JESUS CAMP — *** — Documentary feature about an evangelical youth camp; rated PG-13 (adult themes, mild profanity).
To make its point, "Jesus Camp" doesn't need a narrator — or much else in the way of intrusive cinematic devices.
While it could be argued that this somewhat chilling documentary sets out to make some of its subjects appear foolish, the film does allow them to speak clearly and at length, with next to no editorializing. That's a refreshing change of pace in comparison to the more personal stylings of such alleged documentarians as Michael Moore.
In the film, co-directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady ("The Boys of Baraka") investigate the growing religious right and fundamentalist movements in the United States. That includes a close-up look at "Kids on Fire," a camp for religious youths in North Dakota.
Pastor Becky Fischer, who runs the camp, is in charge of the program and is training select groups of youngsters to be the "next Billy Graham." The focus here is on three children from Missouri — Levi, Rachael and Victoria, aka Tory — who all have their reasons for wanting to be there. Particularly the fiery Levi, who speaks with more fervor than most adults.
Ewing and Grady let their subjects speak openly, which allows them nearly unlimited access. They even shot a scene in which a family pledges allegiance to a "Christian flag" rather than the American flag.
But the filmmakers make no judgments, which is a good thing. Even syndicated-radio host Mike Papantonio — a so-called "Christian liberal"— doesn't come off any better than those he criticizes, as he's seen and heard uttering dire warnings about an impending American Holy War.
"Jesus Camp" is rated PG-13 for discussion of adult subject matter (including abortion), scattered mild profanity (religiously based) and some violent imagery. Running time: 87 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com