Jesus Camp

Last year's most frightening film, the documentary Jesus Camp might have been devoid of chainsaw wielding madmen and death-bringing little ghost-girls climbing out of TVs, but this very real look at an ultra-conservative Evangelical camp for young Christian kids was no less freaky. The film follows three kids and their families to the Kids on Fire summer camp in Devil's Lake, N.D., where already stalwart Christians are indoctrinated to despise cultural differences, other religions, individual rights and Harry Potter and to love and protect the God-fearing U.S.A. and its fearless leader, President George W. Bush. Speaking in tongues is optional, but encouraged. Sound polemic? Well, yes and no. Filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady tackle their subject very even-handedly. The liberal left's concerns are voiced through lawyer and Air America talk show host Mike Papantonio, but the families and the enthusiastic camp leaders are given equal time to explain their views. Their sincerity and beliefs are undeniable. However, it's hard to empathize with them, especially considering that one of the film's subjects, Colorado minister Ted Haggard, who preaches of the "evils" of homosexuality, proved to be the ultimate hypocrite when his crystal meth-smoking affair with another man was exposed while Jesus Camp was in post-production. (Phil Morehart) Grade: A