User Reviews

Ever since the huge success of God's Not Dead, the staunchly evangelical film that coincidentally stole a great deal of buzz away from Noah, another film with a faith-based background, studios like Pure Flix Entertainment and Freestyle Releasing have been finding more and more Christian titles to pick up for a theatrical release. Even Hollywood has recognized that a large part of the Christian market as ostensibly been disenfranchised with a lack of titles that appeal or pertain the faith of their audience, and with that, has even looked to make movies like Heaven is for Real and Son of God.

To put it boldly, The Masked Saint is another mediocre link in the chain, poorly conceived and unable to function as a story without making bombastic, theatrical displays of situational drama and conflict. It makes the same mistake most of its brother and sister films make because it doesn't know how to function as a film without sermonizing or blowing each event that tests its characters and their faith out of proportion. Being that this film focuses largely on the world of wrestling and the dualities of character, you can also expect the entire project to be just as phony and overblown as anything you'll see on Monday Night Raw.

The film revolves around the true story of Chris Samuels (Brett Granstaff), a former professional wrestler who retires from the ring to settle down and become the pastor of a failing church in a small town. While he is supported unconditionally by his wife Michelle (Lara Jean Chorostecki) and daughter, he is met with opposition from the church's main financial backer Judd (Patrick McKenna), who believes the church is entirely his. In addition, Chris sees the brokenness of his community, as crime, prostitution, and rampant godlessness prevails every day, right down to his next-door neighbors, the husband a boorish alcoholic and the wife a victim of his violent rampages.

While the core of the story is about Chris getting people back into the church and welcoming people with open arms - even a prostitute who is looking for redemption - it's also about Chris finding a way to combat the violence by putting on part of his wrestler costume in order to take the city's problems into his own hands. This involves rescuing the aforementioned prostitute, in addition to stopping a robbery in a local diner. Then, at the end of it all, there's Nicky (Roddy Piper in his final role), Chris's old wrestling manager and promoter hellbent on getting him to come back into the ring.

At one moment, The Masked Saint is content on being a drama about a man's determination to get a ramshackle eyesore of a church back to being a well-respected community staple of salvation and redemption. The next, it's trying to excite by showing Chris beat up bad guys like Spider-Man and spout unbelievably contrived and poorly delivered responses like "I'm a man" when somebody tells him, "you're a saint." The Masked Saint cannot operate on the basis of a simple drama and has to occupy its more climactic sequences with incredulous action or cloying sermonizing that sounds like a pedestrian's summation of the good parts of the Bible.

As far as emotional manipulation goes, screenwriter Scott Crowell keeps things to a respectable minimum, as he's clearly more concerned with respecting the real-life Samuels and his family by giving them a story rooted in plot and character rather than emotions. However, relationships and events that initially appear as if they'll have a significant pull on the film wind up either getting permanently placed on the backburner or hamfisted in the screenplay in a last-ditch effort to evoke some kind of tension or conflict. For one, the emotionally and physically abusive husband only punctuates the script, when he initially seems like he'll be an integral part of Chris's plan to save the people of his community. After one tense confrontation between him and Chris, an event that mirrors anything but what would happen in reality, the husband is all of a sudden transformed in looks and attitude the next time he crosses paths with the pastor he formerly loathed.

The other element is Chris's stress level with going back to wrestling whilst trying to run the church. In one scene, he is lectured by Ms. Edna (Diahann Carroll - because every Christian film needs that stereotypical, warm black lady who allows anyone and everyone in her home to coddle), a supportive resident of the community, for being too strict and self-indulgent, behavior he hasn't really exhibited up until the following scene where he snaps at his wife and daughter out of nowhere. These kinds of disjointed elements only make the other issues of sensationalism embedded in The Masked Saint's screenplay rise to the surface much quicker and in a more evident fashion.

Last year's faith-based football drama Woodlawn showed us that an approach to a film that highlights faith and devout religious beliefs can, in turn, derail or further cripple an otherwise true story that already feels too good to be true. The Masked Saint tries to do something out of left-field with a different sport and an unlikely hero, but quickly falls prey to the worst conventions of the genre and the material. It's a noble effort but a result that's just about entirely unmemorable.

The Masked Saint (2016) is a laughably bad faith-based film. Was I expecting a good film? Hell no. The film had terrible performances, cringe-worthy dialogue and bland direction. However, I didn't hate myself while watching this movie. The wrestling scenes were so laughably bad,that I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat laughing. Over-the-top is the best way to describe them. The film is unfunny when it is trying to be funny, and funny when it isn't trying to be funny. Faith-based films are generally terrible, but I found some enjoyment in this one. When grading this film, I can't ignore how truly atrocious it is on a film-making level. 'The Masked Saint' is heinous, but absurdly fun. It is on the level of a "so bad it's good" film.

Brett Granstaff plays Chris who is an ex Professional and masked wrestler. He retires to become a Pastor in a parish that is on the wrong side of the tracks. Once there he sees the crime and violence and a church in the grip of a megalomaniac and a congregation that is dwindling beyond the point where the church could be economically viable.

