NEW YORK (CNS) -- The parable of the prodigal son gets a soapy Hollywood treatment in "The Resurrection of Gavin Stone" (BH Tilt/High Top), a faith-based comedy-drama.

The eponymous character (Brett Dalton) is a washed-up former child star whose bad-boy antics land him in big trouble during a visit to his home town in Illinois. Sentenced to perform 200 hours of community service and unable to leave the state, Gavin reluctantly moves back in with his estranged father, Waylon (Neil Flynn), a carpenter (hint, hint).

Gavin's community service is at an evangelical Christian megachurch run by Pastor Allen Richardson (D.B. Sweeney). "We really do believe in second chances here," the pastor says.

Naturally, Gavin is a fish out of water and unused to cleaning bathrooms.

Fortunately, there is an outlet for his creative energy. The church is rehearsing a Passion play for Easter, and the ragtag group of volunteer actors could use some inspiration.

The production's comely director, Kelly Richardson (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes), who happens to be the pastor's daughter, is suspicious of the flashy newcomer. All actors must be professed Christians, so Gavin pretends he is saved.

"I've had the passion of the Christ for a couple of years now," Gavin quips.

Before you can say "Alleluia!" Gavin is cast in the lead as Jesus, sheds his narcissism, and begins to see the light -- as per the film's title.

Dallas Jenkins directs with sincerity from a predictable but non-preachy script by Andrea Gyerston Nasfell that offers lessons in forgiveness and redemption suitable for all ages.

The film contains a nongraphic portrayal of the Crucifixion. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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CAPSULE REVIEW

"The Resurrection of Gavin Stone" (BH Tilt/High Top)

The parable of the prodigal son gets a soapy Hollywood treatment in this faith-based comedy-drama, directed by Dallas Jenkins. A washed-up former child star (Brett Dalton) lands in trouble in his hometown, moves back in with his estranged father (Neil Flynn), and must complete 200 hours of community service at a Christian megachurch run by an evangelical pastor (D.B. Sweeney). Despite the initial resistance of its comely director (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes), the actor finds an outlet for his creative energy -- and eventually sees the light -- through his participation in the church's passion play. Andrea Gyerston Nasfell's script is predictable but sincere, and offers lessons in forgiveness and redemption suitable for all ages. A nongraphic portrayal of the Crucifixion. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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CLASSIFICATION

"The Resurrection of Gavin Stone" (BH Tilt/High Top) -- Catholic News Service classification, A-I -- general patronage. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.