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Comedy

Faith Based (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Faith Based (2020) movie poster

Faith Based is a 2020 comedy directed by Vincent Masciale, starring Richard Riehle, Jason Alexander and Margaret Cho. It runs 1 hour 32 minutes. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10.

IMDb rating
5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
Echo Score
82
Metascore
42
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Faith Based (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 32m (92 min)
Director
Vincent Masciale
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Faith Based About?

The premise of Faith Based without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Two struggling filmmakers find themselves unexpectedly tasked with creating a faith-based movie. Their ambitious goal is to produce a commercial success, "A Prayer in Space," a low-budget retelling of the origin of prayer featuring actors from 1990s television. The journey takes them on an unlikely quest as they navigate the challenges of filmmaking and try to achieve box office glory.

Faith Based Themes & Keywords

· 42 tags
  • mission
  • smoking marijuana
  • bong
  • movie poster
  • reseda california
  • playing a video game
  • reference to david bowie
  • bingo
  • reference to kirk cameron
  • reference to kevin sorbo
  • reference to dean cain
  • reference to mike huckabee
+30 more
  • axe throwing
  • crossfit
  • reference to lady gaga
  • reference to draco malfoy
  • reference to drake
  • reference to nickelback
  • reference to hulk hogan
  • reference to sylvester stallone
  • reference to chuck norris
  • born again christian
  • reference to matt damon
  • reference to jessica chastain
  • filming a movie
  • green screen
  • bar
  • no opening credits
  • reference to owen wilson
  • cleaning a swimming pool
  • kicked in the groin
  • yo yo
  • jigsaw puzzle
  • reference to sean penn
  • reference to urban outfitters
  • father son relationship
  • reference to syfy
  • written by cast member
  • scene during end credit
  • explosion
  • friend
  • title spoken by character
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Cast & crew

Faith Based Cast

Richard Riehle leads the cast, with Jason Alexander and Margaret Cho. Directed by Vincent Masciale; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Vincent Masciale

More films directed by Vincent Masciale: Fear, Inc. and Count to 10.

Full filmography
Ratings

Faith Based Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Faith Based 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

82 /100

Faith Based Echo Score Breakdown

In general, Faith Based excels as a clever comedy that balances sharp satire and genuine warmth. Critics highlight its consistent wit and engaging portrayal of friendship, while noting that its energy occasionally dissipates in the middle. The narrative’s blend of spoof and sincerity maintains interest despite minor pacing inconsistencies. Ultimately, the film delivers an enjoyable, thoughtful laugh with only modest unevenness.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, Faith Based employs a loose docu-film style with playful editing choices and an understated color palette. The direction uses handheld cameras and brisk cuts to reinforce the spoof aesthetic, though this approach occasionally feels uneven. Production design supports the satirical tone through minimal sets and authentic props. Overall, the visual execution effectively reinforces the film’s comedic intent.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film centers on two leads whose rapport drives the narrative. The chemistry is consistently praised, with dialogue that feels natural and sincere. Performances strike a balance between broad comedic timing and genuine warmth, delivering moments of heartfelt connection. Even in its campier scenes, the emotional resonance anchors the humor. Overall, character dynamics provide a strong emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 75

    In terms of story and flow, Faith Based offers a unique satirical premise with moments of sharp wit. Early pacing moves briskly, but the narrative occasionally drifts between mockumentary segments and traditional comedy, creating minor coherence issues. Some viewers note a dip in momentum in the film’s central section. Despite this, the engaging concept and humorous beats maintain overall narrative interest.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, the film employs an understated soundtrack that supports its comedic tone without drawing attention. Sound design is clear, with crisp dialogue and balanced levels. Visually, the cohesive color palette and handheld camera work establish a mockumentary atmosphere. While not lavish, the audio and visual choices reliably reinforce the film’s satirical intent.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When it comes to rewatch factor, Faith Based provides moderate replay value thanks to its clever satire and interpersonal warmth. The standout comedic moments and character rapport reward a second viewing, though the uneven pacing and genre shifts may lessen enthusiasm for repeated watches. Overall, the film retains a pleasant charm but lacks depth for frequent revisits.

Plot

Faith Based Plot Summary

What happens in Faith Based from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 9 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Luke and Tanner were childhood friends who, now in their 30s, share a rental home in Reseda where the days drift by with plenty of marijuana and a sense that something bigger could be possible. Luke’s adoptive father, a church pastor named Mike, often rails at his son for a perceived lack of motivation, even as the church itself teeters on the edge of financial trouble. Mike’s worries aren’t just about rent or bills; he’s seen churches gain money and attention by embracing a different kind of storytelling, including faith-inspired films. This observation plants a seed in Luke’s mind: what if they could craft a Christian film that paid for the church’s needs and perhaps kept his father’s ministry afloat?

Full summary

The whole story of Faith Based, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Faith Based Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Faith Based.

FAITH BASED | Official Trailer (HD)
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Faith Based?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of Luke's adoptive father, who serves as a church pastor?

Cars

Cars in Faith Based

12 cars on screen, including the 2019 Subaru Legacy and the 2005 Mercury Mariner.

All 12 cars
  • 2019 Subaru Legacy in Faith Based 2019 Subaru Legacy Important role
  • 2005 Mercury Mariner in Faith Based 2005 Mercury Mariner Minor role
  • 2011 Pierce Velocity in Faith Based 2011 Pierce Velocity Minor role
  • Buick Regal in Faith Based Buick Regal Background role
Details

Faith Based Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Вера человеческая” and “오 마이 지저스”.

Also known as
  • Вера человеческая
  • 오 마이 지저스
  • Основано на вере
  • 拍部电影压压惊
  • Віра людська

Seen Faith Based?

FAQ

Faith Based FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Faith Based, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Faith Based?

Faith Based runs 1 hour 32 minutes (92 minutes).

When was Faith Based released?

Faith Based was released on October 9, 2020.

Who directed Faith Based?

Faith Based was directed by Vincent Masciale.

More films by Vincent Masciale

Who is in the cast of Faith Based?

Faith Based stars Richard Riehle, Jason Alexander and Margaret Cho, among 10 credited actors.

How is Faith Based rated?

Faith Based has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 42 on Metacritic and 45% on TMDB.

Does Faith Based have a post-credit scene?

No. Faith Based has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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