The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

Our entire family enjoyed 'this movie,' and I found it to be one of the best family movies of all time. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry takes us back to 1970 when times were simpler, but forever a need to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The characters are very likeable and there are humorous parts dotted throughout. Here is a quick look at the main characters: Dustin is raised by his mom after his father dies. He's thoughtful and kind and always ready to lend a helping hand. Albert is a silly boy who struggles with keeping a tight reign on his tongue. He provides much comedic relief. Mark is the braniac who seems to have knowledge far beyond his years. Nick is a bully who is also being raised by his mom and who has no qualms about picking on Dustin and his friends. We also meet Bailey, a girl whose father owns the cafe and whom Dustin has a crush. Jonathan Sperry is a 75-year-old man who is active in his church and taught Mark's brother in Sunday School. He lives out his faith and allows God to use him to make an impact on the lives around him. One of the things I loved most about Jonathan Sperry's character was that he actively lived out his faith. He wasn't preachy, yet he showed real-life examples for each lesson. I especially loved the lesson where the boys had to reach the $5 bill on the picnic table. The graveyard scene is also a scene full of impact that depicts the urgency in telling others about Christ. Two of the boys in the movie grew up without fathers. What a wonderful example and mentor Jonathan Sperry was especially to those two boys. This movie had strong themes of redemption, faith, forgiveness, and kindness. This is a heartwarming film for the entire family. While not preachy, it does share an important message. There is also nothing objectionable in the movie, and I highly recommend it! I have added The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry to my Mom-Approved Family Movie list on my blog. A definite must-see and one of my favorite movies of all time! Review by Penny Zeller, Author of "77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others."

Biblical, plan of salvation explained. A great movie.

Very good. Enjoyed

My wife and I watched "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" this afternoon. What we witnessed was an unforgettable story of a seventy five year old man Jonathan Sperry, who takes three adolescent boys under his wing and encourages them to commit their lives to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. Dustin, Mark and Albert are three friends in the summer of 1970, who are struggling with straddling that fine line between childhood and adulthood known as adolescence. Dustin, in particular, is feeling an attraction toward a pretty classmate, Tanya, while trying to stay out of the way of Nick, a bully, who delights in tormenting those he perceives are weaker and don't fight back.While mowing a neighbor's lawn, Dustin catches the eye of Jonathan Sperry, a widower, who invites Dustin at first to mow his lawn and then invites the three friends over for a Bible study. With simple life-changing biblical wisdom, Jonathan inspires the boys to apply the lessons of Jesus to their daily lives even to the point of interceding for their worst enemy, Nick. This film conveys the beauty of Christian commitment in a simple, practical fashion. There is no droning intellectualism or self righteous condemnation. This movie is genuine in that Jonathan wants each boy to give their lives to Jesus and make a difference in someone's lives by their witness.Jonathan is a true mentor whose delight is expressed in the seeds of faith which he plants, waters and watches grow. Gavin Macleod is priceless as the venerable wise senior who dispenses faith as readily as homemade lemonade. Robert Guillaume is great as the crusty neighbor who is at first suspicious of peoples motives until his life changes.It is a joy to see each child grow in grace under the tutelage of a man, who loves unconditionally despite hardship and loss.It is a pleasure to see a movie which respects the Lord and is unashamed to give Him rightful glory. I would recommend this movie highly for the whole family to see.

Based on a true story, this movie is a tribute to how one man's faith can affect the lives of many. It takes place in a town like 'Mayberry' back in the 1960s. There are no drugs, gangs, weapons, profanity, pedophiles, 'alternative lifestyles' or sex scenes. It's a film you should watch with your kids and grand kids. A charming movie with a message for all ages. Entertainment the way movies should be made today. If possible, I would give 10 stars!

If you don't like Christian movies you won't like this, but I still recommend it to you anyways! No cursing, kids who respect their parents (mostly) and an intriguing story with a nice plot twist at the end. The story is about a boy who is befriended by an older neighbor, who teaches him about Faith and helps him deal with some of the problems of growing up - dating, bullies, and how to earn some extra money. I thought the movie was a nice family movie with a simple message, right up to the end. Then they throw a plot twist in with one little comment. I won't tell you what it is, but with that one comment you come to realize just how strong Mr Sperry's faith is.

This is the fictional story of a man who influences the lives of some young boys in a small town. Although the movie is supposed to be set in the 1970s, the characters act more like one would expect from the '40s or '50s. The children actually say things like "Yes sir", and yet it's not set in the South from the lack of Southern accents; I never saw any children in the 1970s (when I was a child) act like they did. The neighborhood looks like perfect picture small town America and the boys spend their summer at a local pizza place and fishing. The three boys come to know an elderly man who feeds them well and spends a lot of time giving them object lessons about the scriptures. I like every Christiano film I've ever seen (and that's many!,)and even as unrealistic as the events of this movie seem to be (such as Nick's outcome and how Mr. Sperry just happened to be able to fill in some of his past for him), I really like this one, too. I especially like the second note that the boy gives to the girl he has a crush on; the contents of it were surprising and made me cry. I did think the film ended abruptly and I would have liked to see the relationship of the boys and Mr. Barnes developed more. The very end of the movie seemed cut off after the big reveal of the connection with Mr. Barnes and Mr. Sperry, and then only the quick future of each of the major characters spelled out, but the movie had delivered the message so I supposed there wasn't much more for the main plot to continue. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes old fashioned inspirational movies.

Wonderful movie for everyone in your house