Several years ago, I remember going to the theatre with Mary to see a Martin Short film called Clifford. It took us about 15 minutes to walk out of the theatre and request a refund, something I had never done before or since. It was THAT bad.
We just got done watching a movie that makes Clifford look like Shakespeare.
Over the years, Christian film-makers have lagged behind secular filmmakers for lack of creative scripts, technical prowess and fine actors. That is beginning to change as the Christian community is casting big-name stars in their productions and Mel Gibson's The Passion has shattered so many box office records.
From the Thief in the Night series in the mid-seventies, to the disappointing Left Behind flop, the last days, the rapture and the anti-Christ have been typical fodder for Christian film. Do we really need another end-times flick?
Thus begins our encounter with Gone, a film by Tim Chey.
Gone is another "rapture" film, expounding on what may take place when Jesus calls Christians off the earth, leaving the rest behind to suffer the wrath of God. It stars Dirk Been and Joel Klug (both of Survivor: Borneo fame).
The truth of the matter is, I am not going to review this film. It isn't worth it. But criticizing it is most definitely worth it since I just wasted 75 minutes of my life watching it.
It wasn't until I read the reviews on the back of the DVD case that I realized this was supposed to have been a drama and NOT a comedy! I'm sure Tim Chey has a passion for filmmaking, but I have very little encouragement to offer him for this project. Gone may very well be the WORST film I have EVER seen. Terrible acting, an attrocious end-times script, convoluted last-days theology, poor overdubbing and awful sound effects (what was with the roosters?) made this movie agonizing to watch.
The box suggests that it would make an excellent evangelistic tool to lead others to Christ. I would never, EVER, and I do mean NEVER, use this film as a tool to share Christ with someone. It is embarrasingly bad. Gone makes The Judas Project look like a masterpiece. (Haven't seen The Judas Project? Don't. Save yourself the pain.)
What puzzles me most are the reviews on the back of the DVD case. "Keeps you on the edge of your seat". Yeah, with laughter. About ten minutes into the film, my wife and I realized this was a dog and we had fun picking out all the errors and mistakes. "Brilliant Film. Well crafted and convincing. Loved it!" Um, hello? Are we watching the SAME film? "Wow! The movie reminds me of an Alfred Hitchcock film, especially the twist ending". How about a STUPID ending. Spoiler ahead. Oh, why should I warn you.
The guy wakes up from a dream. It was all a dream. But wait, it is coming true! AAAAAAAGGHHH. Didn't see that coming. Nope.
From the back cover...
In this post-apocalyptic thriller, ‘Survivor’ stars Dirk Been and Joel Klug star as tenacious, young lawyers who are sent to Manila to defend a multi-national corporation accused of spilling hazardous waste; but instead, meet their fate in the last days of the Earth. Chaos ensues when the Rapture strikes, causing the characters to size up the world, humanity, and finally God in this highly intelligent, critically acclaimed motion picture, “GONE”.
Highly intelligent? I must be an absolute idiot. I mean, I must be the city idiot. Unless we have changed the definition of "intelligence" along with the definition of the word "is", I just can't imagine anyone walking away from this film thinking they had been challenged intellectually or spiritually. Critically acclaimed? I can't take any more...
Avoid Gone like the seven plagues that are to come. If you are a Christian and want to share Christ with your friends, I suggest you look elsewhere.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
June 10, 2004 01:35 PM
Re: The film "Gone." Being an adult of slightly above average intelligence, I have no desire to see a film that is designed to appeal to the low IQ, "Survivor" watching masses. No wonder I was mystified by the "stars" names. Never heard of them. But I just remembered something: Summer is the time for second rate, school child asinine movies. Remembered, also, that the spending power of today's youth is based on the premise of Daddy AND Mommy earning big bucks. Not the kids themselves. And with our "get rid of them" school boards attitude, what can you expect? Thanks for the review, Mayor.
