Jay Floyd's "Forgiving the Franklins" provides thought-provoking material in an entertaining manner. I've read one review that sets the film in North Carolina and another in North Dakota. Regardless of exactly where the film is set, it is small town America. The question the film poses is whether sexuality is truly anti-religious. Obviously, the world wants the species to continue; so sex has to have its place. But when does physical enjoyment and intimacy cross the line to become sordid? In this film we have a family who through the miracle of an accident is relieved of the burden of original sin. Jesus himself, played by Pop DaSilva, pulls a bloody apple out of the back of their heads thus relieving the mother, father and son of any sexual guilt. Young Brian played by Vince Pavia has never dated girls. The reason becomes clear when relieved of guilt he tells his coach who is massaging his hamstring that it is exciting. Coach Caldwell played by Zak Spears as Kris Scaramanga joins Brian in the shower for Brian's first sexual experience. Brian innocently tells his parents about it at the supper table. Meanwhile, father Frank Franklin played by Robertson Dean who was in "Star Trek: Nemesis" in 2002 & "Vanilla Sky" in 2001 is discovering his routine lovemaking with his wife has been transformed with an exciting freedom of enjoyment. Betty Franklin is played by Teresa Willis whose lack of shame is reflected in sauntering into the yard in her birthday suit to retrieve the morning paper. Their daughter Caroline Franklin is played by Aviva who had a part in "Superbad" in 2007. Still riddled with guilt, she runs to her godmother Peggy Lester played by Mari Blackwell. Lester reports to the Christian women's association that quickly shuns the family and results in fanatical action, divorced from a gospel of love. This is a very entertaining, very direct, very interesting picture that will offend those with a conservative traditional view of morality. I found the film refreshing and significant, a low-budget gem. Bravo!

Are you a fan of one-note, vile stereotypes? If so, buy this movie! If ever there was a piss poor excuse to seek revenge on the "bad" people who have done you wrong, this movie is it. Beneath the indie / Sundance street cred, this absurd story is a hate letter to Christianity, masquerading as an avant-hipster satire.

The guy who wrote this should get off his pedestal and recognize that not all people of faith are morons and maniacs. Some are perhaps, but really, all of them? Really? Just because you might have been discriminated against doesn't mean the rest of the world deserves a kick in the face. And this from a reviewer who isn't even remotely religious.

On the plus side, the acting rises above the laborious stereotypes when Mari C. Blackwell appears onscreen. She brings volatile life to a chiched and overwritten character. And the luminous Aviva captures both a vulnerability and confusion that's appropriate to a lost teenage soul.

That said... avoid like a rabid, poop throwin' monkey.