This documentary follows the life of Justin Fatica and the Hard as Nails ministry he is building through Catholic (and now adding Protestant) churches. A bit of an anomaly within the Catholic tradition, Justin is part in-your-face evangelist, part Hip Hop gangster, part Billy Graham. Admittedly, I was more curious to see how the confessed-atheist director would treat the content than I was in how the film would impact me. But soon those thoughts would be overshadowed. And so, my initial assessment is that this film encapsulates everything I both love and hate about evangelism.

I think it would actually be easier to view this film if I were an atheist. That way, I could simply dismiss the people as a bunch of misled folks following another gifted religious salesman. I could casually acknowledge that they were making some moderate positive change for good in the world, laugh to myself as they cried, lifted up hands, and prayed over one another, and then change the channel to something more enticing like CSI. And maybe that's the part I hate about evangelism. If you're not part of the experience, it looks a bit like lemmings running over a cliff together.

Hard as Nails acknowledges that most viewers will question and disapprove of Justin's methods of sharing the Gospel (and of his whole ministry for that matter-the way they train leaders and youth, the way they use their money, the way they present their faith). The film almost invites us to disapprove. But just about the time we are at the height of our criticism, the film unloads the truth.

Read Melinda's full review at HJ Live...