Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, March 28, 2008
As a kid, I enjoyed watching old war movies—The Great Escape (1963), The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), The Guns of Navarone (1961), The Dirty Dozen (1967), and others from that era. They were mostly fun, sometimes even a bit campy. Good guys were good guys, and you mostly cheered when the bad guys got killed. But for the most part, those old movies did not capture the absolute horrors of war—or its aftermath.
More recent war movies do a much better job depicting those things—the blood, the guts, the fear, the terror ... and even painting a human face on the enemy. Things aren't so black-and-white as they seemed in the old war movies—partly because more recent wars aren't as black-and-white as the two World Wars.
Some of today's war movies are even moving beyond the battlefield and back to the home front—the aftermath of war. In the Valley of Elah did that late last year, and now Stop-Loss does the same. Both films vividly depict the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a vital but often-overlooked issue in any war.
Our critic, Brandon Fibbs, only gives 2 stars to Stop-Loss, noting that the film is too busy trying to push its agenda—the Iraq conflict is a mess, and the President is an idiot—that it doesn't spend enough time showing us the effects of PTSD. But as a military vet himself, Brandon appreciates the effort—even in "The Family Corner" portion of the review, where we include questions and fodder for discussing the film.
Brandon's final question: "How can the church rise to the challenge of helping returning soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder?" Great question. Whether or not you choose to see Stop-Loss, that's a question we all should be pondering.
Our only other new review this week is 21, based on the true story of six M.I.T. students who mastered the art of card counting, taking Vegas for millions of dollars in the process. Our critic, Russ Breimeier, gives it 2 stars.
Also new this week, check out our interview with Jeff Clanagan, CEO of Codeblack Entertainment, which makes films specifically for the faith-based urban/African-American audience. Finally, Reel News reports on the ongoing controversy surrounding the upcoming documentary Expelled, releasing in mid-April.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
21
Inspired by a true story, MIT students learn to beat blackjack—and Vegas—by counting cards. But is the film as interesting as the book? Don't bet on it.
by Russ Breimeier
Rated PG-13
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REVIEW
Stop-Loss
A reliance on exaggerated melodrama sabotages what should be an important and thought-provoking discussion on this country's treatment of its brave war veterans.
by Brandon Fibbs
Rated R
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INTERVIEW
Targeting the Urban Audience
Jeff Clanagan and Codeblack Entertainment want to reach not only African-Americans, but the church crowd too—starting with their deal with Fox Faith.
by Dan Ewald
REEL NEWS
Expelled Expels Darwinist
Evolutionary biologist and avowed atheist Richard Dawkins attends screening of ID documentary, but his colleague got booted. Plus: Disney dispels Narnia rumors; Scofield, Minghella pass away; a new generation of Christian filmmakers; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
Spartacus: The Church United
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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How often do you go to an IMAX theater in a typical year?
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- 11 or more times
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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How do you like your popcorn at the movie theater?
- A little butter: 33%
- Gobs of butter: 30%
- No popcorn at all: 20%
- Hold the butter: 17%
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The Ultimate Gift, DVD
Spoiled Jason Stevens expects to inherit millions when his
wealthy grandfather dies. Instead, the will requires him
to complete 12 monthly tasks before receiving a dime.
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Another Perfect Stranger DVD
In this sequel to The Perfect Stranger, Sarah, who's mom
told her she had dined with the Almighty, travels to
college where she struggles with her disdain for religion.
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The Perfect Stranger, DVD
When a successful attorney receives a mysterious
invitation to "dinner with Jesus of Nazareth," she
accepts, thinking it's an intriguing prank.
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