June 30, 2004 11:27 PM
This was the lamest movie I have ever seen!! What a waste of money and time. Talk about false advertisement. The back of the DVD compares Tim Chey as the Quentin Tarantino of Christian films...what an insult to Quentin Tarantino. It was also nominated for "Best Christian Movie of the YeaR 2003" by Christian Beats magazine...are they crazy? Were the other movies so bad that 'Gone" was actually considered a good film? As a christian and an avid movie goer I have to say that once again the christian movie industry has let me down. "Gone" is truly one of the worst films I"ve ever seen! The plot made no sense...and the acting was unconvincing and worse than a B horror movie. Chances are that if you're in Manila, you're not going to find an old man with an english sign, screaming in english about the end times. He'll be either speaking in Phillipino or Spanish. And what was up with the tattoos? Did the girly looking tatoos symbolize "the mark"? And the anichrist is supposed to be some Phillipino guy? What a joke!!
The hail looked like large styrofoam balls, and the "falling stars" were really scary..NOT! In a rapture film you expect to see the chaos that occurs when all the christians disappear, you know, cars crashing, planes falling from the sky, multitudes of people freaking out...that sort of thing. In this movie, they must have had a very limited budget because they didn't hire enough extras to play "the multitude of people freaking out". The streets were pretty much deserted...it stank!
I won't even share the "Left Behind" movie with my unbeleiving freinds because I find it embarressing, especially the part where everyone's clothes are neatly folded when the people disappear. This movie is a different story all together because I'm even too embarressed to admit I payed for it. So no, I will not be sharing this movie with any of my unsaved freinds. It's bad enough that Christian movies are already cheesy and poorly made and poorly written, but if I shared "Gone" with my friends, they might stop talking to me.
Thank God for Mel Gibson, now that's a movie!
Thanks Mayor for your honest review and Igor, good comments.
Two thumbs DOWN!
July 8, 2004 12:12 AM
'Gone' is a great film. It's always amazing to see other 'Believers' bash their fellow brothers. The film gives glory to Jesus Christ and that should be enough.
What Christians want is pure entertainment these days. Remember Paul's warning in First Timothy that in the last days, we 'will become lovers of pleasure'.
The ancient Greeks loved great entertainment and relished it more than anything.
We're 'embarassed' because a film that couldn't meet Hollywood's budget of Titanic and courageous Christian filmmakers get persecuted by their own brethern.
For 'The Mayor', someday, he'll stand before the Lord and give an account as to why he felt compelled to slander another brother in Christ.
God bless all the people behind 'Gone'. You have my absolute and fondest support!
July 8, 2004 12:28 AM
Perhaps you'll stand before the Lord and He'll ask you this question...
"How could you support a film that so embarrases the cause the Christ?" ;-)
But in all seriousness, just because the creators of the film had good intentions does not automatically guarantee the artistic merit of a work. I believe the Lord calls us to EXCELLENCE in whatever we do. "Gone" was a poor film and I stand by my review.
NOTE: I did NOT slander the creators of the film. I said the film was terrible. You must note the difference between criticizing the art and critizing other people.
July 12, 2004 01:46 PM
Being a Christian does not mean you have to buy into anything and everything with the words Jesus or Christ on it. "Gone" is a terrible movie. That isn't even a harsh enough criticism. In fact, there may not be a word in the English language which would adequately describe how bad it is.
Even if i were able to look past all the obviously terrible things about it, like the script, acting, effects, and dubbing. I would still be left with a message which is the exact opposite of what Christ taught. Christ didn't come to humanity and scare them with tales of torture, in an attempt to frighten them into following him. He came to humanity and showed them salvation and love and peace. This movie shows none of those things, and is nothing more than a cheap "thriller" which feeds off of the fears of those who have loved ones that may not be saved.
It is one thing to make a movie like The Passion, which shows Christ's sacrifice in a realistic light. It is another thing to try and feed off of people's fears of hell and damnation to get cheap scares. The people who made "Gone" should be ashamed of more than just its unbelievably poor quality.
And, anyone who blindly follows those who use Christ's name to make money, needs to take a good long look in the mirror. God gave you a brain for a reason. Use it.
July 27, 2004 11:54 PM
Everyone who claims to be a Christian is not necessarily a Christian.
