Hotel Rwanda – Movie-Discussion Night

Last night our youth group watched Hotel Rwanda for our movie and discussion night. I was thrilled that we had about 15 students spend their Friday night doing this. (Intentionally no sign up to discourage the, “It depends who’s going” attitude.) If you have seen this movie, you know that’s pretty intense.

One of the major themes we have been discussing as a student ministry has been that we need to cultivate a heart for others. We need to see people as God sees them. We need to focus more outside of ourselves and outside our inner circles. Hotel Rwanda does a great job in illustrating some of this.

I was really pleased and I hope we continue on this path. Our next movie discussion night will probably be different (and probably a little more light-hearted)

Rocky – the Modern Day Saint of Perseverance

Another interview with Sly. (linked to title)

“You created the Rocky character more than 30 years ago. Where’d he come from? Was he just a product of your imagination?

Sylvester Stallone: He was a product of my frustration. Since I had had so many doors shut in my face early in my career, I started to wonder, Am I alone? Or is it just really tough to pursue one’s dreams? So I thought, Let me write a story about a man who’s going nowhere, a man who has made some very bad decisions in his life, a man that no one has any faith in.

Where were you spiritually when the original Rocky was made?

Stallone: I’ve always been a Christian. I’ve always been fascinated with the ongoing battle in one’s soul—the constant forces of temptation, and the crusade inside to override it. And the mistakes people make and then trying to elevate yourself to redeem yourself. It’s back and forth, back and forth redemption. So when I write a character, that’s a story point. You know the man wants to be a boxer; that’s the simple part. But inside, the internal storm, that has always fascinated me. But what do we call upon to help us get through these trials and tribulations of everyday life? That’s what I try to do with Rocky.”

Another Studio on the Bandwagon

“A couple months ago, the 20th Century Fox empire announced that it would target the Christian market with the new FoxFaith brand, bringing movies to theaters and home video just for that audience.

Now the The Weinstein Co. is following suit, launching its own faith-based distribution label, according to Variety. The development includes a first-look deal—which means Weinsten gets first dibs—with Impact Productions, a Christian production company … (article linked to title)”

Me: Christian movies. Can’t say I’m crazy about the sound of this. In short I am more interested in seeing movies being made by Christians as opposed to making movies for Christians. There is a difference.

I would hate to the same mistakes we saw with the Contemporary Christian Music Movement in the movies. At the same time, I know many who have been blessed and inspired by the fruits of the CCM industry and I can’t accuse it of being a failure. It just doesn’t work for me.

So, launch your Christian music studios, film the movies, start up CET (Christian Entertainment Tonight) on whatever station you want, but it’s a poor way to respond to the culture war.

An Interview with Sylvester Stallone about his faith

Is Rocky a Christian? I admit I rolled my eyes and said something negative when I saw a Bible study about Rocky and his faith. But maybe I’ll see the movie first. This interview is interesting though and I’m glad I read it (interview linked to title).

The Prestige

Also saw The Prestige Fantastic.
This was a too good of a movie weekend for me. I need to space it out more or something. Will try to blog more about this later.

Flag of Our Fathers

I am still (unsure of word here) after seeing Flag of Our Fathers. But that’s how you should feel after watching a movie about war. It brings a sense of perspective.

Similar to the violence in Saving Private Ryan, (which is not gratitious but in both movies a great attempt at accuarcy), FOUF, left me almost overwhelmed.

The movie is about the famous picture of the soldiers who lifted the American Flag on Iwa Jima, that has the story goes, was a moment of inspiration for our nation. In the previews I saw, there was debate on the validity of the picture. You even hear a reporter ask, “Was it staged?” Having never conisderd the accuaracy of this picture prior to seeing this movie, this is where the beauty and the struggle of the movie takes place.

The soliders in the picture are regarded as heroes. They are brought back to the States and are begin touring and fundraising for the war effort. The main protagonist, Doc, (played by the actor known as Reese Witherspoon’s husband may get his name back, Ryan Phillippe) is the one that audience cheers on for his bravery and heart which depicts his conflict and his goodness.

This is another one of those movies that is difficult to call it “Good” because of its violence and pain. But it is.

The Departed

Enjoyed watching The Departed.
Great acting, directing, and story line.
Violence, profanity, and gratuity are very prevalent. The Christianity Today has more to say on that.

NY Times Review of The Departed
CT Review of The Departed

A pic of Cate Blanchet playing a Dylan on Set

Only because it’s a Bob Dylan movie will a woman playing him probably still be cool.

For those who thought that there is an absence of…

For those who thought that there is an absence of spirituality in Hollywood, I suggest seeing “Talladega Nights, The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”

“Help me Allah … Help me Tom Cruise, … Help me Opray Winfrey …”
and the prayer to Baby Jesus at the dinner table is something too funny to be sacreligious.

Some told me that this isn’t as funny as “Anchorman” but whatever, it’s in the same league. Go see it if you need to laugh.

Snakes on a Plane – Terrible but Not So Bad

Snakes on a Plane. Wow, what can I say? It’s terrible, but not so bad.
Snakes on a Plane Review by Kurt Lorder (linked to title)