Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, May 23, 2008
It's been almost two decades since we last saw Indiana Jones—and his famous fedora and whip—on the silver screen, but the adventurous archeologist is now back in theaters everywhere, in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's enough to make any giddy Indy fan—and as someone who's seen Raiders of the Lost Ark more than 50 times, I count myself among them—shout for joy. Well, maybe ...
I've long had mixed feelings about another Indy movie, especially since the last one—Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade—ended on such a high note, with our hero literally riding off into the sunset. How could you top that? It was a fitting end to a trilogy that had been so terrific (Raiders), so awful (Temple of Doom), and then so very good again (Last Crusade).
Additionally, Last Crusade, like Raiders, affirmed some sort of Judeo-Christian beliefs in Indy's personal spiritual journey. In Raiders, he had shown respect and reverence for the God of the Ark of the Covenant. And in the final scenes of Last Crusade, he showed that he knew what it means to be penitent (humble, kneeling), to stand on the word of God, and to take a literal leap of faith. Perhaps it was all just to save his dying father, but Indy clearly understood these notions. (Earlier in the same film, his father had slapped him for using Christ's name in vain, indicating that Indy had at least grown up in a God-fearing home.)
Now along comes Crystal Skull, which leaves me with mixed emotions. Harrison Ford is apparently terrific in the role again, even at the age of 65. So, while I'm not disappointed in Ford, I'm a bit disappointed in his character—because this time around, Indy apparently shows no indication of having any sort of Judeo-Christian faith ... if he ever really had "faith" to begin with. And that's too bad. Not that I've held him up as any sort of role model—or that he'd warrant a mention in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11—but it had been nice to see Indy as a man who held on to some semblance of belief.
I'm also disappointed in George Lucas, the mastermind behind the Indy franchise who is ultimately responsible for how his protagonist is portrayed. One of the main reasons it took almost 20 years for another Indy movie is that Lucas was being particularly picky about finding the right script for a sequel, and he turned down many scripts along the way. Not until this script—co-written by Lucas, Jeff Nathanson and David Koepp—came along did Lucas sign off on the story. And apparently it's so muddled and preposterous that it's hard to follow along and know exactly what's happening. All that in addition to branding Indy as a man who simply has faith in whatever artifacts and antiquities he's chasing at the moment.
Lucas, who had been such a brilliant storyteller in the first three Star Wars movies three decades ago, seems to have lost the knack for great storytelling in more recent years—most evident in the Star Wars prequels of The Phantom Menace (I still don't know what the menace is) and Attack of the Clones. Lucas redeemed himself a bit with the better storytelling of Revenge of the Sith, but apparently has lost the touch again here.
Still, those disappointments aside, Indy is still my all-time favorite cinematic hero, and it's good to see him back.
One more new review this week: The Children of Huang Shi, the true story of British journalist George Hogg, who with the assistance of an Australian nurse, saves a group of orphaned children during the Japanese occupation of China in 1937.
Finally, Reel News rounds up what some critics are saying about Prince Caspian, especially their concerns about deviations from C.S. Lewis's beloved book.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
The Children of Huang Shi
A British journalist covering the Japanese occupation of China in 1937 rescues a group of orphan children from certain death in this pretty, if completely uninspiring, film.
by Brandon Fibbs
Rated R
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 Prince Caspian
In this new sequel to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the Pevensie kids return to Narnia only to find it under a dark siege in this epic tale of faith, friendship, and family. Use this movie discussion guide to learn about themes like grace and mercy, jealousy and pride, and the true meaning of childlike faith.
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 Iron Man
A war profiteer has a change of heart and becomes the avenging, metal-clad Iron Man in this new blockbuster film. Download this movie discussion guide to focus on themes of penitence, purpose, and power throughout the film.
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More discussion guides at
ChristianityTodayMoviesStore.com
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REEL NEWS
Unfaithful to Narnia?
The reviews are in on Prince Caspian, and Christian critics express concern about deviations from the book. Plus: A Cory Edwards update; Religulous coming this October; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest: Reading the Bible for Credit
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull opens this week. When will you see it?
- Opening weekend
- Within a week
- Within 2 weeks
- Within a month
- I'll wait till DVD
- When it's on TV
- Won't watch. Ever.
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Prince Caspian opens this week. When will you see it?
- Opening weekend: 49%
- Within a month: 14%
- Within a week: 11%
- Within 2 weeks: 11%
- I'll wait till video: 7%
- Won't watch. Ever: 4%
- When it's on TV: 1%
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Ice Princess, DVD
Though Casey longs to become a graceful champion figure
skater, her mother insists she attend a top university,
making for a hilarious and heartwarming struggle.
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Flicka DVD
Sixteen year-old Katy struggles against her father and a
wild mustang to prove she's cut out to manage a ranch.
This fresh adaptation stars country star Tim McGraw.
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Saving Sarah Cain, DVD
Based on Beverly Lewis' bestselling novel, a self-absorbed
woman attends her sister's funeral and discovers that she
is now legal guardian of her five Amish nieces and nephews.
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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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