For instance, is a someone who poses as a Christian Public Relations person who then goes on a rampage slandering Christian movies because he was fired from a Christian movie, a Christian?
Or is a Christian movie review critic who slanders other Christian's work in front of the world, a Christian?
Paul says 'love is patient, love is kind. It is not ill-mannered, not irritable.'
Mr. Mayor, who doesn't even post his real name, yet slanders other Christians by name, is your typical 'coffee-house' genius. He's never made a movie, yet loves to belittle others who have. He sits in his one-bedroom apartment with his barking dog and wishes he could do more with his miserable life.
THIS GIVES HIM THE WONDERFUL HIGH HE CRAVES. Rudeness is a little person's imitiation of power. MR. MAYOR can't even quote a single Bible verse to back up his claims that he's acting in the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul speaks of being not eloquent in his message. I guess taking the Lord's Name in vain as in the movies Mr. Mayor loves would be justified as long as the budget and the high-quality, excellent look of the film fitted his pathetic meager trailer park taste.
All I can say is may the Lord repay you for your vicious actions.
And to the Christian PR man who continues to slander 'GONE" throughout the internet, you too will stand before the Judgement seat and may the Lord show mercy on you.
God bless all those who support 'GONE'.
And to Mr. Mayor, why don't you post your real name on the Internet. 'The Lord condenms a crafty man' as Proverbs says.
July 28, 2004 01:42 AM
Hello Pot? Yes, this is the kettle. Guess what? You are black.
Salt, I am afraid that you have fallen into the very trap which you accuse me of.
First of all, my name is all over the site. It doesn't take a "coffee house genius" to figure it out. Interesting that you wouldn't leave a real email address, but instead choose to use my name (which you insisted was somehow anonymous?)
Secondly, your rudeness and slanderous attitude toward me is hardly Christlike.
Thirdly, we are speaking of a FILM that I am critiquing, and not the Holy Bible.
I am afraid you are way off base in judgment of me. I am prepared to stand before God justified by the blood of Jesus Christ, and not by your ludicrous standard that I must accept poor quality scriptwriting and acting as excellent just because the people who made it claim to be Christians!
I do not judge the hearts of those who created the film. I just said the film stunk and was an embarrasment to the cause of Christ.
Proverbs also has plenty to say about "fools". Perhaps you would be wise to pay heed to them.
Anyone else with the capacity to think for themselves seen this movie?
September 1, 2004 05:25 PM
I haven't seen the film. I purchased it but never received it and in an effort to find the company via email to request a refund I found this site. All I can say is to the man behind this site, is I can't believe all the people who call themselves Christians who are attacking you. I read all the listings here and you did nothing wrong. Yes, we are to band together, yes, we are to follow Christ, but to believe that everything anyone does as a Christian is perfect is a fallatious premise to begin with. You said it correctly when you stated that not only are we to do the work of God, but do it with excellence. I wil not be seeing the movie and thank you for taking the time and having pride to do your work in an excellent manner.
September 13, 2004 04:00 AM
I just rented the movie with my wife. She is a devote Christian while I am not. But I do have an open mind and was very interested.
I rented the movie because I was curious about the "Best Christian Movie of 2003." Summary sounded cool, DVD cover looked cool, and the end credit looked cool... That's it..
I will not critize the message behind the movie, because as a non christian, I do no have any right to do so.
But what I will critize is the movie.. OH MY GOODNESS. This movie has got to be the worst made movie... I've been to film school, and worked on film set. FYI.. I have not made my own feature. I do respect the effort made my the film makers, becuase I do know how hard it is to make a movie.
As stated in the Special Features, they used a 24S Sony CinaAlta Digital camera, the same one that used by George Lucas for EP 1, and 2. I assure you, GONE does not look like Star Wars: Attach of the Clones.
Within two minutes, I knew the movie quality was going to suck.. Not the content, but the production aspect.
Lighting was bad, editing was bad, and the ROOSTERS!!! Obviously money was a factor in making this movie, and unfortuatly many indie film makers face that same problem. They should have saved the helicopter shots for better talent.
