Tyler Perry's The Gospel of Christmas Premieres on Netflix

Tyler Perry's The Gospel of Christmas premiered on Netflix on November 11. The holiday film stars Durrell 'Tank' Babbs and Fantasia Barrino Taylor in a story about faith, family, and saving a New York City church.

Tank plays Isaac, a secular R&B musician who reluctantly becomes a pastor to honor his late father's dying wish. He and his wife Rebecca, played by Barrino Taylor, move their family to New York to take over a struggling congregation facing foreclosure. The church has few members and significant debts that threaten its closure before Christmas. As Isaac grapples with his new role, figures from his past reemerge, testing his commitment.

Star-Studded Cast and Music

The film features a sprawling ensemble of gospel music royalty. The cast includes CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, and Fred Hammond, who plays Isaac's father, Abraham. Also appearing are Chanté Moore, The Clark Sisters, Jekalyn Carr, Hezekiah Walker, and Pastor John Gray, who plays an angelic deacon named Deacon Daniel. Greenville-based Pastor John Gray's involvement has prompted a community screening at his Love Story Church in South Carolina.

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin served as the film's music producer. The soundtrack integrates several musical performances that advance the narrative.

Production and Reception

Tyler Perry wrote, directed, and produced the 103-minute film. Accounts of its production quality differ. One report describes it as a rushed mashup of Miracle on 34th Street and The Preacher's Wife, criticizing Perry's direction as slapdash and noting missing coverage in key scenes. It points to ham-fisted flourishes, including a villain whose name is 'the devil' spelled backwards and a mix of low-grade costuming and visual effects.

However, the film is credited with staying on track due to Kirk Franklin's musical direction. The musical performances are said to drive the characters' evolution, distracting from other flaws. Particular praise is reserved for Fantasia Barrino Taylor's performance. She is highlighted as having grown significantly as an actor, compellingly portraying a wife balancing insecurity with relentless faith.

Release Events

The movie had a premiere event in Atlanta at the Tabernacle on November 9. Perry, Fantasia, and Tank attended, along with gospel artists like Yolanda Adams and Shirley Caesar. The evening included a red carpet and a live concert after the screening.

For Pastor John Gray's community, a special screening was scheduled for November 11 at Love Story Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Doors opened at 6 p.m., with the movie starting at 7 p.m. and concessions available.

The film is positioned as Netflix's early entry into the seasonal holiday movie market. It aims to serve as perfectly serviceable screen decoration for those seeking festive fare, though it may not win over critics of Perry's filmmaking style. The final scene involves Isaac being hit by a car and tumbling through the air four times before a landing that prompts a spiritual turnaround.