ReelBob: ‘Tulsa’ ★★½

By Bob Bloom

I am not a big fan of faith-based movies, especially those that seem to shove religion down your throat and use it as a know-all and be-all to solve problems.

Faith, however, is a different animal; believing in yourself and placing trust in a higher power is more realistic.

And while “Tulsa” is faith-based — and in a few instances is too heavy handed — its centerpiece is built on the power of love.

“Tulsa’s” foundation rests upon the performance of young Livi Birch, who plays 9-year-old Tulsa, who has lived in foster homes for most of her life.

Tulsa’s faith is strong. She constantly carries a Bible. When her foster mother abuses her young foster brother, the police take them from the home.

Birch’s Tulsa is an optimistic, opinionated, smart and semi-arrogant force of nature; a sure-footed and relentless little dynamo.

Tulsa is taken to a child-care facility where he meets Jaylene (Nicole Marie Johnson), where she tells the social worker that she does not need another foster home because she strongly believes God’s plan is to reunite her with her father.

She has a picture of the man, Tommy (Scott Pryor), who is a friend of Jaylene from high school.

Tommy is a mechanic — a Marine veteran whose inner demons have led him to abuse drink and pills.

With nowhere else to turn, Jaylene calls Tommy and convinces him to shelter Tulsa — at least for a couple of days.

Like a whirlwind, Tulsa takes over Tommy’s shabby apartment and his life. At first, he is resistant, which soon morphs into reluctance and, finally, acceptance of Tulsa.

The movie, co-directed by Pryor and Gloria Stella, based on a story and screenplay by Pryor and Ty DeMartino, unfortunately makes Tommy’s transformation too easy and too quickly. A little more conflict between Tulsa and Tommy would have enhanced their developing relationship and growing love.

Plus, at about two hours, “Tulsa” seems, at certain portions, somewhat padded and slow.

On the plus side, “Tulsa” is sincere. The strengthening bond between Tommy and Tulsa is fodder for moments of drama and comedy.

The feature also contains tragedy that may leave you shaken and heartbroken.

“Tulsa” is an uplifting movie about family and the power of connection. It emotionally resonates and, despite some melodramatics, emits a warmth that will embrace you.

It is not as nimble as its potential, but it does provide a positive message.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.

TULSA
2½ stars out of 4
(PG-13), thematic elements, substance abuse, violence