Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, April 04, 2008
One of my favorite books since the turn of the century is Don Miller's brilliant Blue Like Jazz, with its insightful regular-guy musings on this journey of faith. It's one of those books that, when you read it, you say things out loud like, "Yeah, that's it," and "Uh-huh, I know just what you mean." Miller has a gift for putting into words the things you've been thinking—and even things you didn't know you were thinking, but were lurking just beneath the conscious surface.
Good as the book is, though, I never thought about it so much as a story—which means I never had the thought, Man, I bet this would make a great movie someday. But the creative minds that belong to Miller and writer/director Steve Taylor—both a lot smarter than I am—did see the potential for a film, and indeed, are putting the final touches on a screenplay and will begin shooting the movie next month in Portland. Taylor is the former CCM artist known for his smarts and shrewd wit who has since moved into filmmaking; his directorial debut, The Second Chance (2006), was a fine piece of work.
Anyway, we got the early scoop on the origins of the film, the progress of the script, and what to expect in the movie in this exclusive interview with Miller and Taylor.
Four new reviews this week:
- Leatherheads, directed by and starring George Clooney, is an amusing screwball romantic comedy about the 1920s origins of pro football. It's worth the price of admission just for the hilarious banter between Clooney and co-star Renee Zellweger, who plays a sportswriter looking for her big break.
- Nim's Island, starring Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin in an imaginative adventure in which storybook fantasies do come true—or do they? (USA Today ran a nice story about Foster and Breslin, and how despite a 34-year age difference, they share at least one thing in common—they were both child stars.)
- Flight of the Red Balloon, a beautiful, contemplative work of art by director Hou Hsiao-Hsien, starring Juliette Binoche and newcomer Simon Iteanu in a French film (with subtitles) about seeing the world through the eyes of an imaginative, wonder-eyed child.
- My Blueberry Nights, a veritable visual feast in the first English film from stylish director Wong Kar Wai—and the acting debut of pop/jazz singer Norah Jones. She should keep her day job, but a terrific cast—including Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz, and David Strathairn—keeps the film from totally tanking.
Also new this week, Reel News continues to report on the ongoing headlines involving Expelled, the Intelligent Design documentary coming to theaters in two weeks.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
Leatherheads
Though it never quite strikes the right balance between sports and romance, George Clooney's sweet tribute to screwball comedies provides a nostalgic look at the earliest days of professional football.
by Russ Breimeier
Rated PG-13
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REVIEW
Nim's Island
Enthusiastic performances and a good lesson about the meaning of courage keep this family film afloat.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated PG
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REVIEW
Flight of the Red Balloon
In an homage to a beloved 1956 children's movie, Hou Hsiao-Hsien celebrates the fragile innocence of childhood, and Juliette Binoche gives one of her finest performances.
by Jeffrey Overstreet
Unrated
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REVIEW
My Blueberry Nights
Won Kar Wai brings his typical stylish direction to his first English film, but something's lost in the translation—and Norah Jones should stick to her day job.
by Brandon Fibbs
Rated PG-13
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 The Bourne Identity
Who are you? We often take who we are for granted. Download this movie discussion guide to find out how we can answer this not-so-basic question.
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 Juno
Meet Juno: a quirky (and pregnant) high school student who must decide whether or not to keep her baby. As you discuss Juno's themes, you'll come to understand why Juno's stepmom quipped, "Someone's going to get a special blessing from Jesus in this garbage dump of a situation."
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More discussion guides at
ChristianityTodayMoviesStore.com
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INTERVIEW
Jazzed About the Big Screen
Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz been adapted into a screenplay, with The Second Chance director Steve Taylor at the helm—and both men are pretty excited about it.
by Debra Akins
REEL NEWS
Expelled Enlivens Blogosphere
Controversy over new documentary is hot blog topic online; film draws praise from creationists. Plus: Casting news for George Bush biopic; McKellen discusses The Hobbit; upcoming projects for Diablo Cody and Will Smith; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
Our Fathers: The Power of Forgiveness
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?
- Never: 55%
- Once: 34%
- 2-4 times: 10%
- 8-10 times: 1%
- 5-7 times: 0%
- 11 or more times: 0%
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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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