Kingdom Come MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -1

When the Slocumb family patriarch dies suddenly of a stroke, the entire clan comes together for his funeral in the little town of Lula. But as in many families, when everyone gathers, theres plenty of family friction and even more with the summer heat. The old mans responsible son, Ray Bud (LL Cool J), isnt perfect but he holds down a job and supports his wife. In contrast, his younger brother Junior (Anthony Anderson), recently blew his entire savings on an invention gone bad. Junior also has a vocally mean-spirited wife, Charisse (Jada Pinkett Smith), and what the family calls demon-possessed kids. Its easy to see why Ray Bud isnt excited to see him. All the while, family matriarch Raynelle (Whoopi Goldberg) watches over the scenario and dispenses occasional words of wisdom. KINGDOM COME is a movie with great heart. Unfortunately, the film just doesnt succeed as a moving drama or an outrageous comedy, even though it seems to attempt both. The box office may be as dysfunctional as the family in KINGDOM COME.

Most of the characters seem to respect the church and believe in God. And gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin provides the upbeat soundtrack. One religiously zealous character frequently quotes Scripture and rails on her loser son for not being more responsible. However, she cares deeply for her family, even if she doesn’t always present herself in the most positive light. The main message of the film seems to be that people need to embrace those close to them now, because friends and family eventually pass on. On a negative note, the dead man is presented as ‘mean and surly’ and when Raynelle recounts her salvation experience, she implies his reaction was clearly negative. However, in spite of his negative attitude toward the church and Christianity, the characters still assume he’s in heaven. This implies Universalism doctrine that all souls will be saved and fails to take into account Biblical teaching on hell. Rough language is toned down, although seven regular profanities require a negative acceptability for KINGDOM COME.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Fox Searchlight, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., LA, CA 90035