When you don't have quantity, you need to make up for it in quality..
My wife who is the devote Christian did not like the movie, becuase:
1) Protrayed non christian as the devils and just plain a$$holes.. pardon my language..
2) It was made to scare non-christian, versus teaching to the non-christians.
Christian or non-Christian, I'd stay away from this movie..
October 14, 2004 03:49 PM
'Gone'. Actually, non-existent. My comments on the production quality of the movie.
November 7, 2004 09:39 PM
I tried watching to watch that film, but my brain exploded about 15 minutes into it.
December 9, 2004 11:34 AM
Hey Joel...
Thanks for the GREAT review. I agree with you 100% in your assessment of this movie. It was horrible!!
It's so hard to find a really *good* Christian movie -- well made, good script, etc. There are a few that are decent, but still so lacking in quality (big budget) movie making.
I wrote a pretty bad review of this movie on christiancinema.com shortly after this movie came out and within a month my bad review was removed.
I was fortunate enough to find your site while trying to get an honest review of "Six - The Mark Unleashed"... trying to decide whether to spend $20 or not. I think not.
GONE was a HUGE disapointment, especially when I expected so much more because of the comments on the dvd box. It was probably THE worst Christian movie I've ever seen. At least some of the other really bad ones, "Mark of the Beast" or "Crime of the Age", had some reference to the actual Gospel.. some inclination to the unsaved of how to be saved. GONE had nothing. Boring scene after boring scene of people going... where? doing what? No reason. No direction.
It's been months since I watched GONE, but I remember distinctly when they saw the guy at the park/beach with the signs that the end is near, i thought "good, now they'll at least present the gospel" -- but it was NOWHERE in the entire movie! For Christians who have some understanding we realize and know what's going on and why -- for the non-christian, how can they possibly know how to be saved from being left behind in the rapture unless someone clearly tells them?
This movie was pointless and vague about everything that really matters. I was (maybe still am) even *angry* that such a description and quotes that were made could even be made on the movie box. I thought there must be SOME redeeming value to this movie... SOME good message. It was painful to sit and watch as *NOTHING* would be said!! I kept waiting for at least one clear presentation of the gospel, but nooooooooooooo.... nothing. zip. zero. I'll suffer poor movie making for at least a good message. It just wasn't there.
Why isn't it "slander" to say such glowing things when it's so obviously such a terrible movie?!
I felt deceived and ripped off of the $15-20 I spent to buy it.
Keep up the good work Mr. Mayor :)
Sharon B.
December 9, 2004 12:06 PM
Thanks for your encouraging words, Sharon!
I am disappointed with ChristianCinema.com. I have submitted positive and negative reviews. They have only posted the positive ones. Clearly they are only interested in selling dvds and videos, and not honest assessment of the product they carry. While Amazon carries a lot of garbage, they at least allow people to post their honest opinion.
Thanks for following my rants!
Joel
December 16, 2004 04:56 PM
Hi Everyone,
I'm the director of 'Gone' and I was kind of stunned when I find this site today on the search engine Google. I want to apologize to all the people on this site who found the movie horrible. We were shooting on a tight budget and finished the film in about 18 days.
I had great visions for the film, but much of it did not come across or translate during the production and post-production of the film. I wanted to achieve a very realistic portrayal of the Rapture and the ensuing consequences, but I failed to engage the audience or move the plot forward crisply.
Am I still proud of the film? I don't know to be honest with you - it's almost a daily thing. Reading through all the negative reviews made me rethink many things. Maybe I'll try my luck as a farmer.
I think we planted the seeds of re-thinking the end times in people's minds and I've received some wonderful and encouraging emails from people who saw the film at a Bible study where it made them think more about where we're all headed in our lives as a whole.
If any of you want to discuss the film with me, feel free to call me personally at (310) 890 7195 and I'd be happy to share all the blood, sweat, and tears of the filmmaking process that went into making 'Gone'.
God bless everyone who shared their opinions on 'Gone' on this site.
Warmest regards in Christ,
Tim
Writer/Director 'Gone'
December 16, 2004 07:53 PM
Tim,
What a pleasure to have you post on my blog!
