The List Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Power Comes With A Price
A sudden death tied to a list from the past leads to unimaginable evil. Fresh out of law school and full of hope for the future, Renny Jacobson is stunned by his father's sudden death—and then by the terms of the will: the elder Jacobson has left the bulk of his estate to charity. For his only son, he has left nothing more than the contents of a deposit box and interest in a company no one has heard of—the Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd. When Renny encounters lovely Jo Johnston, meets the members of "The List," and discovers the staggering value of his father's mysterious bequest, his hope is resurrected. But why is Jo, to whom he is deeply attracted, so reluctant for him to claim his rightful share? Renny feels the supernatural power of the 140-year-old covenant—feels it and wants it for himself. But when his life and Jo's begin to unravel, he is forced to face the truth about "The List." And nothing short of a miracle will save them from its grasp.
| Malcolm McDowell | Desmond Larochette |
| Chuck Carrington | Renny Jacobsen |
| Will Patton | Harriston |
| Pat Hingle | Gus Eicholtz |
| Afemo Omilami | AL Jenkins |
| R. Keith Harris | Bart Maxwell |
| Steve Ayers | Robert Roget |
| Richard Fullerton | Jerrod Weiss |
| Richard K. Olsen | Michael Flournoy |
| Nicholas Pryor | Harold Smithfield |
| Frank Hoyt Taylor | Amos Candler |
| Tim Ware | Thomas Layne |
| Joe Inscoe | Jefferson McClintock |
| Geoff Ludlow | Handsome FBI Agent |
| Clay Broaddus | FBI Agent |
6.90 out of 10 (90 votes)
Visitor Reviews
needs to figure out what it's point is
posted on 06 Aug 2009I just finished watching this movie. It wasn't ridiculously bad, but I'm really disappointed with it. I'm not really sure why someone would make a movie like this. It was marginally entertaining, but I feel like the people making it had a lot of disagreements on what they were making. Monday, the writer was in charge; Tuesday, the director; Wednesday, the guy who gets the coffee; etc. It almost seems like they really wanted to make a couple different movies, but only had the time and money to make one.Someone else commented that the acting was really good, but I'd have to disagree. Then again, if the actors were able to keep a straight face during the filming, perhaps they're better actors than I give them credit for.The back of the DVD gives the impression that the movie would be a mystery... something along the lines of a historical Law and Order or National Treasure. It starts off like that, but then, out of nowhere it takes a turn towards a bad episode of the Twilight Zone, or... what was that other show that wasn't as good... A bad episode of The Outer Limits.My main complaint about the movie is that it is just so played out. There's the evil guy with spiked white hair. There's the love interest, who, when she first appears, the wind actually blows through her hair. Seriously. Once you realize it's a Christian movie, the end is also pretty easy to spot.The cinematography was poorly done, especially in the opening scenes - way to put your best foot forward. It wasn't atrocious for most of the movie, but there was the occasional ridiculously bad shot of an old lady, praying, arms up in a dark room while lightening is striking - the sort of thing that just makes you a little bit embarrassed to be watching the movie.
no spoiler here
posted on 25 Jul 2009If you want the true message of Christ, and that includes you unbelievers, check out John Corapi, 10 PM Eastern time Saturday night on EWTN, or online at EWTN. Don't forget, we all die. It is a shame that so many of the IMDb readers from down under and other citizens of the British Commonwealth have forgotten their heritage and why they are actually in the position of being able to post their opinions online or express themselves without retribution from the state. Christianity, as poorly portrayed as it is in some movies, like this one, is the only fine line left between you and the intolerance that exists in the rest of the world. Ignore it, rid yourselves of it, and you will be living in the same world as China's freethinkers, Putin's minions, the house of Al Saud's Muslims, and Castro's oppressed. The proclamation of Christianity is not propaganda, it is the truth, even if poorly portrayed in a low budget movie.
great rental!
