The Preacher’s Wife parents guide

The Preacher’s Wife Parent Guide

Overall B-

Times are tough for a caring preacher (Courtney Vance) and his lovely wife (Whitney Houston), so heaven sends an angel (Denzel Washington) to give them some divine help.

Release date December 12, 1996

Violence B
Sexual Content A-
Profanity A
Substance Use --

Why is The Preacher’s Wife rated PG? The MPAA rated The Preacher’s Wife PG

Run Time: 124 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Some movies are “why” movies. Such is The Preacher’s Wife. Why would heaven send an angel to help a marriage, and then have the angel fall in love with the wife? Why would the poor preacher of an inner-city congregation have a wife whose lifestyle would better fit the spouse of a televangelist? And why would a land developer put his whole new condo complex on the line until the preacher agrees to come run the church in his new development?

If you can imagine the classic Christmas movies It’s A Wonderful Life and Miracle On 34th Street rolled into one, you might have an inkling of what was supposed to happen in this film. Henry Biggs (Courtney Vance) is the down on his luck minister, and Julia (Whitney Houston) is his despondent wife. She thinks Henry spends too much time saving souls and not enough time pleasing her. Surprisingly, the powers above agree, and send an angel, Dudley (Denzel Washington) to boost Henry’s spirits. But when Dudley starts spending more time with Julia than Henry does, things begin to get warm under the mistletoe. Meanwhile Julia, with her endless wardrobe selection, condemns her humble husband when he is tempted to move to a posh new church.

For family viewing, there are some heartwarming moments. The one violent scene, a store robbery involving gunshots, is relevant, short, and to the point. Considering how few movies attempt to portray religion in a positive light, The Preacher’s Wife deserves some recognition. It was just disappointing that some of the ideas were not developed further. Not until the final minutes does Julia discover that she can spend time with Henry while serving his parishioners.

Why? The answer can be found in Houston’s character, who really is more Whitney than Julia. The sole purpose of this movie is to frame Houston’s talents. Yes, the music is great, and Houston can act, but she is too much star to be put atop of a story as weak as Charlie Brown’s tree.

Directed by Penny Marshall. Starring Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, Courtney Vance.. Running time: 124 minutes. Theatrical release December 12, 1996. Updated

The Preacher’s Wife Parents' Guide

Why do you think the angel fell in love with the preacher’s wife?

Do you think the character of Julia is very believable as the spouse of a humble minister?

 

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Preacher’s Wife movie is August 6, 2012. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: The Preacher’s Wife

Release Date: 7 August 2012

The Preacher’s Wife releases to home video on Blu-ray. This movie features Whitney Houston, and introduced her hit song, I Believe In You And Me.

Related home video titles:

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Special messengers are also sent to help the characters of these classic Christmas tales:A Christmas CarolIt’s A Wonderful Life and Miracle On 34th Street.