Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, July 04, 2008
When I saw WALL•E last weekend, there was a person two rows in front of me texting. For at least five minutes during the movie, she held her phone up at eye level. Until then, I'd never noticed how bright those little cell phone screens can be! I was completely distracted. The shiny little screen kept calling my attention to it, and, frankly, it was hard to focus my eyes on the movie screen with that light shining into the corner of my eye. Eventually, I had to position my hand up under my eye to block it out. I noticed that three people in the row in front of me were doing the same.
Two things struck me about this episode. The first thing it obviously brings up is this new sphere of etiquette: dealing with new personal technologies in public places. I'm sure we've all seen misuses of things like cellphones and iPods and mobile game systems in public. But in a theater? Maybe this won't become a greater trend, but I'm not so confident. I'd love to say that people would eventually realize that even though they can text anywhere, they really shouldn't. But I'm not so sure that's gonna happen. After all, people still chat away during movies without regard for others.
So, what can we do? What's the right response to theater rudeness? I didn't say anything to Ms. Movie Texter. Should I have? In the past, I've tried to politely ask people to not talk in movies—another etiquette pet peeve of mine—but both times didn't go well. A group of college frat boys during a Stanley Kubrik movie got belligerent with me and at Batman Begins an older woman talked to me for about three minutes about how it was OK for her to talk because her husband couldn't hear so well. So, what is a respectful and effective way to deal with these things? Let us know.
The second thing that struck me during The Texting Incident was the sheer irony. Ms. Movie Texter's little shiny screen popped up during a scene in WALL•E where a human realizes that she's spent her whole life with her nose in a digital screen—and missing the life happening in front of her. I had to giggle. This moviegoer was missing the message of not being distracted from living life by convenience and technology because she was distracted by convenience and technology. I doubt she caught the irony. But it made me think about all the things—including movies—that distract us to the point that we begin to forget that we're even being distracted.
Our new reviews this week are of: Hancock, the Will Smith action/adventurer that our reviewer says "seems to be an apologetic for President Bush;" the sweet Depression-era Kit Kittredge: An American Girl; and Diminished Capacity, a movie that may especially be of interest to baseball fanatics (like me).
And Reel News reports on one filmmaker who is teasing his upcoming movie by calling it "an uproarious nonfiction film about the greatest fiction ever told." That story? Religion.
See you at the movies,
Todd Hertz
Reviewer, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
Hancock
The latest Will Smith / Fourth of July blockbuster offers an entertaining twist on the superhero genre.
by Brett McCracken
Rated PG-13
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REVIEW
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
Little Miss Abigail Breslin proves that a spunky heroine can bring Sunshine even to the Depression—especially with the help of a wholesome, nuanced story and a great supporting cast.
by Carolyn Arends
Rated G
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REVIEW
Diminished Capacity
An uncle and nephew with cognitive impairment go to Chicago to sell a valuable baseball card.
by Frederica Mathewes-Green
Not Rated
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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
Maher's Religulous Gets Vicious
Bill Maher talks about religion and comedy, says faith is an easy target; new film promises to be aggressive in its attacks. Plus: Narnia casting news; more religious satire; sequels for Kung Fu Panda and School of Rock; a James Bond trailer; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
The 6th Day: Taking Over for God
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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What is your favorite Fourth of July Weekend blockbuster?
- Independence Day (1996)
- Men in Black (1997)
- Armaggedon (1998)
- Wild Wild West (1999)
- The Patriot (2000)
- The Perfect Storm (2000)
- Men in Black II (2002)
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
- Spiderman 2 (2004)
- War of the Worlds (2005)
- Superman Returns (2006)
- Transformers (2007)
- Hancock (2008)
- Other
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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WALL•E opens this week. What's your favorite Pixar movie?
- Finding Nemo: 23%
- The Incredibles: 21%
- Toy Story: 17%
- Monsters Inc.: 10%
- Cars: 9%
- Ratatouille: 8%
- Toy Story 2: 4%
- WALL•E: 3%
- A Bug's Life: 0%
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Love's Unfolding Dream DVD
In the latest release based on the beloved series by
Janette Oke, Missie's adopted daughter Belinda is
determined to become a doctor despite the many obstacles.
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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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The Wager, DVD
Actor Michael Steel's (Randy Travis) Christian faith is
tested by scandalous rumors and temptations, nearly
ruining his reputation, marriage, and career.
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Lessons from the Sock Drawer, DVD with Free CD