posted on 11 Jul 2009We rented this film as a family and absolutely loved it! We didn't know anything about it going in (our daughter loves Hilarie Burton) but we were blown away.It looks beautiful. We live at the coast and it 100% captures our area.What a surprise to see a film that so clearly talks about the power of prayer! Great performances and we thought it was by far the best film we've seen Hilarie in.Much better than anything we've rented recently. If you love family/faith movies - give it a shot
They need warnings for this junk
posted on 09 Jul 2009After stopping by the movie store to find something to watch, we stumbled on this. It looked appealing from the summary, at least, so we gave it a try. And here's the kicker: the first 20 minutes are interesting! It's actually enjoyable! Oh, wait, spoke too soon.Somewhere in there, the movie took a disgusting turn into fundamental, right-wing Christian brain-washing. Not entirely sure what happens, but I think the screenplay writer found God somewhere in there, finished writing this script, and had no time to edit it because he had a KKK meeting to get to with his friends from the Westboro Church and his hood wasn't clean.Can they put warnings on this? I refuse to support this religious idiocy. Much like video games have rating systems, movies need some sort of symbol: maybe a small cross in the bottom corner to show us that a movie is going to take a turn for the worse.Unless you share sentiments with whatever moron came up with this story, and will have your Bible open in your lap while you watch this and plan on how you'll convert your neighbors, don't waste your time. It's some of the worst junk that's come out in a very long time, and the radical religious nuts don't need anymore funding.
AWFUL Movie
posted on 03 Jun 2009I don't know where to start with this movie. It's story sounded interesting enough, a secret Southern society that a lawyer is drawn into after the death of his father. The first hour of the movie is alright, enough to keep you interested. But the second half of the movie lives up to what you hope it will be. The problems all come from the"power" that the society holds over the lawyer because of a blood oath he took. This part of the movie develops too quickly to create any real sense of conflict and the ending follows suit, deciding that the power of prayer is the appropriate solution for all of the main character's problems.The ending is pure rubbish and leaves you wondering why this movie was ever made. This movie deals with an interesting and suspenseful topic (secret society/cult) and fails to make anything interesting out of it.
good adaptation of a great novel
posted on 30 May 2009Loved the book The List. It was one of the first that I read by Robert Whitlow.While most novels are better than the films, I felt this was just about as good. What I mean is that it is more polished than the novel but probably isn't as in depth or pack as much punch.I thought the locations were great. The cast superb. Burton, McDowell and Patton led the way.As to the negative reviews... go figure. This is a nice PG rated family film about prayer.It is that simple.
hidden agenda
posted on 22 May 2009Hidden from initial view .......................................But soon you'll realize..........................................!!! This is not so much a mediocre mystery flick....................!!!! It is in fact a 100 minute advertisement for Christianity!!!!!!!! The plot started with an interesting premise, that of the disinherited son.Then there was the shady secret society of southern segregationists which peaked my interest for a while.But then the plot twisted and the god bothering started.Poor old Malcom McDowell he really should be in better than this.Please keep your preaching to the pulpit and out of the picture house.
Enjoyable Movie
posted on 28 Apr 2009My wife and I and son stayed at the Ballentine Resort in Charlotte. We saw the film. And I have to say I enjoyed this film from start to finish. Malcolm McDowell is an amazing actor. I sure would not want him mad at me. Tim Ware (I think he was in Remember the Titans) and Hillary Burton (she is cute) are outstanding. I liked the plot, and the camera work is really good. How about that section of Will Patton at the church near the graveyard? Could that have been done any better? Will Patton did a super job. I love the film cuts in the church. I also enjoyed the opening scenes back in the 1800's; I think it said it was in Georgetown South Carolina. Overall, a really good movie, with good acting, good editing, and good music.
This movie is about greed, if is about anything at all.
posted on 12 Apr 2009Most of comments here says that The List (2007) is Christian movie. I don't see things like that. All, what I saw is request for praying and some Voodoo-like remote people control. This movie could be acceptable some 800 years ago, but in 21st Century... Main character was in fact not much better than old members of covenant. What he wanted ? Money in first place. To live without working. I can 'forgive' him that wanted girl :-), but is Christian wanting to live without doing anything ? Wanting money of pater, who he disliked ? If this was intended as some Christian propaganda, it could not be done worse. But probably someone took some money for that. For other nonsenses see other comments, forum.
mcdowell shines
posted on 08 Apr 2009I got the chance to watch this film at a festival in Florida with Malcolm Mcdowell in attendance. After the film there was a near standing ovation. Malcolm did such a great job and you could tell by his comments that he really was proud of the film.To us in this audience it was clear that the film had a "faith" message from the beginning. I think going in to the movie knowing that helped.I thought it was beautifully shot, well directed (director was at the festival too and was a really nice guy - Malcolm seemed to love him) and really well acted. Does walk the "power of prayer" message. So be warned. Good film though.
