Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, April 18, 2008
After weeks of controversy—including booting one of its subjects out of a screening, and now a lawsuit from the producers claiming that opponents are trying to suppress their free speech—Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed arrives in about 1,000 U.S. theaters today. All the stories added up to a boatload of free publicity that the filmmakers never could have afforded. It's likely showing at a theater near you, so you might want to get out and see what all the hubbub is about—and see if it lives up to all the fuss.
I think it does, for the most part. It certainly lives up to its title, presenting several case studies where profs and scientists have lost tenure and/or their jobs for even mentioning Intelligent Design—and at the very least, they've been shushed by the Darwinist majority. Expelled does a nice job telling that part of the story, and host Ben Stein—whom we interviewed—proves himself a pretty good interviewer and a persistent seeker of the core issues in the debate.
It also does a reasonable job—though very incomplete—of showing some of the merits of ID theory, and some of the holes in evolutionary theory. I say "reasonable," because it's impossible to tackle that immense topic in a mere 100-minute movie. If you're looking for an airtight argument to "win" the ID vs. evolution debate, you're not going to find it here—though you will find some ammunition for a very good discussion.
We're giving it 3 stars, and we think it's worth watching for anyone who cares not only about the ID/evolution debate, but about simply having the right to discuss these things in the classroom and in scientific circles.
Also, you can win two free tickets to Expelled. Click here to find out how.
Four more new reviews this week:
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the latest raunchy comedy from the Judd Apatow camp, but it lacks the moral themes that were so prominent in The 40-Year-Old Virgin (celebrating the sanctity of marriage) and Knocked Up (celebrating the sanctity of unborn life).
- The Forbidden Kingdom, a martial arts fantasy adventure that puts Jet Li and Jackie Chan into the same movie for the first time in history. It's not a great film, but it does have its share of stunning action sequences and humor.
- The Visitor, a poignant look at issues of illegal immigration through the eyes of a retired professor, who finds two illegals living in his NY apartment—but, out of kindness, lets them stay on and develops a friendship centered around music.
- Young@Heart, a documentary about the Young@Heart Chorus, a group of 70- to 90-somethings who offer older perspectives on new rock songs, such as The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" and Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia." Fascinating and fun.
Also new this week: Reel News continues to explore the pre-release controversy surrounding Expelled.
Finally, don't forget that we're still seeking your stories and essays about movies that changed you—films that moved you not just emotionally or spiritually, but made you act, to go out and do something.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
This controversial documentary explores what filmmakers are calling a lack of academic freedom in academia and scientific circles.
by Mark Moring
Rated PG
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REVIEW
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The latest comedy from the Judd Apatow factory has decidedly less redeeming value than some of the others, with a stronger emphasis on sex than real relationships.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated R
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REVIEW
The Forbidden Kingdom
Martial-arts superstars Jackie Chan and Jet Li team up for the first time ever—in a story about an American teenager who travels back in time.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated PG-13
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REVIEW
The Visitor
A big-hearted love story set against one of the biggest issues of our time.
by Brett McCracken
Rated PG-13
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REVIEW
Young@Heart
This documentary about a modern-rock singing senior choir has its heart in the right place, if not its documentarian.
by Camerin Courtney
Rated PG
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Has a Movie Changed You?
Tell us how, and your story might be printed at CT Movies.
INTERVIEW
Ben Stein Is Expelled!
The TV and movie personality takes on Darwinism and evolution in a new documentary about Intelligent Design—and academic freedom.
by Peter T. Chattaway
REEL NEWS
Expelled Defended and Denounced
Colson, others champion new documentary for its defense of academic freedom; critics call it sloppy, unscientific. Plus: Ben-Hur TV miniseries; Walden prez talks Narnia, Screwtape; Disney unveils animated lineup; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
Casablanca: Self-Denial
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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The controversial new documentary Expelled is now in theaters. You will:
- See it the first week
- See it within a month
- See it sometime
- Wait till DVD
- Skip it altogether
- What's Expelled?
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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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, but will: 38%
- Once: 30%
- None, and won't: 24%
- Twice: 3%
- Thrice: 2%
- 4 or more: 0%
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Bee Movie, DVD
The hilarious adventures of a bee named Barry B. Benson
(Jerry Seinfeld), who finds himself disillusioned with the
prospect of having only one career choice—honey.
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Hermie the Uncommon DJ: Sing-Along DVD
Are your 3- to 7-year-olds up for some karaoke? They'll
love moving and grooving to sing-along songs like "I'm a
Mantis That Just Can't Pray," "Tomatoes Rock!" and more.
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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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China Cry, DVD
A heroic account of one woman's courage, determination,
and faith in God during excruciating persecution by the
Chinese Communist regime.
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Expelled
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
