Plot Summary
Jesse Tate feels like an outcast teenager at her school since her father is in jail as the scapegoat of his workplace’s crimes. It seems like everybody hates her, and she is ashamed to admit she is a Christian because of what has gone on. Though people who used to be called her friends have shunned her, Jesse finds a new purpose in helping the prisoners her father knows, and this helps her grow close to God. However, a mysterious individual keeps instant messaging her information about her dad’s trial, and Jesse fears that her father’s lawyer does not have his best interests at heart. Will the truth come out before it’s too late?
Production Quality (2 points)
Much like Set Apart, Becoming Jesse Tate has a fine production. This includes good video quality, camera work, and audio quality. The soundtrack is a bit generic, however, and sets and locations tend to be limited to a few areas. However, props are well-utilized. There are a few small editing issues to contend with as well, but on the whole, this is a respectable, standard production that makes the later production of Angels Love Donuts even more perplexing.
Plot and Storyline Quality (0 points)
Unfortunately, there is very little potential in this plot as the premise is fairly silly and is based on unrealistic circumstances. The ideas therein are very trite, and the dialogue suffers for lack of substance. Thus, the characters are flimsy and plastic, not to mention how dumb the ‘villain’ characters are. Because the characters are one-dimensional, it is difficult to relate to their struggles. This idea as a whole is very short and limited—it needs a lot more development to be more than the cheesy mystery that it is. This is not to mention the plot holes and lapses in logic that keep this story moving along to the desired conclusion. The Christian message is also very sappy and cringeworthy as problems are fixed in ridiculously easy ways. Basically, the existence of this story is barely justified.
Acting Quality (1.5 points)
These cast members are fine and seem to care about what they are doing. However, there are some moments of forceful line delivery and emotions, especially from the ‘villains.’ Some of the teenage actors and actresses are awkward at times and need further refining. However, there are enough good moments to keep this section average.
Conclusion
It is difficult to measure what is gained from cute little Christian films like this one. It’s all fine and good, but is a difference really being made? The creator may mean well, but we need dynamic films that will make a difference, not more movies like this one. A story like this needs deep characters to carry it along, because without them, as we saw here, it just becomes trite and unimportant, even if it was meant to be serious.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 10 points
Box Office Revolution 
The main character is Polly from the Mandie movies
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I thought I’d seen her before
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