Bad movie
posted on 04 Apr 2009From the fonts at the start, to the insane unexplained plot jumps, to the crow barred in Christian mumbo jumbo - this film reeks of many levels of death. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE RATING. I don't know how this film has received the rating it has, the acting is terrible, people appear in it at random and with very little understanding offered to the viewer to why they are there (the mysterious church ghost was probably the most insane). It really is a terrible film. I don't know what's wrong with Malcolm Macdowell these days, he used to make good stuff.Joey's mum from Dawson's Creek is in it, her acting has actually gotten worse. She's one of the big-hitter's in the film.If you have recently been saved by Jesus then this probably the film for you but in all likelihood it's going to make you pick up the bottle or needle again just to recover from that level of monotony - and I don't think he would blame you either.To quote from the film "both God's friends and enemies underestimate the power of prayer" - well I pray that another movie like this doesn't waste my time again.Amen
Made my List of Films that Owe Me Time Wasted Watching it
posted on 31 Mar 2009In fact, I'll be avoiding films by everybody who had a significant part in this film. The rating is purely for some of the camera work and acting, neither of which make it worth your time.If I were to summarize it in another way, it would be a really boring horror film dulled even further in an effort to make it family friendly.The film as a whole, meaning the story, goes nowhere and really has nothing to offer. It amazes me that it was based on a book. I'll definitely avoid that author.Even the soundtrack has nothing to offer. No interesting local tunes or musicians. Usually, awful films will make an effort to improve the soundtrack.Sometimes indie films are indie because they have no big names in them. This is is an indie film because, despite the big names, it's terrible.
My video store needs a "Religion" section
posted on 27 Mar 2009...then they will have a proper place to file this crap. Sorry, not a "mystery" as claimed, it is religious mumbo-jumbo. I kept waiting for the "unimaginable evil" that was promised me, but the "evil" in this flick would only be unimaginable by a five year old with learning disabilities.I can't believe that they actually managed to find some bigger name actors willing to be involved in this embarrassment. Unfortunately it has forevermore changed my opinion of them, and I will likely avoid anything they do in the future. I'm also a little cheesed off that I now have a writer's name and director's name to memorize as I'll be avoiding anything they do like the plague from now on too.It's really unfortunate that all the religious fanatics posting on here and saying that this movie is 10 out of 10, etc. will get their reviews posted first. This could lead to more people getting tricked, as I was, into believing this movie was something other than religious preaching.Well, it's off to the video store to get my money back for false advertising. Too bad they can't give me back the 105 minutes I wasted watching this thinking that it was actually a Hollywood horror/supernatural film.
Simply the worst 'movie' i have ever seen.
posted on 15 Mar 2009How sad there is no option to post a mark lower than 1. I watched this piece of nonsense and could barely believe what i was watching. Every single part of the film was awful. Music, acting, direction, story, everything, simply everything. I actually found myself laughing out loud at various points in the film. I particularly loved the bit where our hero is dashing through the hospital in soft focus slow motion, and knocks the clipboard out of the nurses hand, because, .............well. Just because. Product placement? Crucifix's (crucifi?) everywhere. If you are of a Christian persuasion and very easily satisfied, you may like this movie. If you do like this movie, you really need to get out more.
Movie compiled of southern stereotypes and religious hokum
posted on 27 Feb 2009Truly one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Start with every southern (and some just literary) stereotype you've ever seen:Greedy southern aristocrats with legacy affecting today's descendants, black mammy who raises the white boy (and hums spirituals when troubled), pious mother praying for her spiritually lost son, cold distant father, beautiful blonde girl in latest fashion driving a beat-up old pick up, mysterious spirit guide who leads the main character to the right questions, blood oaths of fealty, selling one's soul for money, power mad despot, heavenly guidance via opening the bible at random and finding the right verse, Confederate decendent's obsession with THE WA-AHR, self sacrificial death to save another, William Falkner worship while writing crap, folksy black lawyer with spiritual knowledge and most of all, the same old southern accents that only exists in the minds of movie makers and yankee authors.Add in hokey religious mysticism and lots of praying and you get one long, slow, stupid boring movie. The only people who will find this interesting are religious fundamentalists who haven't seen a movie since "Gone with the Wind"Overwrought acting, idiotic plot, and hysterical music made it one boring movie.
