Ordinary Sinner

Name: Ordinary Sinner
Director: John Henry Davis
Released: 2001

Synopsis

Three college students, two guys and a girl, encounter bigotry and violence in a small town, and solve the murder of a gay friend.

60
Film Threat
Brimming with sincere intentions and a few interesting thoughts. It brings a rare sort of realism to the movie world.
50
New York Post
Aside from one tasteful nude scene, this well-meaning if bland romantic drama plays and looks a lot like a "special" episode of "Dawson's Creek."
50
The A.V. Club
In spite of a little bit of sex and a lot of strong profanity, Ordinary Sinner is pretty reminiscent of an old Afterschool Special.
50
New York Daily News
Novice filmmaker John Henry Davis deserves credit for tackling big issues, but he forgot one of the most important credos of his craft. No matter how vital your message, a good story beats a sermon any day.
40
The New York Times
Mr. Davis has a lot of ideas, but when it comes to dramatizing them, he is unable to give them an engaging form.
40
L.A. Weekly
What really hamstrings Sinner, though, is the hetero narcissism beneath its enlightened posturing.
40
Los Angeles Times
It is a slack and preachy business that never comes to grips with its underlying theme of homophobia.
40
TV Guide Magazine
Well intentioned but unfocused, director John Henry Davis's debut feature tries to tackle two serious subjects at once: maintaining one's faith in a universe that's seemingly without meaning, and the ways in which scripture is used to justify anti-gay violence.