When I heard this movie was being made I immediately bought an advance ticket for the exclusive showing. You see, the movie is based off the Donald Miller book by the same name, and I had read the book several times. It’s one of those books that changed my perspective on faith, life and college.

Don, a 19-year-old college kid from the Bible Belt area of Texas, moves to Oregon to attend Reed College, one of the most nonreligious universities in the country. He learns a lot in the process — and not just academically. The book’s subtitle is “Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality,” and the movie focuses mainly on those nonreligious things, touching briefly on the deep faith-based topics. But it’s funny, it’s quirky, and it’s one of those films that’s so indie and so odd that you might actually watch it again.

I recommend reading the book also, but only after the movie. If you’re into the characters — like The Pope, a student claiming to forgive campus sins while getting drunk at the daily parties — or looking for a deep friendship like that which develops between Don and Penny — an equally confused Christian girl on the raunchy, lewd and crazy-smart college campus of Reed — then this movie might just be your thing. Either way, it’s worth the wild ride, and the book, as always, is even better.

Contact Matthew Merchant at [email protected].