and a socially conscious message. Unfortunately, none of this is done particularly well. Furthermore, Childers has been accused of being little more than a mercenary and of making himself more heroic than facts would indicate. The film is further weakened by the enraged scenery-chewing that the increasingly tiresome Gerard Butler considers acting. Finally, it’s a bit, well, preachy. I applaud the sentiment, but don’t expect Hotel Rwanda.