Despite a narrative with occasional weaknesses, In-Lawfully Yours explores interesting themes of Christianity left untouched by both secular and religious filmmakers. Where some might see a hackneyed approach to the relationship of questions and faith, a theme that features prominently in the film, it struck me as more authentic because the questions were human questions instead of artistic questions. In other words, the film accurately reflected that most people's questions are not original. So while the dialogue had moments of brilliance, it also had moments that were authentically routine without devolving into cliché.
In all, the acting and writing were capable. The characters were good but not great, deserving more development and depth. Where others see a lack of chemistry I see an intentional exploration of the routine aspect of relationships. Where the film shines is in its willingness to explore things as they are, not as art wishes them to be. The pastor's strange refusal to ask God for personal things, for example, is appropriately un-profound, just as Naomi's grief is muted and opaque. This is not to say that the film abandons artistic considerations, but it also refuses to abandon certain aspects of the narrative just because they are mundane.
In all, the acting and writing were capable. The characters were good but not great, deserving more development and depth. Where others see a lack of chemistry I see an intentional exploration of the routine aspect of relationships. Where the film shines is in its willingness to explore things as they are, not as art wishes them to be. The pastor's strange refusal to ask God for personal things, for example, is appropriately un-profound, just as Naomi's grief is muted and opaque. This is not to say that the film abandons artistic considerations, but it also refuses to abandon certain aspects of the narrative just because they are mundane.