Boring

As Good As It Gets

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

The Apostle will primarily appeal to those 30 and older. Robert Duvall is the only reason for seeing this movie. Otherwise, I found this movie extremely boring and slow. Robert Duvall's performance makes this movie worth watching to see terrific acting. This is my third preaching movie seen today. I think that I am all preached out. This is a good movie to see in the afternoon if you want to stay awake for the entire film. I usually enjoy watching Robert Duvall in his movie roles. This role makes him both a villain and a hero. Most of the time I remember Robert Duvall as mostly the villain in a movie. Bring plenty of munchies for this film. Enjoy.

i waited to see this movie. i guess i was afraid. i watched "the apostle" tonight! it gripped me from the first turn of the reels. i have always adored robert duvall! "convicts" is also one of his best roles! and, let us not forget "lonesome dove"! i could not believe the fact that he also directed this movie, as well. i know it was made back in 1997, but, i just saw it tonight. robert duvall-you are one of the finest actors to ever come out of the back woods of this great country of ours! the tragedy is you did not make more movies in which you were also given the chance to direct! i take my hat off to you, fine sir! hats off, gentlemen, to a genius!!

This is one of those rare Performances that seems to transcend Acting. Robert Duvall is the Apostille, one might say. A firebrand force, a Jesus Juggernaut, a Preacher who will not be denied. He will invoke Jesus' Name until it literally drives Satan away holding his ears.The trouble, as far as this Movie goes, it may drive Viewers away with its relentless Bible Thumping and sing-song Religious Rants, most shouted at supreme volume, with or without the aid of a microphone or Amplitude Modulation. There is so much of this and it is so intense that it almost, but not quite, leaves the more subtle, sublime elements drowning in a Sea of self-indulgence.There is much to admire in this singular effort from the Producer/Writer/Star/Director. The backdrops all have a realism of Rural, Southern Americana and the Cast are all fitting and the combination of Pros and Extras add an almost Documentary feel. Much praise and much Screen time is given to Stylistic Sermonizing by the Apostille and although it is totally believable and compelling, there maybe just too much of a Good thing.Overall, this gallant effort is not without its Sins and is quite an Excellent Character Study. A bit of editing and just a little restraint may have made this a Masterpiece.

Sonny Dewey (Robert Duvall) is the charismatic preacher of a fundamentalist Texas church, until his short temper gets him in serious trouble. He runs off to Louisiana, becomes part of a small community, and starts a new church where he brings hope and salvation to his loyal followers.Robert Duvall is a powerhouse; he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in this movie - and it's wonderful. He is so convincing as the southern evangelist that it really surprised me to hear him speak in his normal voice in the Extras. Sonny is completely devoted to saving people and spreading the Word, but we suspect he may have a violent and unsavory past, and that dichotomy keeps our eyes glued to Duvall at all times. As Sonny, he's driven, tireless, and simply inspired.While Duvall gets excellent performances out of many local, non-actors in small parts, there were several casting choices that didn't seem right to me: Farrah Fawcett plays Sonny's wife and she's so recognizable as a former "Angel" and glamour girl that it was hard to buy her as a quiet, plain-Jane. June Carter Cash plays Sonny's mother although she is only two years older than Duvall - and looks it and that was distracting. And Billy Bob Thornton has a very small role as a troublemaker that was never developed; I kept expecting him to show up again and do something important and worthy of his stature.The term "tour de force" can certainly be applied to Duvall's performance; he is riveting, charismatic, and utterly believable. Interestingly, the story makes him neither a hero nor a villain; it is left up to the viewer to decide who exactly "the Apostle" is. Highly recommended.