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USA, 2011, 93 Minute Running Time Genre/Subjects: Documentary, Religious Program: Documentary FilmsLanguage: English
DIRECTOR: Bryan Storkel Producer: Amy Storkel, Jason ConnellEditor: Bryan Storkel, Michael Weinreich, Amy StorkelCinematographer: Brian LiepePrincipal Cast:
Not your average Sunset Strip sharks, Churchteam is a blackjack squad that counts cards for Jesus. Started by a pair of staunch Christians, the team quickly grew to include pastors, church leaders, and fellow worshippers—all trained to beat the house. In their first year alone, they rounded up $1.5 million in investments and won, on average, $100,000 a month.
The obvious conflict becomes the central theme of this revealing—not to mention amusing—documentary: how does a group of true believers come to worship at the altar of the almighty dollar? Director Bryan Storkel gains exclusive access to the team and tackles the issue head on. Some players simply justify gambling as a way to make a living while overseeing their ministries. Others argue that what they do is not gambling, because proper card counting ensures the odds are on their side. And still others are convinced that they’re on some sort of crusade against the casinos they purport to loathe.
Following this organized group of Bible-toters as they tour the country’s card tables, Storkel delves into the question of what it means to follow Christ in turn—to truly live like a Christian. Meanwhile, with its fly-on-the-wall approach, Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians deftly explores the relationship dynamics of the money-hungry worshippers when things begin to go awry: in a team built on trust, is it possible that someone is stealing? —MARK MAÑAGO In cooperation with Scum of the Earth Church