Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, June 27, 2008
Andrew Stanton is one of my heroes. Why? Because he's one of the masterminds at Pixar, which has consistently made some of the best American films of the last 13 years since Toy Story first released in 1995. Time and time again, Pixar has turned out remarkable films, and they never disappoint. Bravo.
Their latest, WALL•E, is written and directed by Stanton, who also wrote and helmed the fantastic Finding Nemo. Now we can add WALL•E to Pixar's ever-growing list of fine films; our critic, Josh Hurst, not only gives it 4 stars, but says it might be the company's best ever. High praise indeed.
I really liked it, though not as much as Josh, but I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Stanton last week—because, as noted, anybody who works for Pixar is something of a hero in my book. Add to the fact that Stanton is a Christian, and well, that just makes him all that much more "totally awesome" (as Crush, the character he voiced in Nemo, might say).
Still, even interviewing someone I admire, as a journalist I'm still obliged to ask tough questions when appropriate. And it certainly was appropriate when, after noting what I thought was a fairly heavy social commentary in WALL•E, Stanton's reply started with, "That's your interpretation," basically saying it was way off base. Seemed to me that the film was portraying humans—presumably Americans—as a bunch of fat, lazy slobs who were addicted to consumerism and with little care for the environment. Stanton insists that's not what he meant to convey, and went on to explain what he really meant.
Fair enough, and yet I followed up by asking, "But why were all the humans fat and riding around on floating lounge chairs?" Meaning, "I hear what you're saying, but your film is saying something a little differently."
I'm not alone in this. Our own reviewer wrote that the humans are "a race of fat, stupid, lazy and lethargic slobs, too bloated to even stand on their own two feet as they cruise around in hovering lounge chairs. Their p***t is in ruins—literally—but they don't care; they're too busy shopping."
A sampling of other what other critics are saying:
- "Unfettered consumerism and terminal neglect by its human stewards [who have] devolved into permanent couch-potatoes, morbidly obese and robbed of ambition ... and regaled, from birth, with propagandist messages from the corporate conglomerate BNL" (FilmFreak)
- "The last humans left the Earth and settled into orbit aboard gigantic spaceships that resemble spas for the fat and lazy" (Roger Ebert)
- "Human beings have turned into floating couch potatoes too lethargic to move even if they wanted to. These Earthlings have turned into full-time consumers ... WALL•E pushes an agenda that could, and no doubt will, be interpreted as 'green'" (Variety)
- "Presents a grimmer future for our p***t than 'An Inconvenient Truth'" (Chicago Tribune)
Stanton says he didn't intend to make a "message movie," and that may be true. But there are messages aplenty—and they're good ones, don't get me wrong. So it's surprising to hear Stanton say he didn't mean it that way. The Pixar guys are such good storytellers, it would be surprising that they'd unwittingly communicate something unintended.
All that aside, the film is a delight, and a wonder to behold.
Our only other new review this week is of Wanted, starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, and Morgan Freeman in a fraternity of superpowered assassins.
And Reel News reports that the Roman diocese denied the filmmakers of Angels & Demons—the prequel to The Da Vinci Code—access to their churches for shooting.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Editor, CT Movies
P.S. I'll be on vacation the next few weeks, and Todd Hertz, one of our regular critics, will be handling this newsletter in my absence. Enjoy!
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
WALL•E
Pixar looks to the future and digs into hard sci-fi for its most unusual—and its most extraordinary—achievement yet.
by Josh Hurst
Rated G
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REVIEW
Wanted
Over-the-top and morally-ambiguous comic-book violence leads to some surprisingly serious thoughts about fate and free will.
by Peter T. Chattaway
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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INTERVIEW
The Little Robot That Could
Pixar's Andrew Stanton first thought of WALL•E in 1994, and now it's hitting theaters. We caught up with Stanton to discuss his faith, creativity, and that lonely little 'bot.
by Mark Moring
REEL NEWS
Rome Shuts Down Angels and Demons
Diocese denies permission for Da Vinci Code sequel to film in two churches; Vatican sets out to compile criteria. Plus: EW picks "the new classics"; AFI honors classic films; two movies about polygamy; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
What a Girl Wants: Teenager Searches for Her Father
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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WALL•E opens this week. What's your favorite Pixar movie?
- A Bug's Life
- Cars
- Finding Nemo
- The Incredibles
- Monsters Inc.
- Ratatouille
- Toy Story
- Toy Story 2
- WALL•E
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Is it a sin to enjoy the movie Sex and the City?
- yes: 39%
- no: 23%
- Depends: 22%
- I'm not sure: 14%
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The Ultimate Gift, DVD
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wealthy grandfather dies. Instead, the will requires him
to complete 12 challenging tasks before receiving a dime.
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The Perfect Stranger DVD
When a successful attorney receives a mysterious
invitation to "dinner with Jesus of Nazareth," she
accepts, thinking it's an intriguing prank.
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Indescribable, DVD & CD
Includes an illuminating passion talk with Louie Giglio,
and a five-song CD featuring performances by Chris Tomlin,
David Crowder Band, Matt Redman, and Charlie Hall.
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Gideon: Tuba Warrior, VeggieTales DVD
Based on the legendary Bible story, the Veggie gang hosts
this incredible story of one of the greatest heroes of all time,
and teach kids a lesson about trusting in God.
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