Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, February 15, 2008
Good news from Hollywood this week: The writers' strike is over, which not only means that thousands of people—including many Christians—are back on the job, but that the Academy Awards show, with all of its glitz and glamour, will go on.
"It's terrific," said show producer Gil Cates. "We're doing the 'A' show."
I've always enjoyed watching the Oscars, even if I sometimes end up wanting to throw something at the TV screen for the Academy's choices. But it's certainly a night of spectacle, celebrating most of the year's best films (they invariably miss a few), and it's fun to watch.
The last few weeks, we've also been naming our favorite movies of the year—starting with our Most Redeeming list two weeks ago, and our Critics Choice list last week.
Now it's your turn: We asked for your votes for your favorites, and now we've posted them—our 2007 Readers' Choice Awards. The list includes a wide range of subjects—hip (and pregnant) teens, animated rats, and former CIA assassins, but most of all, you loved a film about one man who changed the world. It's a very good list; thanks for voting!
Three new reviews this week:
- The Spiderwick Chronicles, in which a family moves into a dilapidated estate only to discover that it is the epicenter of a magical world filled with enchanted (and dangerous) creatures. It's a vivid metaphor for the invisible, though very real, spiritual world around us.
- Jumper, an action-packed sci-fi adventure in which Hayden Christensen plays a "Jumper," a person with the ability to teleport—or "jump"—instantly from one place in the world to another. Makes for a great premise and fun chase scenes, but alas, the film itself needs a jumpstart.
- Definitely, Maybe, in which a fresh "romantic mystery" formula gives this charming movie a kick of originality, but the happy shine rubs off after a while—and the subject matter gets a bit crass.
Also new this week, Promenade Pictures COO Cindy Bond talks about last fall's poor box office showing of the animated Ten Commandments, which just released to DVD. She also discusses the company's next project, a humorous re-telling of the Noah's Ark story.
Finally, the big movie news this week was the debut of the new Indiana Jones trailer. Check it out here. It's promising, but I hope they don't go overboard with the silliness/slapstick stuff. At any rate, it's great to see Harrison Ford in the fedora again.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
The Spiderwick Chronicles
A family moves into a dilapidated estate only to discover that it is the epicenter of a magical world filled with enchanted (and dangerous) creatures.
by Brandon Fibbs
Rated PG
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REVIEW
Jumper
A great concept—the ability to teleport to any place in the world—gets tepid treatment in this action-packed but underwritten sci-fi flick.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated PG-13
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REVIEW
Definitely, Maybe
A fresh "romantic mystery" formula gives this charming movie a kick of originality, but the happy shine rubs off after a while—and the subject matter gets a bit crass.
by Todd Hertz
Rated PG-13
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COMMENTARIES
The 2007 Readers' Choice Awards
You liked movies about hip (and pregnant) teens, animated rats, and former CIA assassins, but most of all, you loved a film about one man who changed the world.
INTERVIEW
A Box Office Exodus?
The animated Ten Commandments didn't draw much of a crowd to the cineplex, but the company behind the movie is optimistic about its future Bible films.
by Peter T. Chattaway
REEL NEWS
Indiana Jones Trailer to Debut Thursday
First look at Kingdom of the Crystal Skull appears before Spiderwick Chronicles. Plus: Ledger's death accidental; WGA and studios reach tentative deal; Noah's Ark movie coming in 3D; Amy Adams joins Night at the Museum 2; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Meaning of Life
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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The Academy Awards are coming up soon. What's your choice for Best Picture?
- Atonement
- Juno
- Michael Clayton
- No Country for Old Men
- There Will Be Blood
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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The Academy Awards are coming up soon. Who's your choice for Best Director?
- Jason Reitman, Juno: 42%
- Paul Thomas Anderson, There Will Be Blood: 28%
- Julian Schnabel, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: 11%
- Coen Brothers, No Country for Old Men: 11%
- Tony Gilroy, Michael Clayton: 4%
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Thou Shalt Laugh 2: The Deuce, DVD
Yes, clean can be funny, and this hilarious set of
performances proves it! Features Tim Conway, Bone, Taylor
Mason, Thor Ramsey, and SNL alum Victoria Jackson.
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The Last Sin Eater, DVD
Based on the bestselling novel by Francine Rivers. An
Appalachian burial tradition fascinates a young girl who
is consumed with guilt over her little sister's death.
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Though None Go With Me, DVD Set
Cheryl Ladd stars as a woman whose faith and strength
remain constant despite the sorrows and tragedies that
befall her. From the heartwarming novel by Jerry Jenkins.
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Saving Sarah Cain, DVD
Based on Beverly Lewis' bestselling novel, a self-absorbed
woman attends her sister's funeral and discovers that she
is now legal guardian of her five Amish nieces and nephews.
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Finding Redemption (Movie Course)
