FAMILY CAMP’s Leigh-Allyn Baker Talks Christian Comedy: ‘Comedy Breaks Down Barriers’
By Movieguide® Staff
Actress Leigh-Allyn Baker said that FAMILY CAMP, a new faith-based comedy, helps bring light and laughter to Hollywood.
After nearly 30 years in the entertainment industry, Baker noted the need for faith-focused movies.
“What drew me to it was the fact that it was so funny. I’d never seen a Christian comedy before. When I got the audition, I thought, I’m just gonna really have fun with this,” Baker told The Christian Post. “I just felt an immediate connection with the character of Grace in this movie. Not because I am Grace, but because I have been shown and given so much grace.”
Baker said that Christian comedy should not compromise on quality or a hopeful message but should work to attract more than fellow believers.
“Comedy breaks down barriers,” she said. “The other thing that’s really important for Christians to keep in mind is that when these faith based movies are made a lot of time, they’re setting the table for people who are already there ready to eat. But we need to set some empty places at the table and invite others to come and join. And I feel that comedy does that.”
“It’s not laughing at God, it doesn’t laugh at Jesus. It’s us as humans, laughing at ourselves and the foibles that we make and and the crazy walk that we take on this path and how many mistakes we make, that’s where the laughter is,” she added.
The GOOD LUCK CHARLIE star said that she saw the importance of standing up for faith and biblical values as her career progressed.
“I really have been very vocal recently about how I see the direction that Hollywood is going, I feel that there is an attack on Christianity,” she said. “That makes me really want to be vocal about my faith. I feel that there must be freedom for religion for us to continue to worship in our faith the way that we want to do it.”
“I’ve been offered roles to play witches a lot, I’ve been offered roles that are very laden with lust and sexuality and it’s something I don’t want my kids to see, I’m not gonna do it,” she added. “Doesn’t mean that I won’t do things that have more adult subjects that aren’t geared for kids. But I’m just not going to compromise who I am for a career. I’m just not going to do it.
“It used to be, ‘Well, this is not a bad movie, and it’s got a good message. So I’ll do that.’ But now it’s even further than that. Now, I look deeply at the message and the contents and the subject. And if it’s not aligned with my values, I’m just not going to compromise,” she continued.
Baker added that while FAMILY CAMP contains elements of faith, it is not preachy.
“At the end of the day, this is a really good funny movie that everybody will enjoy, no matter what your faith,” she said. “That’s what you want to do. I was more influenced by Christians who set a good example for me over ones who tried to judge me and condemn me. So that’s what this movie does, it just tells a story. It helps people come together and laugh, and it’s good.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
The Skit Guys will make their theatrical debut this spring with the star-studded, family-friendly movie called FAMILY CAMP.
FAMILY CAMP is a funny and heartwarming movie about a dysfunctional family that learns how to love one another at a Christian camp. The movie has some very positive Christian messages, no foul language, no sex, and lightweight slapstick violence.
The cast includes Leigh-Allyn Baker (GOOD LUCK CHARLIE, WILL & GRACE), Gigi Orsillo (SLEEPER AGENT), and famed Skit Guys, Tommy Woodard and Eddie James.
“For over 20 years, we’ve dreamed about making a comedy feature film,” James chimed in. “Our goal is to always include humor, heart, and Him (God), and we were able to accomplish that in FAMILY CAMP.”
Woodard added: “We believe humor helps break down barriers. With our first movie, we hope families will not only laugh together, they will also draw closer to each other…and to God.”
FAMILY CAMP is a funny movie with many heartfelt moments. It is to be commended, because when it looks like it’s getting hokey, there are some excellent surprises and plot twists that keep viewers glued to the movie. In terms of foul language and sex, the movie is very clean. The violence is slapstick, however, and slightly mean spirited in a couple places, such as when Eddie practices his chiropractic skills on other people. There’s a lot of good in the movie, however, like how to love your wife and how to love your husband, how children should be appreciated for who they are, the importance of faith, getting over pride, and much, much more.
FAMILY CAMP features producer Darren Moorman and Trey Reynolds, also known for Movieguide® Award nominee BLUE MIRACLE, and Justin Tolley, who produced Movieguide® Award winner WAR ROOM.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