So he resurrects his old job to help his new community. This film is based on the true life of such a Pastor – so is the film any good? Well yes and no, it is watchable in a very basic way. The good guys wear white and the bad guys black. There is no subtlety here at all of ambiguity that would help to give the plot any kind of authenticity.

The acting and dialogue is terrible in places and the direction is almost missable. It is though the story that lacks credibility and the idea of marrying a Christian story with the violence of 'wrestling' seems a bit incongruous – and it is. It is funny – when it is not meant to be and cringe worthy when it tries. If you like a guilty pleasure of a film though this sort of works. I found it to be watchable but no one was preparing an Oscar acceptance speech whilst this was in production.

I was hoping this would be an enjoyable family movie, but I was sadly let down. I found it to be very predictable, schmaltzy, has a poor story line, average acting, obviously low budget, poor camera work, poor lighting, average sound and directing. Like many movies these days, it was garbage. It was soooo pathetically mindless with things starting so bad for all the characters then like magic, everything ended so fantastically for everyone. I think this movies market was for the lower socio economic, wrestling fans of the extreme right wing bible belt of the USA. I must say, that whenever Diahann Carroll came on, the quality lifted considerably (which wasn't that much) and I have never seen her before. I think the part she had to play in this movie was obviously WAY below her capabilities. I suppose I have been spoilt by some of many priestly classics like Going My Way (1944), Boys Town (1938), It's a Wonderful Life (1946) or even Sister Act (1992). Is this movie worth your time? I say no! We are all entitled to our opinions and this is mine.

I've been aware that Christ and Wrestling go well together for a few years now, and now the Mask Saint is the movie to prove it.

It reminds me of the faith based film, I'm in Love With a Church Girl, but while that movie hit you with the speech about how Christ loves Hip Hop, the Mask Saint, like a good wrestling movie should, comes down to the point that talk is cheap.

But the wrestling is not. Though you can tell(mostly by their size) that most of the actors may not be wrestlers in a past life, that did not stop them from giving us some impressive in the ring scenes. It was pretty action packed and exciting.

Outside the ring, it's a cool story about a vigilante in a wrestling mask whose secret identity is that of a Pastor in the neighborhood church. The fact that this really happen makes it even more interesting.

Over all it's a good low end superhero flick about Christian wrestling worthy of being the late great Rowdy Roddy Piper's last.

This is one of those movies where you don't expect a lot out of it, but it ends up being way better than you thought it would be..

Unlike maybe other action type movies in the "B" category, where you expect maybe something half decent and it doesn't perform..

This is sort of one of those B movies that is well worth watching.. Much better than most other action type movies out there..

Well I guess I should not say its an action movie, but it ends up being one but actually has a solid storyline behind it as well and some funny moments..

Some cheesy humor but the good type of cheesy..

I guess what I would say its got sort of that Kickboxer type feel to it.. Decent story, decent buildup, decent action..

Wouldn't say expect some spectacular movies or anything .. We are talking WWE wrestling type stuff here.. But definitely good enough to get your blood pumping..

The wrestler Chris "The Saint" Samuels (Brett Granstaff) has his leg broken in his final game against The Reaper (James Preston Rogers). The result was arranged by his manager Nicky Stone (Roddy Piper) since The Saint will retire to dedicate to be the pastor of the Baptist Church in a small town in Michigan. He moves with his wife Michelle Samuels (Lara Jean Chorostecki) and their daughter Carrie Samuels (T. J. McGibbon) to a decadent church in an awful neighborhood in Michigan. When they miss their arrogant sponsor Judd Lumpkin (Patrick McKenna), Chris realizes that he needs to return to the ring to get money to support his church and his house. Meanwhile he helps his outcast neighborhood of prostitutes and drug addicted people nad gives their dignity back.

"The Masked Saint" is a religious film with some attractions. Maybe, the first one is that is based on a true story of a wrestler that turned into pastor of the Baptist Church that has returned to the ring to help his church. The second is that is the farewell of Roddy Piper, an average actor that has been brought to the spots with his lead in the cult "They Live". Lara Jean Chorostecki and T. J. McGibbon are excellent in their roles. "The Masked Saint" is enjoyable since the cast is very charismatic and provides good messages. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "O Vigilante Mascarado" ("The Masked Vigilante")

All the negative reviews didn't dampen my heartfelt love for this film! Besides, I recognized Roddy Piper in the cast -- surely just before his untimely death. Although it was so good to see Rowdie Roddy again, the story has warmth, heart, and all sorts of Good Stuff. So when you get tired of the nonsense that Hollywood typically wants to fill you with, tired of ray guns, monsters, and the like, give this film a look -- you won't be disappointed.

This is a great movie for anyone!

It has a very interesting story that's full of positive life messages on topics of bullying, domestic violence, faith and acceptance.

Nice to see a good wholesome movie without curse words left and right.

This is Brett Granstaff's 1st lead role in a movie that he co-wrote and worked hard training to do his own stunts-which is quite amazing in itself.

It was entertaining, has great acting, I cried, I laughed and I loved the wrestling too!

It was quite intense as if I were in the ring with The Saint!

This is a movie you should get out to see!

