Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, July 18, 2008
Batman has always been my favorite superhero. I've followed the old TV show, the animated series, the graphic novels, and the movies. Maybe an odd thing, though, is that I never cared all that much for Batman's arch nemesis—arguably the greatest of all superhero villains: The Joker.
Instead, I'm a Riddler guy. I guess it started with Frank Gorshin's giddy cackle in the '60s show. From there, I was especially interested whenever this bad guy popped up in the comics or the animated series. I even got a big kick out of Jim Carrey's turn in the green tights for the campy but fun Batman Forever. So, why the Riddler? I find him funny and odd. I'm also intrigued by the idea that this criminal's motive was always a mix of greed, a compulsion to get caught, and a desire to prove he was smarter than Batman.
With the release this week of The Dark Knight, I got thinking about the significance of both a Joker and a Riddler growing out of the Batman mythos. I find it fascinating that two of this hero's principal villains are seemingly playful and humor-based—but are actually very disturbed and twisted. These characters put a face of laughter and levity onto evil. From a Christian perspective, we recognize that evil, Satan, and sin often put on an attractive—even fun—face. This is all the more striking in The Dark Knight, in which Heath Ledger's Joker wears badly applied clown makeup to cover up a distorted, scarred, and ugly face. He attempts to literally paint a smile on something horrible.
As I think about it more, placing these two villains in opposition to Batman is a work of genius. After all, they may put a jovial face on evil, but Batman puts a dark, intimidating face on goodness and justice. These characters were just made for each other.
In my review of The Dark Knight, you'll see that I'm warming up to the character of the Joker thanks to the amazing, groundbreaking portrayal of the late Heath Ledger. Who is your favorite Joker? Tell us in this week's poll.
Other new reviews on the site this week are of: Mamma Mia!, and Space Chimps.
And in Reel News this week, rumors swirl around HBO shows headed to—or back to—the big screen.
See you at the movies,
Todd Hertz
Reviewer, CT Movies
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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REVIEW
The Dark Knight
While perhaps a bit too ambitious, The Dark Knight demonstrates great balance between story and spectacle—and touts an all-time classic villain performance.
by Todd Hertz
Rated PG-13
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REVIEW
Space Chimps
Some decent nostalgia for the early days of NASA and a tacky, cheap alien world make for an odd match in this underwhelming cartoon.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated G
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REVIEW
Mamma Mia!
The music of ABBA successfully translates to a musical about a girl trying to determine the identity of her father on her wedding day, but the film version is too campy in tone, too sloppy in execution, and too mixed in its messages.
by Russ Breimeier
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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INTERVIEW
A Good Look in the Mirror
A new documentary, Lord Save Us From Your Followers, helps Christians to see what we really look like to those on the outside looking in.
by Brandon Fibbs
REEL NEWS
More Sex and the City?
HBO has enthusiasm for making a sequel to the blockbuster film. Plus: A possible Sopranos movie; Dark Knight actors mourn Heath Ledger; Jon Favreau signs on for Iron Man 2; del Toro talks religion and Hellboy 2; updates from Lucasfilm, Walden Media, and Robert Downey, Jr.; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
Pieces of April: Loving Family While You Can
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
CT at the Movies
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Who is your favorite Joker?
- Cesar Romero
- Jack Nicholson
- Mark Hamill
- Heath Ledger
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Are you more likely to catch a movie in the theater if it is on IMAX or in 3D?
- Depends on what movie it is: 47%
- No: 35%
- Yes: 16%
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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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It's Probably Just My Thyroid DVD
Chock-full of laughs, off-the-wall insights, and music,
here's a remedy that's good for whatever ails
you! There's even a parody for Carrie Underwood fans!
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The Ultimate Gift, DVD
Spoiled Jason Stevens expects to inherit millions when his
wealthy grandfather dies. Instead, the will requires him
to complete 12 challenging tasks before receiving a dime.
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Amazing Grace, DVD
The acclaimed story of William Wilberforce, chronicling
his epic struggle to pass a British law to end the slave
trade in the late 18th century. Inspired by a true story.
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