Plot Summary
Maggie hates the life she lives on the streets under the control of a pimp and other men who constantly use her for their own gain. She wants to escape, but she sees no way out, until she discovers a Bible and learns what God really thinks about her. As she flees her captors, she finds herself alone and on the streets again with no one to turn to. Then she meets a woman who takes her under her wing and shows her the love of Christ. Maggie must fully surrender to God and trust people again in order to find healing.
Production Quality (1 point)
Though it seems like the creative meant well in making this film, there are quite a few production errors. Video quality and camera work are fine, but there are too many instances of poor lighting. Outside sounds are sometimes too loud, as is the soundtrack, while other scenes are too dead and lack sound or expression. Sets and locations are very cheap and limited. There is not really any editing to speak of since there is really enough content to require editing. While this is a commendable effort, the production of Maggie’s Passage is too underfunded.
Plot and Storyline Quality (.5 point)
This film depicts several unfortunately realistic circumstances and is thus thought-provoking. However, it is sometimes hard to follow what is happening as there are a lot of empty sequences and vague narration that fill time. It seems like this idea is not taken to its fullest potential as the backstory of the characters is started but not finished. Unfortunately, it is difficult to connect with the characters because their development is unfinished. Even though there is a lot of talking, there is not enough meaningful dialogue. The plot relies on one too many coincidences and overall lacks focus and driving purpose. There is hardly enough content to sustain this story into a feature length film. Thus, more subplots, flashbacks, and complexities are needed. In the end, it really does seem like the writers meant well—they just needed a little more direction to make this story all that it could be.
Acting Quality (1.5 points)
While there is some good in this cast and it seems like they mean well, they are sometimes too flat. Emotions are sometimes too extreme and there is sometimes too much yelling. But there are plenty of good moments, thus making their performances overall average.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that the creators of this film meant well and that it intends to share an important message. The biggest problem is that Maggie’s Passage is it is mostly an unfinished idea, even though it has a lot of potential that is untapped. The production is too underfunded to be effective and the acting is not coached enough. It’s a shame that this film falls short of what it could have been. It really deserves a remake because the ideas behind it are worth sharing. Perhaps one day the ideas will be used again in a better way.
Final Rating: 3 out of 10 points
Box Office Revolution 