First of all, I think I owe you and apology. My review was a bit sarcastic and cynical. It's just that I don't know if I can stand another end-times/rapture film.
It takes a lot of courage to make a film, let alone withstand the criticism that undoubtedly will darken your doorstep. I would encourage you to continue seeking God's will, whether through film or farming ;-)
I would like to see Christian filmmakers tell stories that aren't necessarily marketed to the Christian market, but that communicate timeless messages that point people towards God's truths. Regarding the end times, I think we are still having a "Left Behind" hangover.
Take heart. Yours is not the first film I have panned mercilessly. Thanks for having the courage to post your comments here. They were written in a spirit of humility, which in turn has humbled me as well.
Yours in Christ,
Joel (The Mayor)
January 31, 2005 04:55 PM
OK, I haven't seen Gone myself and was just curious as to whether or not it was as good as the outer box said it might be. Now I'm torn. On the one hand, I've read some positive views on it but they've been severely outnumbered by the negatives from both Christians and non-Christians.
If there's anyone critical of the current state of Christian films, it's me, hands down. I've complained over and over again to my friends and acquaintances about how lousy the majority of Christian films are.
What gets me is that there is a whole genre regarding the End Times. Yes, we are living in them and YES the world needs to know about it and YES we must be ready but if we're going to take the time and trouble to make a film, we must make a concerted effort to present quality.
What also gets me is that right now, even as I type there are dozens, DOZENS of incredible Christian novels that are practically begging to be made into films but instead just sit on the shelf. Books you've probably never heard of but if made into real films would be awesome.
To the director of GONE, let me say that it was very courageous of you to come to this site and imput your two cents about the film and what happened between shooting and release. If you say that maybe the final result isn't what you wanted then maybe I should rethink buying it.
I will say however that there is one film that you have to see. M10:28. This is a movie that everyone has to see. It's low budget but it's light-years ahead of the majority of Christian films out there, except the "Passion" of course.
Thank you for your time.
February 9, 2005 09:23 AM
I would like to say that I found this movie just as bad as everyone else, but I sat through it because I wanted to be aware of the messages that people who call themselves Christians are trying to further in our society. You have the right to believe whatever you want and so do I. Don't ever forget that.
One is to infer from this movie several things.
1. If you have a tattoo you will go straight to hell.
2. You have denounced science, including evolutionary theory, and you would prefer that people are not "educated."
3. You use fear as a tool to persuade and manipulate.
4. The media (which you accuse of keeping you in the dark about God's plan, but in fact which you conspire to use for this very purpose) is evil.
Anyone who has had even half of a decent education and can think for themselves would laugh out loud at this movie...but it takes itself seriously, so I have to conclude that these are indeed the thoughts and values of "the Christian community."
If you are showing this movie to children, shame on you.
March 22, 2005 11:34 PM
“Gone” is a masterpiece of small budget filmmaking. Most people are use to big budget Hollywood movies and they need big stars, big sets, big production, big score, and big explosions to be entertained. “Gone” is not for these people. Some may find “Gone” an ambiguous film but once you peel away the layers you will find a perspicuous vision of filmmaking
I did not care for the film the first time I watched it, but after repeated viewings I have gained an appreciation of the art behind this film. Like the Matrix, which exposed the general public to Buddhists ideals, “Gone” does the same for Christian/Rapture views, only on a much lower budget. Watching the director’s commentary may help you have a better understanding of the film. 18 days on small budget and all you get are concepts, characters, ideals, and beliefs expressed as best as the director can, given the circumstances. Keep up the good work Tim.
April 11, 2005 03:24 AM
I too, stumbled across this site searching GONE. It seems like I'm a bit late to add my 2 cents. I will anyway.
I truely believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. When you create something it becomes your child, and when that child has come of age to be sent out into the world, there will be some out there who will have differing opinions about the child. He/she will get picked on and teased by some and others will want to be friends. What I'm trying to say is that, different strokes for different folks. Even though we were made in His image, God did not create us all the same. That would be boring. He also gave us our own minds and free thinking, so no one should have a place to say that person is wrong or right but keep in mind using tact. Instead of total bashing try to consider others and use constructive criticism.
