Our family enjoyed watching The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry and I appreciated that the message of sharing the gospel with your neighbors and friends was loud and clear in this movie. At first I thought this would not be the best film for our family because the main character in the movie, “Dustin” seems obsessed with writing a note to a girl who he has a crush on. Although it seems to be the rage these days for young children to date even in our church youth groups, my husband and I reject this whole idea and feel that our culture and church are so wrong about this. This film doesn’t promote or discourage dating but focuses on the eternal. Eventually Dustin’s heart changes and he begins to care about the souls of those in his life including this little girl. This film was definitely not like The Wonder Years.…but I was afraid it was heading that way. This film has many themes that may or may not be the best for your whole family. My husband was disappointed that there were no father’s in this film. Other than Jonathan Sperry who was more like a grandpa the Dad’s were completely absent in each boys family. My husband kept asking…”Where are the Dad’s while all of this is going on?” Other themes in this film included bullying, death, heaven, hell, and adolescent “crushes.”
Our boys thought it was funny and usually enjoy watching other children their own age. Most of the boys in the film are good role models however there were bullies and Dustin who was overly eager to “go out” with a girl. (We discussed why dating is not a good idea during this part) In the end he chooses to share the gospel with her instead. ~Anne
Best buddies Dustin (Jansen Panettiere), Albert (Frankie Ryan Manriquez), and Mark (Allen Isaacson) are twelve year old boys looking forward to a summer of fun in 1970. When Dustin mows the lawn of seventy-five year old Jonathan Sperry (Gavin MacLeod), a man he has seen at church, a unique friendship develops. What happens the rest of this summer is something Dustin and his friends will never forget! Dove approved. Rated PG. Approx. 96 minutes. If you are interested in purchasing this DVD please visit our store. All items include free shipping in the USA.
(Turn off the music before beginning movie….click on square past the clock)
