Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, April 11, 2008
Time magazine recently ran a story titled, "Can a Film Change the World?" In short, the answer was yes—message movies can make a difference, and can move people to action.
Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth called attention to global warming—and emissions rules tightened in California. Super Size Me noted the health issues of fast food—and McDonald's changed its menu. Documentaries about AIDS and atrocities in Africa have caused many to stand up, be counted, and even take action. (I highly recommend reading the Time story.)
What about you? Have you ever watched a film and been stirred to do something? To contact your congressman, write a check, take a missions trip, sign a petition, reach out to the homeless, feed the hungry—to get up off of your couch and make a difference.
We want to hear your stories. Not just about movies that made you cry or laugh. Not just about films that moved you emotionally or even spiritually. But about flicks that moved you physically, movies that made you act upon an issue.
Tell us your story in 750 words or less, and we'll print the best ones at CT Movies at a later date. Send your story—either as an attached Word file or in the body of an e-mail—to ctmovies@christianitytoday.com with the subject line "Movies Changing the World."
We look forward to hearing your stories! Deadline: 9 a.m. (Central), April 28.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe may not have changed the world when it released late in 2005, but it did become one of the biggest box office hits of all time, earning almost three-quarters of a billion dollars. Now, Disney and Walden Media are gearing up to release the sequel, Prince Caspian, on May 16. In the first of a number of stories we'll have in leading up to the film, we talked to co-producer Douglas Gresham about the movie. Gresham—the stepson of C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia books on which these movies are based—says Caspian is not as good of a book as LWW, but contends that it's ended up a better movie.
Two new reviews this week: Keanu Reeves stars in crime thriller Street Kings, which causes us to ask, "Can cops behave badly to eradicate even worse behavior?" And Ellen Page (an Oscar nominee for Juno) and Dennis Quaid star in Smart People, which shows that even the brightest of folks can get stupid when it comes to relationships.
In the news, acting icon Charlton Heston—who played Moses and Ben-Hur—died over the weekend, and Reel News reports that plans for The Hobbit are still moving forward.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
Smart People
Another star turn from Ellen Page can't quite elevate this underwhelming family drama about the stupid relationship decisions even smart people make.
by Lisa Ann Cockrel
Rated R
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REVIEW
Street Kings
A serviceable example of the corrupt-cop crime flick raises deeply cynical questions about whether it is necessary to be evil in order to fight evil.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated R
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INTERVIEW
'A Poorer Story, but a Better Movie'
So says Douglas Gresham, C.S. Lewis's stepson and producer of the upcoming Prince Caspian, in comparing it to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
by Mark Moring
NEWS
Moses Is Dead. Ben Hur Too.
Actor—and political activist—Charlton Heston passes away at age 84.
By Mark Moring
REEL NEWS
Del Toro: Hobbit Moving Forward
Director says discussions for Lord of the Rings "prequels" are ongoing. Plus: Ben Stein screens Expelled for lawmakers; actor cast to play Billy Graham; Gibson seeks to hide Passion lawsuit details; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
The Island: Trying to be God's Equal
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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Juno is still in the top 20 at the box office, even after 4 months in theaters. How many times have you seen the movie?
- None, and won't
- None, but will
- Once
- Twice
- Thrice
- 4 or more
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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The Final Inquiry, DVD
Tito Valerio Tauro is sent by the emperor of Rome
to uncover the truth about the death and rumored
resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth in Jerusalem.
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Flywheel: Director's Cut, DVD
A dishonest used car salesman learns to honor God with his
business. Contains new bonus features including an 8-part
Bible study. From the creators of Facing the Giants.
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Another Perfect Stranger, DVD
In this sequel to The Perfect Stranger, Sarah, whose mom
told her she had dined with the Almighty, travels to
college where she struggles with her disdain for religion.
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Expelled: Coming Soon!
Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight, DVD
