Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, February 29, 2008
Though my favorite film of 2007—Juno—didn't win Best Picture at the Oscars last Sunday (nor did longshot Ellen Page win Best Actress), show host Jon Stewart referenced the movie in the funniest line of the night:
"Tonight we look beyond the dark days to focus on happier fare—this year's slate of Oscar-nominated psychopathic killer movies. Does this town need a hug?"
After a brief pause, Stewart named a few of the bloodier Oscar contenders to set up his punchline: "No Country for Old Men, Sweeney Todd, There Will Be Blood. All I can say is, thank God for teen pregnancy."
Juno, in which Page plays the teen in that very situation, has been the runaway surprise at the box office, approaching $200 million worldwide. It has been embraced by audiences of all stripes—including Christians who like its pro-life message (whether intended by the filmmakers or not) and its smart sense of humor. (Page, its star, begs to differ on the pro-life angle; nonetheless, her character does initially consider abortion and then changes her mind, choosing to have the baby and give it up for adoption.)
Another new movie opening this week celebrates life in a slightly different way—though with another charismatic young woman in the lead role. Penelope is a modern-day fairy tale in which the title character (played by Christina Ricci) has an unusual anatomical condition: She's been cursed with the nose of a pig, and only the love of a prince will reverse the curse. Her mother tries to shelter her from the world, hiding in shame. But Penelope has other ideas—and is soon on her way to a confident self-image.
Three other new reviews this week:
- Semi-Pro, the new sports comedy from Will Ferrell—and one to be avoided. Ferrell's comedies just keep getting cruder and nastier, and this one more than deserves its R rating—and our ½-star review.
- Bonneville, a road-trip movie (in a 1966 Bonneville convertible) with three of the finest actresses around—Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Joan Allen. Seems like a can't-miss, right? Alas, it's a 1-star flop, according to our critic.
- Chicago 10, a docu-drama recounting the events of the Democratic Convention in the summer of 1968, when Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, and thousands of protesters clashed with the Chicago PD in a near-riot witnessed by millions on TV.
A review of The Other Bolelyn Girl will post Monday, March 3.
Also new this week: A new movie about Billy Graham is in the works, and Reel News rounds up the Oscars and other notable stories.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
Penelope
Christina Ricci stars is this quirky and likeable fairytale about a girl cursed with the nose of a pig in search of a prince to set her free.
by Lisa Ann Cockrel
Rated PG
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REVIEW
Semi-Pro
An enterprising teen armed with counseling savvy—and a prescription pad—finds popularity in this entertaining, if sometimes erratic, high school comedy.
by Brandon Fibbs
Rated R
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REVIEW
Bonneville
A widow takes the ashes of her husband, and her two best friends, on a road trip across the American West in a 1966 Bonneville convertible.
by Frederica Mathewes-Green
Rated PG
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REVIEW
Chicago 10
This evocative docu-drama blends motion capture animation with archival footage to capture the frenetic zeitgeist of 1968 Chicago.
by Brett McCracken
Rated R
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Our review of The Other Bolelyn Girl will post March 3.
NEWS
Graham Film in the Works
Movie to focus on the early years of Billy Graham's ministry.
REEL NEWS
No Country for Oscar Voters
Coen brothers dominate the Oscars with Cormac McCarthy adaptation; Day-Lewis, Cotillard win acting prizes. Plus: Ellen Page on Juno, abortion; sequel updates for Hoodwinked 2 and Toy Story 3; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Bringing Together Apples and Oranges
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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Where do you rent most of your DVDs?
- Blockbuster
- Hollywood Video
- Netflix
- Local private store
- Other
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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The Academy Awards are coming up soon. What's your choice for Best Picture?
- Juno: 52%
- No Country for Old Men: 16%
- Atonement: 11%
- There Will Be Blood: 10%
- Michael Clayton: 8%
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A Walk to Remember, DVD
Love brings together what peer pressure and lifestyles
seek to keep apart in this coming-of-age story that stars
Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote, and Daryl Hannah.
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Facing the Giants, DVD
Created to evangelize non-believers and encourage
believers, this is an inspiring story about a losing high
school football coach with a whole new game plan.
|
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