But, I thought, let’s try to take this “documentary” on its own merits. Certainly, Cafe Diego has good cinematography. Certainly, it has a compelling narrative. So how is Diego going to rise up above his struggles and find himself a measure of salvation?
By Tithing. Yup. Not from increased consumer demand, not from savvy business practices, not from making new business contacts… but by tithing. For those in the congregation today not familiar, let me explain. Tithing is where you take 10% of your income (gross, not net) and give it for God’s use. Not sure what the Almighty needs all that cash for, but here we are. And you will not believe what happened next. Directly after he tithed, the bank to which he was in debt offered him a one-time payout at a reduced price. Was it because the bank was liquidating assets to get more cash on hand? No, it was because the all-powerful and all-knowing creator of the universe interceded once he got his cut of that sweet, sweet coffee money. That is the clear implication of this supposed “documentary.”
“…trying to trick the audience is not a good look for you.”
Shortly after this “miracle,” the movie takes a hard left turn into Christian testimony. Despite the Lord of lords making a nighttime appearance early in the story, the filmmakers were relatively coy with their intention right up until this point. But, once Diego gets his miracle, all pretense is thrown out the window, and Cafe Diego: The Cost of a Dream becomes a testament to the sacrificial lamb, the redeemer of humanity, that gleeful guy from Galilee, Jesus Herbert Christ.
Look, Christian filmmakers, I’ll watch your stories but don’t try to be sneaky about it. Don’t try to tell me you’re making a documentary, or a sci-fi film, or a post-apocalyptic action movie (I’m looking at you, The Book of Eli), and then try to sneak Christian propaganda in. I realize (if your leaders are to be believed) that you are the MOST persecuted religion in the world right now, but trying to trick the audience is not a good look for you.
"…I nearly did grievous harm to my TV."