When you know the history of a creation or you have been involved in the project you grow an appreciation for it and hold it up on a pedistal. (referring back to the child analogy thingy) Just knowing about what Tim has "GONE" through in the making of this film, would really give you another perspective on your views. The amount of blood and sweat that went into the making of this film with the limited resources, one can see the many blessings God has brought to this film. Theres a verse that speaks of this, right? God uses the weak and unassuming types instead of the big man on campus. I guess thats another way you can look at this film.
You also have to consider the fact that satan would never want a film that glorifies the Lord to be made or finished, but "GONE" made it for the rising of the red curtains. I am sure satan had a hand in trying to sabotage this and many other films from being made as well and now that theyre made he uses our emotions to get the better of us and starts pitting ourselves together. Why there was so much bad blood in this site, I have no idea. Because of difference of opinions? Cmon now. We are all better than that.
Once you get the full story I think you appreciate something more.
In my opinion though, I loved this film. And I can appreciate the amount of heart and passion that was put into this film. And it can be used as a great tool for Christ whether you think so or not. If it affects just one life to seek Christ, don't you think it's doing its job. I mean thats the intent of why christian films are being produced right? rather than seeing big explosions and a bunch of eye candy. SAVE LIVES!! BE FISHERS OF MEN!!!
Ok, I think that was more than 2 cents. More like $5.46
God Bless to everyone and keep praying for our troops!!!
February 10, 2006 09:36 PM
I am about a year late in review of this film "Gone." That is because I never heard of it until I saw it for sale at MovieStop for $3.99.
Now, I am an open minded person and I enjoy good films. This just wasn't one of them.
In fact, this was a pretty terrible movie overall. I got lost in the bad acting, the bad effects and editing. Really, I just didn't get the movie at all. Seemed like there was supposed to be some kind of message for salvation, just couldn't find it in this film.
I have read the reviews on this site, was happy to see some honesty about the film. The DVD box and the official website reviews the film as if this film was the best thing since, well, since Jesus himself walked the earth.
I found the reviews here honest, not slanderous towards Christians or Jesus Christ. Don't you think Jesus would probably say "Thanks Tim for the effort, but you are bit shy in the talent department. All my best, JC."
I was surprised by some of the rage expressed towards Mayor regarding his honest review of the movie. Someone even commented that God would harshly judge Mayor for his critique of the film. "Well, Mayor, you were a good person... honest, respectful, faithful... look at all that community work... and all you gave of yourself to those in need... good, very good..... UH OH/ this is bad... you did not like the movie "Gone"... OOOH, thought it had bad acting, camera angles and such... Well, Mayor, I am sorry to say that it is Eternal Damnation for you!!!!" Come on. Let's stay in reality for a few minutes.
I enjoyed reading the posts and glad I could contribute. Now, how do I go about getting my $3.99 back?
November 19, 2006 06:11 PM
I just finished watching the movie GONE! Personally I am in shock! Whats more mind boggling than the actors Tim Chey chose to put in this movie, is how he ever got this thing funded and how someone ever read this screenplay and thought that this would be good or that it would Glorify God. I would be embarrassed to show this to anyone, especially as an evangelical tool. Tim Chey . . . please stop making movies and go back to law school.
July 4, 2008 02:30 PM
WELL I LOVE THIS MOVIE. REGARDLESS OF ITS LOW BUDGET, THIS MOVIE WAS GREAT TO ME AND IM NOT A CHRISTIAN.
August 1, 2008 12:50 PM
well, I am a christian , and I saw the movie about sat 6 times and each time. well, the movie was good and Bad.To me, the plot was good ,but it could have been better. to me, it was a bit cliche. A movie that is good to me is called Lay It Down.also from christian cinema. should check iit out , and it is not an end of times classic at all.lol overall, the movie was okay.
If you really want a GREAT end of times film no lie check out :
The Moment After1 and 2 its gggrrreeeaattt!
Tim did the best he could , the only way from bottom is up!