The Eyes of Tammy Faye * Heartwarming Story Showing How People’s Beliefs Make Them Who They Are
This film offers an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. In the 1970s and 80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “I liked the film The Eyes of Tammy Faye because it is a heartwarming story that opened me up to a whole other world that I was unaware of. It taught me about others’ way of life and how their beliefs can make them the person that they are.” See her full review below.
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
By Mikella G, KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, age 15
I liked the film The Eyes of Tammy Faye because it is a heartwarming story that opened me up to a whole other world that I was unaware of. It taught me about others’ way of life and how their beliefs can make them the person that they are.
This movie follows the lives of Tammy Faye (Jessica Chastain) and Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield). They both dedicated their lives to Christianity and made a living from it. They found each other young and grew together. However, as their work continued to evolve Jim began to forget why this all started. Whereas Tammy made plenty of mistakes, but always remembers who she is.
Something that I enjoyed about this film is how honest and real it is. It shows the reality of the lives of these two people and doesn’t sugar coat anything. Another thing that stands out is the acting. Jessica Chastain makes her character extremely believable, and her voice truly moves you. Andrew Garfield is always in the moment; I often forgot that he isn’t his character in real life.
Additionally, this film takes place in a completely different time period, and they both really tap into that. Furthermore, the characters’ ages are constantly changing as the decades go by. Tammy and Jim always look and act exactly as they were supposed to be during each time period. Lastly, the sets and costume designs are executed extremely well. All of the locations, props, cars, building exteriors and interiors fit the era. The movie also includes a huge wardrobe, and everything fits the time period. I love fashion, so this made a bit impact on me. Everything made me believe I was actually living during that time.
The message of this film is to always stay true to yourself and your beliefs. This film does contain some sexual content.
I give The Eyes of Tammy Faye 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 as well as adults. The Eyes of Tammy Faye releases in theaters September 17, 2021.
