Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, June 13, 2008
It's always fun to read the summer movie previews every spring, to see what blockbuster popcorn flicks will be hitting the megaplex during those hot and humid months. Which ones would rise to the top?
For many, this looked to be a promising summer; I was excited about no less than 8 movies—in chronological order: Iron Man, Prince Caspian, Indiana Jones 4, The Happening, The Incredible Hulk, Get Smart, Wall*E, and The Dark Knight.
Two of those films release this week—The Happening and The Incredible Hulk. But according to our critics, Hulk ain't happening, and The Happening ain't either.
Bummer. I sorta liked Ang Lee's 2003 version of Hulk, despite the mutant dogs and the preposterous ending, but I was hoping this one would be better—especially with a top tier actor like Edward Norton in the lead role. But critic Russ Breimeier, who gives the film 2 stars, says this "requel" is good for about the first 15 minutes, then goes downhill from there. He writes, "I found myself longing for more context and character development (like Iron Man)," but he never found it. We'll soon learn if moviegoers agree, and whether or not Hulk will be a "smash" hit. (Pun intended.)
As for The Happening, I'm probably like most fans of director M. Night Shyamalan. I thoroughly enjoyed The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs, but Shyamalan seems to have lost his touch in recent years. The Village was okay, Lady in the Water was barely tolerable, and now it appears that The Happening is just a gory, spooky, horror flick lacking in good storytelling—or logical explanations. Critic Brett McCracken, who gives it 2½ stars, writes that the film "becomes less and less comprehensible as it goes along, and the audience—expecting a patented M. Night ending—is cruelly left with no answers, explanation, or narrative closure." The film hints at a faith vs. reason motif, but mostly, it's a gloomy, distressing film from the director, making it the first "Dark Night" movie of the summer. (Pun likewise intended.)
I'll check these movies out for myself; who knows, I might like them more than our critics did, but my hopes aren't high. So far, Iron Man has been the only summer flick I've really enjoyed—and he was the comic book character I was least familiar with. How's that for irony? (Ditto on the pun thing.)
Meanwhile, Yoko Ono was among the many who didn't like the message of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, so the wife of the late John Lennon sued the filmmakers for using her husband's song, "Imagine," in the movie. Reel News reports that she lost round one, but she's apparently intending to appeal. (Maybe the sequel will be titled: Expelled: No Imagine(nation) Allowed.) (Yeah, another pun. So sue me!)
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
The Happening
Dark, baffling film features M. Night Shyamalan doing what he loves: toying mercilessly with the audience.
by Brett McCracken
Rated R
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REVIEW
The Incredible Hulk
Despite some interesting ideas, smart casting, and occasionally exciting action sequences, this "requel" feels predictable, staged, and no more incredible than its 2003 predecessor.
by Russ Breimeier
Rated PG-13
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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
Expelled Tops Yoko
John Lennon's widow loses suit against producers for using "Imagine" in film. Plus: Clint Eastwood, Spike Lee squabble; Christopher Lee wants to be Saruman again; and Keira Knightley in My Fair Lady remake?
by Peter T. Chattaway
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
Walk the Line: Knowing the Word
from PreachingToday.com
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The Happening, from director M. Night Shyamalan, opens this week. What's your favorite Shyamalan movie?
- The Happening
- Lady in the Water
- Praying With Anger
- Signs
- The Sixth Sense
- Unbreakable
- The Village
- Wide Awake
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Kung Fu Panda, starring Jack Black, opens this week. What's your favorite Jack Black flick?
- School of Rock: 33%
- The Holiday: 15%
- Nacho Libre: 15%
- Shallow Hal: 13%
- King Kong: 10%
- Other: 4%
- Shark Tale: 3%
- Be Kind, Rewind: 2%
- Envy: 0%
- Margot at the Wedding: 0%
- Tenacious D: 0%
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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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Behind The Mask DVD
Based on the true story of an overworked clinic director
whose life is saved by a patient, this movie encourages
us all to remember what's truly important in our lives.
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Love's Abiding Joy, DVD
Directed by Michael Landon, Jr., this is the fourth
installment in Janette Oke's beloved series in the
frontier West. A joyful reunion is interrupted by tragedy.
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