Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, March 21, 2008
One of the worst movies I've ever seen is Jaws 3-D, which released in 1983. I went to see it with some friends, mainly for the novelty of watching a movie through those geeky cardboard glasses—you know, one green lens and one red. (It had nothing to do with our immature desire to see severed limbs and shark guts flying around in three dimensions.)
Terrible movie, and cheesy, awful 3-D effects.
But now 3-D is making a comeback—and it's being taken much more seriously. Two years ago, Superman Returns had a couple of 3-D segments (for IMAX audiences) that were jaw-droppingly good. Last month, I was blown away by U23D, which not only looked and sounded terrific, but made you feel almost like you were there. I've heard the same reactions to the recent Hannah Montana concert movie as well.
And there are more 3-D movies coming down the pike. Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D, due in July, is the first live-action film shot and released entirely in 3-D. Next spring, Monsters vs. Aliens will be the first computer-generated animated movie created in 3-D.
It's not just 3-D; more and more movies are going digital, with at least 20 3-D and IMAX films due in the next two years, according to this story. Hollywood and the MPAA would like to see half of the nation's 42,000 movie screens converted to digital within three years—but that could cost studios and owners up to $1 billion. But with the advent of $10,000 home theater systems (uh, my "system" is worth about $500) coaxing more people away from the cineplex, the industry is looking for ways to lure them back into theater seats—and lining up for popcorn too.
It'll be interesting how it all plays out over the next few years, but the bottom line will remain the same. The movies still have to be good, because no amount of gimmickry or CGI or digitizing can make up for bad filmmaking.
Just one new review this week: Under the Same Moon, an emotionally stirring drama that addresses the hot topic of illegal immigration. The film may work a little too hard to pull at your heartstrings, but it depicts a very real situation—and might just help to change a few opinions of those who have made judgmental conclusions about foreigners in our midst. A great conversation starter.
(Our other two new reviews, Drillbit Taylor and Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns, will post Monday, March 24.)
Another great conversation starter: Purple State of Mind, a new documentary exploring the friendship—and thought-provoking conversations—between two lifelong buddies, one a Christian, one not. Finally, Reel News reports that Expelled, the upcoming documentary about Intelligent Design, is still making headlines.
That's about it from here. Till next week, Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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COMMENTARIES
Friends, Faith, and a Feud
A couple of old friends—one a Christian, one not—discuss their disparate views on life in the thought-provoking new film, Purple State of Mind.
by Brandon Fibbs
REEL NEWS
Expelled in the NYT Headlines
New York Times investigates Ben Stein's new intelligent design doc; Dobson applauds the film. Plus: Fireproof website goes live; Hindus upset about Mike Myers' film; last pro-life activists crash Horton screening; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
The Power of Forgiveness: Beyond Human Evil
from PreachingToday.com
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![Under the Same Moon [La Misma Luna]](http://christianitytoday.com/lyris/movies/images/underthesamemoon_75x112.jpg)
