Not Approved

God the Father

Limited Theatrical Release - Franzese, a young and charismatic Capo in the Colombo Crime family during the 1980‘s-90‘s and whose notorious father, Sonny Franzese was also a renowned Underboss. Following in his father’s footsteps, in the mid-1980s, Fortune Magazine named Franzese as number #18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses".

According to a Federal report, Franzese made more money for a crime family than anyone since Chicago Outfit boss, Al Capone.A revelation that Michael’s own father went along with a contract hit on his life, Michael’s love for his wife and children and the realization his own life was heading the same way as every other mob guy that came before him...straight to ST. JOHNS Cemetery in NYC, Michael took the decision to leave the ‘Life’.

An act previously thought impossible...Michael Franzese publicly walked away from the Colombo family and organized crime. During his time in prison, Michael discovered the Bible. Devouring its contents Michael found parallels between the Good Book’s teachings and his experiences in the ‘Life’ which translated into Michael developing his own unique religious perspective and faith. A faith that is directly responsible for his still being alive today.

"God The Father" utilizes every cinematic ingredient available to tell Michael Franzese’s remarkable journey from a ‘made man’ to a man of God. From choreographed dance sequences, traditional interviews, stock footage, visceral re-enactments and sophisticated animation sequences...specifically designed to show the more violent aspects of mob life, in a subtle and intelligent way. This film is the first time the Michael Franzese story has ever been told cinematically and with such originality and power..
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Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
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Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

“God The Father” is a chilling insider account of life in the Cosa Nostra crime syndicate. But, if that was the whole story, then it wouldn’t qualify as Faith-based. What distinguishes this from other mobster movies is that it is told first-person from one of the mob captains in the Colombo family who discovered a difference between a life of crime and a life with Christ.

After nearly 2 decades as an insider in the Mob and two lengthy incarcerations for racketeering and corruption, Michael Franzese’s comfort was in the love he had for his crime boss father, “Sonny” Franzese, who introduced Michael to the “life”. Once Michael discovered that his father betrayed him and was complicit in a contract on his life, he turned away from his earthly father and toward a Heavenly Father who could provide unconditional comfort and solace. Michael’s introduction to the Lord came from his wife, Cammy, and his mother-in-law who were both Christians.

In spite of his successful life and a corrupt “entrepreneur” taking in $1-10 million a week, he felt alone and lost while serving time in prison. While looking for a way out of the crime family, he found that Jesus would provide him a way into the Family of God. Michael shares the story of his conversion and his wife and daughters share the fear and sadness they endured beforehand and the joy they share today.

This movie is compelling and true, which makes it gritty and in some cases rough. Michael’s favorite scripture reveals the Hope he now has in Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord With all thine Heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.” We are pleased to award this intriguing film our Dove “Faith-Based” Seal with a Caution for Stylized Violence.

Dove Rating Details

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Faith

None

0
Integrity

Several shootings and gangland style executions (animated - graphic novel style); news photos of dead mobsters; reenactment of Jesus' beating and crucifixion

1
Sex

Mention of an affair

0
Language

None

4
Violence

Several shootings and gangland style executions (animated - graphic novel style); news photos of dead mobsters; reenactment of Jesus' beating and crucifixion

1
Drugs

Mention of prohibition

1
Nudity

Revealing swimsuit; mild cleavage

2
Other

Talk of corruption and mobsters; also a powerful testimony of the transformative power of Jesus Christ

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