Have you ever watched a television series that was good at the beginning, great by the second act and left you begging for more when the credits rolled?
Such is the case with “The Chosen,” the eight-part crowdfunded series about Jesus and His followers, which was released in 2019 but has received renewed attention during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, with families hunting for entertainment. Dallas Jenkins directed it.
Each episode tells the story of Christ through the eyes of individuals who met Him: Peter in one, Thomas in another and so forth. We empathize with the disciples — with their flaws and their sinfulness, but most of all with their joy when experiencing God’s grace and mercy.
Full experience
We also encounter the humanity and deity of Christ in a way few other films have displayed. We see Him joke and laugh. We watch Him interact in day-to-day life with those around Him. Of course we see Him teach and perform miracles too.
The acting is stellar, the cinematography spectacular and the plot gripping. Even the music is catchy.
Binge-worthy
“The Chosen” is, hands down, the best thing to “binge watch” this summer. And it’s free. (Although you’ll probably be so inspired when it’s over that you’ll want to help fund future projects.)
It has been dubbed the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus, and it is as inspiring as it is entertaining (Episode 6 — which examines the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof — drew me to tears multiple times).
The series does employ a bit of artistic license, but it always stays within the framework of the biblical account.
To watch “The Chosen,” download The Chosen app in the app store on your smartphone or tablet. From there, you can watch it on your device or on a television through a number of connections, including Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV. It’s also available through VidAngel (VidAngel.com).
Also worth watching this month:
- “I Still Believe” (DVD, Home Video) — The No. 1 movie in America on its opening night, the latest faith-based film from the Erwin Brothers is now available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital platforms. It tells the true story of Christian musician Jeremy Camp’s marriage to his first wife, Melissa, who died of ovarian cancer. It’s one of the most inspiring films I’ve seen. It was released on all home video platforms May 5.
- “Unplanned” (Prime streaming) — It’s the story of Abby Johnson, the Planned Parenthood clinic director who became a pro-life activist after assisting with an abortion. The movie was slapped with an “R” rating even though the graphic content is minimal and the disturbing content is more in the “PG-13” range. Indeed, it deserved a PG-13; this one is not for children.
- “Radio Theater: The Chronicles of Narnia” (Focus@Home Streaming) — Focus on the Family launched free streaming during the pandemic with the promise of additional content and has added the excellent “Chronicles of Narnia” radio drama series, hosted by Douglas Gresham, stepson of author C.S. Lewis. Visit focusonthefamily.com/streaming.
- “More Than Funny” (YouTube) — A hilarious 80-minute comedy special featuring one of the funniest men in America, Michael Jr. Best of all, it’s free, squeaky clean fun for the whole family. “More Than Funny” includes Michael Jr.’s stand-up comedy but also features three real-life inspiring stories. Search for “More Than Funny” on YouTube, or visit Michael Jr.’s YouTube channel.
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