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Ordinary Sinner (2003)
Released By: Magic Lantern Inc.   Rating: Not Rated   In Theaters: 3/28/2003
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Studio: Magic Lantern Inc.
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Director: N/A
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: 3/28/2003
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Elizabeth Banks, Brendan P. Hines, Joshua Harto, Kris Park, A Martinez
Published ID: 602631
UPC: 754703762122,
Plot: A young man struggles to sort out his feelings and his future as a wave of intolerance sweeps through a college town in this drama. Peter Thompson (Brendan P. Hines) was a student at a seminary studying to be an Episcopalian minister, until a tragic incident involving another student caused him to question his faith and his calling. Peter moves to a college town in Vermont, where he gets a job in a pizza joint run by Mike (Peter Onorati), and reconnects with Father Ed (A. Martinez), a gruff but caring streetwise priest who had been Peter's mentor. Peter also renews his friendship with a buddy from school, Alex (Kris Park), who introduces Peter to his good friend Rachel (Elizabeth Banks). Rachel is quite attracted to Peter, and before long she's deprived him of his virginity. While Peter tries to sort out the new changes in his life, a shocking gay bashing incident soon polarizes the town, and Father Ed steps forward to publicly announce that he's a homosexual -- and Mike is his lover. As tensions between anti-gay extremists and pro-gay activists increase, the murder of a gay man brings matters to a boil, and forces Peter, Rachel, and Alex to come to terms with their identities as well as their pasts. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Sad Bad and Not good to know...or see.
Added 1/28/2008

Not so ordinary. It is FREAKIN BAD. Where is the gay twist? A Matinez is a priest - he is gay, but he is not the main character. He has a 'friend' - cool. Also not the focus. Peter is a former divinity student who comes to rural Vermont to sort out crisis of faith and gets involved in a triangle with pal Alex and Rachel. Sounds cool...sounds sexy...is NOT. There IS no real triangle...Alex wants there to be but Peter doesn't know that...until Alex tries in a wishy-washy, why-even-bother way. A Martinez, the priest, gets more action...and we don't see that either. Then Alex tries to ensure he gets Peter by getting rid of the main competition...who is not who you would think really. Could have been good - wasn't. What it was? Slow, bad, disappointing. Not a first rate thriller as the cover purports - maybe a first rate coaster for your coffee. This is like crap on a stick, you shouldn't touch it...it STINKS.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
Not as good as it could have been
Added 4/8/2004

Ordinary Sinner, was not a bad film nor did it meet its potential. The production quality was good as was the sound quality. The acting was actually OK, Martinez stood out as the priest and was the most connected with the viewer. The issue with this film was that it was a bit slow and forced. The other leads had no connection with the viewer and when they tried to be dramatic, you could see it but not feel it. The script was good but did not get you drawn in to the story as well as it should have. The coming out scene of the priest was the finest moment in the film, it was the most powerful and at that piont you did feel involved but it lost me shortly after that scene. Overall it was not bad but also not a movie you would invite your friends over to see. I would suggest renting it if you can and see if you like it enough to spend the money to buy.This was not a great investment but is worth a look. You may want to see the movie " Priest".
6 out of 7 people found this helpful.
Many Reasons to Pay Attention to this little Film
Added 10/12/2003

ORDINARY SINNER is a fine example of what small budget films can accomplish where box office extravaganzas fail. The story is a simple one - college youths in search of defining their roles in the universe on varying levels of sophistication are brought together in a small Vermont college town. The main character has given up on his seminary plan to become an Episcopal priest, engages in his first sexual encounter with a girl who becomes part of the trio of friends that drive this story. When homophobic signs appear in the gossip and visuals of this quiet community, the one who has the courage to quell this dangerous atmosphere is the local parish Episcopal priest ( a beautifully sensitve portrayal by A Martinez) by announcing from his podium that if as the rednecks suggest the bible states to kill homosexuals, then the town should start with him. His tender outing eventually results in his death which is surrounded in mystery. It is the resloving of the mystery that brings understanding and love to the youths and the townspeople. Filmed with flashbacks that only make sense as the film draws to a close enhances the chance taking that is present in this well directed and acted story. Worth watching for the 'food for thought' as well as for the technique of storytelling it demonstrates.
13 out of 15 people found this helpful.
Worth A Look
Added 9/29/2003

"Ordinary Sinner" is an interesting low budget film which deals with spirutual faith, sexuality, and homophobia in a small town. The cover suggest a bisexual romantic triangle but this is not a just a sexy romp-the film explores complex issues as the role of gays in the church.
1 out of 3 people found this helpful.
a smart and moving coming of age film
Added 9/28/2003

Finally, a coming of age film that doesn't patronize (or insult) its audience. There's good humor, sex and serious drama plus some fine performances including A Martinez as a sage gay priest. Davis' gentle direction was an additional unexpected surprise.
1 out of 3 people found this helpful.
Sad Bad and Not good to know...or see.
Added 1/28/2008

Not so ordinary. It is FREAKIN BAD. Where is the gay twist? A Matinez is a priest - he is gay, but he is not the main character. He has a 'friend' - cool. Also not the focus. Peter is a former divinity student who comes to rural Vermont to sort out crisis of faith and gets involved in a triangle with pal Alex and Rachel. Sounds cool...sounds sexy...is NOT. There IS no real triangle...Alex wants there to be but Peter doesn't know that...until Alex tries in a wishy-washy, why-even-bother way. A Martinez, the priest, gets more action...and we don't see that either. Then Alex tries to ensure he gets Peter by getting rid of the main competition...who is not who you would think really. Could have been good - wasn't. What it was? Slow, bad, disappointing. Not a first rate thriller as the cover purports - maybe a first rate coaster for your coffee. This is like crap on a stick, you shouldn't touch it...it STINKS.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
Not as good as it could have been
Added 4/8/2004

Ordinary Sinner, was not a bad film nor did it meet its potential. The production quality was good as was the sound quality. The acting was actually OK, Martinez stood out as the priest and was the most connected with the viewer. The issue with this film was that it was a bit slow and forced. The other leads had no connection with the viewer and when they tried to be dramatic, you could see it but not feel it. The script was good but did not get you drawn in to the story as well as it should have. The coming out scene of the priest was the finest moment in the film, it was the most powerful and at that piont you did feel involved but it lost me shortly after that scene. Overall it was not bad but also not a movie you would invite your friends over to see. I would suggest renting it if you can and see if you like it enough to spend the money to buy.This was not a great investment but is worth a look. You may want to see the movie " Priest".
6 out of 7 people found this helpful.
Many Reasons to Pay Attention to this little Film
Added 10/12/2003

ORDINARY SINNER is a fine example of what small budget films can accomplish where box office extravaganzas fail. The story is a simple one - college youths in search of defining their roles in the universe on varying levels of sophistication are brought together in a small Vermont college town. The main character has given up on his seminary plan to become an Episcopal priest, engages in his first sexual encounter with a girl who becomes part of the trio of friends that drive this story. When homophobic signs appear in the gossip and visuals of this quiet community, the one who has the courage to quell this dangerous atmosphere is the local parish Episcopal priest ( a beautifully sensitve portrayal by A Martinez) by announcing from his podium that if as the rednecks suggest the bible states to kill homosexuals, then the town should start with him. His tender outing eventually results in his death which is surrounded in mystery. It is the resloving of the mystery that brings understanding and love to the youths and the townspeople. Filmed with flashbacks that only make sense as the film draws to a close enhances the chance taking that is present in this well directed and acted story. Worth watching for the 'food for thought' as well as for the technique of storytelling it demonstrates.
13 out of 15 people found this helpful.
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