For Religious People ONLY!!!!!
posted on 21 Feb 2009I have nothing against religious movies. Religious people need something to watch on a Saturday night, I guess. But what really ticks me off is when the write-up on the DVD box does not indicate this fact to the potential viewer. Passing off religious propaganda as entertainment is NOT cool, bro.And even if I was a religious person, I would have to agree with most of the other posters here, this movie was a mess. Poorly directed, poorly acted, poorly edited, and the attempt at a soundtrack was hilarious. The fake accents were terrible, the characters were mainly stereotypes, and continuity was out the window. The only reason we sat through this lame waste of time was that it was too late to watch another movie instead. Should have just gone to bed.Absolutely no redeeming qualities to this movie, unless you are the religious type who will immediately endorse anything that will preach your beliefs to the unbelievers, even if it's a pile of garbage. If you aren't, avoid this at all costs. Do not be deceived by the box write-up.
Worst movie ever? (psuedo SPOILER later in comments)
posted on 15 Feb 2009I had the misfortune of seeing this movie while on vacation. It was about the worst movie I've ever seen.While as an atheist, I found the religion stuff to be over the top, that isn't the problem. If you want to see a good movie with religion in it, check out Frailty.My problem was with the story/plot, acting, and direction. Visually, it felt like I was watching a low budget TV movie (was it?). The acting was not so bad as to be funny, it was just totally uninspired. The main issue was the story. When the movie ended, I thought I missed something. NOTHING happened, except ...SPOILER ALERT other than the main character finding his faith, nothing happened. And if the movie is just about somebody re-enforcing his faith, then way have a the whole weird story. I just don't get it.
a must see
posted on 11 Feb 2009I just completed watching "The List" and I must say, the acting is beautiful, the script is powerful, the setting is breathtaking...if people don't view this remarkable film, they are really missing out...it doesn't hurt either that Chuck Carrington is the lead character and is absolutely mesmerizing.All of the actors are phenomenal..small films like these are often not viewed by the masses, but I have yet to see a big budget film with as powerful a message as the one that is given in The List or as strong as actors. Go see The List if you want to see a film that is captivating and actually carries some depth to it. Malcolm McDowell, Haylie Burton, Will Patton, and Chuck Carrington are all perfectly cast and all portray their characters beautifully. If you don't shed a tear, than you will certainly walk away with a powerful message in you heart.
totally worthless
posted on 30 Jan 2009didn't know anything about the film or that it was based on a best selling book.Tried guessing from the opening scenes what it would be about,best guess,buried treasure and a death list.That lasted about 15 minutes when i got the sneaky suspicion that the film was crap.I'll not bore you with how bad the plot and acting were but anyone who gave it more than two stars must work for the film makers.I watched until the hero jumped into his corvette to rush to the hospital.He had his on his suit,shirt and tie arrived at the hospital in jeans and a t/shirt.Couldn't even get the continuity right. I got the Christian theme,hard to miss it .
Ultra Boring and a Nothing Ending
posted on 30 Aug 2009Ignore all the bible bashers heaping praise on this - it is a complete waste of time. It doesn't get to walking pace till 3/4 through and then limps along to a dissatisfying conclusion. If that's not bad enough, you hope at that point all the gaps in logic and disjointed plot turns will come to fruition, but no, you get some meaningless message of 'faith heals all' and no plausible explanations. There's these wishy washy attempts at justifying some magical powers the protagonist and antagonist seem to have (yes, you guessed it, one's the devil, the other's from the good side) with no substance behind them. This flick deserves only to be shown in Cloud Cuckoo Land. The rating people gave it above seems to suggest the church crowd have flocked to this site in numbers - either that or some miracle has occurred. I give it 2/10.