I wouldn’t sugarcoat it. I have had my ups and downs with organized religion. I was brought up as a Catholic ever since I was born. Ever since, though, I’ve been lapsed in my belief. My personal life had a lot to do with that. So when I find myself reviewing Christian or religious material, whether it’s a television show or film, I find it hard to buy them. I can honestly say I really enjoyed “David” and the messages this animated movie was trying to sell. 

“David” (Phil Wickham, Engman)is based on the five part series Young David, about a shepherd from Bethlehem, which came out not that long ago from Angel Studios, the same studio that made this and other christi/Religious films and series. Anyone who follows the Bible will also know that the story David takes place in The Old Testament in books Samuel 1 & 2 as well as Chronicles and Psalms. The story of David vs.Goliath is one everybody knows. It’s used as a metaphor in sports all the time. I even read the story of David fighting a lion when I was a kid. It’s not a new story for those who follow the word of the Bible. The film is very entertaining despite that.

The first thing I want to say is that the computer animation in this movie is absolutely gorgeous.  The detail is on par with Pixar or Disney Animation. It’s that good, and I’m not joking around. Every little detail from the threads on characters clothing to the stones and rocks in the area the film took place in. The hair and beards of all the characters looked so real. I couldn’t believe how amazing this movie looked from beginning to end. It’s a shame that this film isn’t being considered for awards because it deserves those kinds of accolades. I say how I feel, and that is how I feel about this. This film is better than some of the animated Contenders for Critics Choice and Golden Globes, and I’m sure the Academy Awards.

The second thing I loved about this film is the soundtrack. This soundtrack for “David” is terrific. It features songs like “Adventure Song,” “Shalom,” “Tapestry,” “Follow The Light,” and “Why God – My God,” with artists including Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, Lauren Daigle, and Miri Mesika, exploring themes from both Psalms and David’s story. These songs are fantastic. I was truly enjoying most of these songs and the messages within the movie. Especially “Shalom” and “Follow The Light”. Once again, at least one of these songs deserves to be on the Oscars’ short list for Best Song over some of the contenders that are on that list. I don’t know why Christian or religious movies can’t be considered for these kinds of awards.

Aforementioned this is a story based on a tale from the Bible, so I don’t want to come across as too much, but there are some good messages in this movie. One in particular I wanted to bring up was the one about David wanting or being predicted to be the next king of Israel/Jerusalem. Saul was hell-bent on trying to prevent that, but that’s not what David truly wanted. He wanted to be a part of the Israelites and fight against the Philistines, Ammonites, and Moabites. Some people can be leaders without wanting to be king or president or Prime Minister.  Leaders are born not made. David was that in so many ways. He didn’t need to be the king of Israel/ Jerusalem.  We as a country need to heed this message. 

The directors, Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, of this religious animated film took something that could be perceived as boring if you read the Bible and turned it into an enjoyable animated movie. With enjoyable songs and a few good messages for people of all ages to get behind. Angel Studios films can be a bit one-sided in the stories they tell, but every once in a while, the messages within the films that they produce can be ones the country needs to listen to or watch. “David” is one of those movies. I didn’t know what to expect with this one, but I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining it was. I hope as many people as possible have a chance to see this movie this holiday season. It’s needed badly.

4 stars

Dan Skip Allen