This movie has much to recommend it, including one of Steve Martin's first dramatic roles, a wonderful low-key performance by Liam Neeson, and rousing music led by Edwin Hawkins.
But I want to draw attention to what I find the most evocative scene, just after Boyd's miracle healing. Jonas walks out of his bus and sees all the people who have set up camp for the night after attending his revival. They have created a loving, giving community. They're playing checkers, feeding strangers, reading to children...sweet, ordinary activities that--if I'm reading Martin's facial expressions correctly--make Jonas realize that these are worthwhile human beings, not just marks. Yes, they fell for his act, but my takeaway from that scene is that their basic decency is stronger than his cynicism. Add in the uplifting music, and this is a lovely scene.
But I want to draw attention to what I find the most evocative scene, just after Boyd's miracle healing. Jonas walks out of his bus and sees all the people who have set up camp for the night after attending his revival. They have created a loving, giving community. They're playing checkers, feeding strangers, reading to children...sweet, ordinary activities that--if I'm reading Martin's facial expressions correctly--make Jonas realize that these are worthwhile human beings, not just marks. Yes, they fell for his act, but my takeaway from that scene is that their basic decency is stronger than his cynicism. Add in the uplifting music, and this is a lovely scene.