This movie is NOTHING like any other faith based film ever created. For one, it's based on a true story, so whether if you think it works or not, IT IS TRUE. Two, it's quality will not disappoint. Professional Wrestler Chris Whaley (Samuels, in the movie), quits wrestling to become a Pastor. Now if this doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will. The story is incredible, the wrestling is great, the characters are superb and the quality is like no other faith based film ever produced. If I had three thumbs, they all would go up. A GREAT MOVIE! This movie changed my life and I think that is the #1 purpose for a faith based movie. Many were overly critical about the film, but not once did they ever complain about the cinematography. Why? Because the quality is AWESOME!

I loved every second of this flix, I got lifted and remained so suspended on billowy clouds and just eased bax with the Saint at the helm to bear me to a better place transfiguring the temporal, transcending ennui, whereupon I was laid to rest onto the vast empyrean stardust in a providential transmutation. Kick ass job! The Reaper was incredible! Rowdy was awesome, totalee!!!! Just a throw-bax to some fun flix from my formative years and really enjoyed the message.... Good does triumph... unfortunately this is a flix so, yeah, afterwards I was a lil' let down , hey coming down isn't always easy, Yet, hand in hand with the Saint, reflecting on the lil' remembrances of this lil' gem, surely a graceful landing is vouchsafed! Pray, do give it chance, that is how I came across this lil' angel, by chance, or maybe divine providence? Who the hell knows, all I know is I had some fun! Chillexed and love it...

This is an awesome family movie. It is packed with action. It has unexpected humor. It has a main character that fights for what is right. He stands up to the bullies and defends the defenseless. He admits when he is wrong and asks for forgiveness. He does the right thing. It is a story of good wining over evil. No it isn't a story of sex and violence. It is not a story laced with foul language. It is a story you don't have to worry about your kids seeing and hearing. It is a story with a moral. It is a story with a hero that little boys should want to be like when they grow up. America needs to embrace this movie. Our country needs more movies like this one.

Very entertaining and uplifting movie-you will feel better when you walk out of the movie than when you walked in-

Great to see a clean, well acted, feel good movie for a change.

Brett Granstaff stars as the main character in his first leading role, does his own stunts, and did a great job!

The movie is inspired by the true story of Chris Whaley who was the actual Masked Saint. The movie is not only for wrestling fans but for all, as it has a great message about a man and wife that see the good in people and stand up for what they feel is right. The supporting cast does a great job too.

Definitely recommend it to put a big smile on your face!

Don't pay much attention to the reviews from the atheist cheap seats. They don't get it or never will (Emjay 61066) . The movie is very inspirational at A time when we need such things. You must take it for what it's worth a true story of a great man doing great things. Sorry there is not enough sex or violence or big named stars. The true star of this movie is Dr. Chris Whaley who gives of his time freely and ministers now to hundreds of firefighters in need of his spiritual guidance. The is a great movie go see it. If you like the movie Courageous or Fireproof then you will like Mask Saint Sorry Emjay I will pray for you

This film is an excellent blend of suspense, satire and humor. It captures the attention of the audience in the first five minutes...so don't come late to see this movie. The acting was convincing, although one would expect that there will be no Oscar nominations for any movie that espouses Christian virtues. Too often critics will intellectualize their review of movies, such as this one, hoping to discredit some aspect, such as the plot, the acting talent, or the directing; however, keep in mind that those critics oftentimes applaud violence and disrespect for decency, and viciously attack those moors of American society that have made America the great nation it is today. The Masked Saint teaches through this true biography that although there are villains in the world, "good" oftentimes does prevail when one has faith. Maintain an open mind when watching The Masked Saint and you will want to stand and applaud like I did at the refreshing ending.

Somethings take a lot of faith, coming out of wrestling to become a preacher, and at looking back, make this into an interesting and entertaining film.

Like wise I have low expectations when it comes to Christian movies. I was surprised by this film. It's one of those films I would watch again. And the more I watch it, the more I like it. I don't get the low ratings, I enjoyed this very much and I think you would too!

Definitely a movie you won't regret seeing. Amazing story of a great Christian man who really cares for his church. I have read bits of his book and have been able to meet the man who the story is about in person. Some of the situations in the movie are definitely "Hollywood" but it still depicts the basic history of his story. It was great to see rowdy piper in his last on-screen appearance before his tragic untimely death. It was also good to see the big man himself James Rogers play the reaper. I wish him the best of luck in his career. My wife's family were members of Chris's church here in Lake Wales, Florida at Westside Baptist Church so it was definitely a neat experience to get to go to the movie with them and know how much of that was actually true and not. Not sure why the location of the movie was not in Florida but like I said you can tell it was definitely "Hollywood" it's one of those movies to actually get you moving while you're watching it. I was moving in my seat while he was doing his wrestling scenes, thinking somehow by me flinching would help him that's just a sign of how good of a movie this is you won't regret taking the whole family!

I wasn't sure when I first started this one. A pastor who wrestles at night? It's a little strange upon first glimpse, but after beginning to watch it, I was pleasantly surprised. It's a good reminder that God reigns over every square inch, even professional wrestling. Any Reformed Christian would appreciate this one.