My Angle: After years of being told, "you should watch this", "this movie is about the current generation". etc. I finally caved in. It's a mixed bag.
Spiritual Issues: This movie tries to grapple with the sense of hopelessness in our postmodern society. It captures, in many ways the, in many ways the premise behind the book "Generation me: Why Today's Young Americans are More Donfident, Assertive, Entitled - and More Miserable Than Ever." (one of the several sources of recommendations to watch this movie). So yes there are spiritual issues in the movie - unfortunately the movie itself becomes a spiritual issue.
Kid Friendly: No. This movie may not be adult friendly. Although it glorifies none of them it is full of violence, sexuality, and disturbing images. It's fatalism is in many ways unhealthy. At the same time it provides serious food for thought. Why is our socieity so disfunctional? Do we live dual lives? Are we willing to turn to incredibly destructive behaviors because of our sense of Ennui?
Rating: a very conditional 3 out of 5 stars. Just so much garbage with the message - even though the garbage is part of the message - I can't give it a higher ranking.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
UP
My Angle:
I love kids movies - this is one of the best to come out in years.
Spiritual Issues:
The most conservative view of love and marriage to come out in a long time. This movie deals with the destruction wrought by our new views of marriage while not condemning those who go through it.
Kid Friendly:
The movie isn't perfect. The Frist 5 minutes takes you through the love story of the main character and his wife through her death and his mourning (yes in about 5 minutes - its beautiful). That may seem a little intense for younger children but I've had some interesting conversations with all three of my little ones about, life, love, marriage, and death.
There are some action sequences and some scary parts but in large they are kept so silly that even my sensitive child could bear it and enjoy the movie.
Not often I rate this high:
4 to 5 out of 5 stars.
I love kids movies - this is one of the best to come out in years.
Spiritual Issues:
The most conservative view of love and marriage to come out in a long time. This movie deals with the destruction wrought by our new views of marriage while not condemning those who go through it.
Kid Friendly:
The movie isn't perfect. The Frist 5 minutes takes you through the love story of the main character and his wife through her death and his mourning (yes in about 5 minutes - its beautiful). That may seem a little intense for younger children but I've had some interesting conversations with all three of my little ones about, life, love, marriage, and death.
There are some action sequences and some scary parts but in large they are kept so silly that even my sensitive child could bear it and enjoy the movie.
Not often I rate this high:
4 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Battlestar Galactica (2003)
Ok this isn't a movie -but is important to review because of its appeal to some.
Spiritual Issues:
Yes and they are profound and serious. This is the most popular anti-Christian TV show ever. And this is important it is not merely atheistic but rather it is anti-montheism. It is actually pushing neo-paganism.
Child Friendly:
No. Violent, hypersexualized, and although using the word "Frak" is not specifically bad language since that one word covers all of our four letter words - is it really any different - again no.
My Angle:
I remember likeing the 1980's version of this series. I had for years meant to watch the remake but have not had time nor the cable channels necessary until recently. I was surprised to find the new show so anti-Christian with the bad guys (Cylons) being the monotheistic tyrants and the human beings being polytheistic - blending mostly Greek, and Roman mythology together. I went back and watched a few of the old series (1970's and 1980's) and realized they were very "new Agey" and that these mixed the mythology of several pagan religions together with a heavy dose of Egyptology in there. In a manner it is interesting viewing only in that it shows an extreme worldview that is helpful to analyze and study for refutation. Hardly something you would want to expose your children (of any age) to.
Recommendation:
Don't watch unless you want to learn about those who hate monotheism.
Spiritual Issues:
Yes and they are profound and serious. This is the most popular anti-Christian TV show ever. And this is important it is not merely atheistic but rather it is anti-montheism. It is actually pushing neo-paganism.
Child Friendly:
No. Violent, hypersexualized, and although using the word "Frak" is not specifically bad language since that one word covers all of our four letter words - is it really any different - again no.
My Angle:
I remember likeing the 1980's version of this series. I had for years meant to watch the remake but have not had time nor the cable channels necessary until recently. I was surprised to find the new show so anti-Christian with the bad guys (Cylons) being the monotheistic tyrants and the human beings being polytheistic - blending mostly Greek, and Roman mythology together. I went back and watched a few of the old series (1970's and 1980's) and realized they were very "new Agey" and that these mixed the mythology of several pagan religions together with a heavy dose of Egyptology in there. In a manner it is interesting viewing only in that it shows an extreme worldview that is helpful to analyze and study for refutation. Hardly something you would want to expose your children (of any age) to.
Recommendation:
Don't watch unless you want to learn about those who hate monotheism.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Family That Preys
The best of the Tyler Perry movies (so far)
My Angle: Shows a clear message that wealth does not lead to happiness. Honest portrayal of the "deals" we make in life that turn on us.
Kid Friendly: No - none of the Perry movies are kid friendly.
Spirituality: Like most Tyler Perry productions spirituality is highly on display. Unfortunately this is not the Bible's Christianity but something a little closer to self help or Oprah's new age gospel.
The closing line of the movie is the most dissapointing. I was so excited by the movie up to this point (well with the exception of the total abuse of the sacrament of Baptism). The main character relates how she spent her life serving others but now it was time for her to take care of herself....
Self sacrifice has taken a toll on the main character but the end result has been her becoming a millionaire. Now all that wealth and all her spare time will go into self fulfilment. This is not the good news.
Rather Jesus says: No greater love is there than this, that a man lay down his life for another....
My Angle: Shows a clear message that wealth does not lead to happiness. Honest portrayal of the "deals" we make in life that turn on us.
Kid Friendly: No - none of the Perry movies are kid friendly.
Spirituality: Like most Tyler Perry productions spirituality is highly on display. Unfortunately this is not the Bible's Christianity but something a little closer to self help or Oprah's new age gospel.
The closing line of the movie is the most dissapointing. I was so excited by the movie up to this point (well with the exception of the total abuse of the sacrament of Baptism). The main character relates how she spent her life serving others but now it was time for her to take care of herself....
Self sacrifice has taken a toll on the main character but the end result has been her becoming a millionaire. Now all that wealth and all her spare time will go into self fulfilment. This is not the good news.
Rather Jesus says: No greater love is there than this, that a man lay down his life for another....
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry is not a movie but a producer of movies.
I just want to make a general comment as I am about to review 3 of his movies. Madea's Family Reunion, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, The Family that Preys.
Tyler Perry, I think, would admit that his movies are both realism, and caricature.
Caricature because many of the characters are played "over the top" but based upon real life people that we all know (e.g. Madea may resemble many of our relatives but she's way beyond any of them). Realism is present because the movies often deal with the dark sides of families, harsh realities of life, and practical wisdom that real people share.
Tyler Perry would also, I think, admit that he is intentionally planting one or a few good Christians in the mix of each movie to show that among these desperate lives there are people who live grace filled lives.
My continuing disappointment after 3 movies that each of the "christian" characters end up giving advice at the end of the movie that contradicts the final message of the Gospel. Clearly displayed in each movie is that God makes demands upon us and if we obey we are rewarded but then the ending message repeatedly seems to be - do what is best for you which is not the Gospel at all.
I recommend the movies for adults, who want to grapple with the issues of real life but I caution them that the truth is in the Bible not in movies.
I just want to make a general comment as I am about to review 3 of his movies. Madea's Family Reunion, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, The Family that Preys.
Tyler Perry, I think, would admit that his movies are both realism, and caricature.
Caricature because many of the characters are played "over the top" but based upon real life people that we all know (e.g. Madea may resemble many of our relatives but she's way beyond any of them). Realism is present because the movies often deal with the dark sides of families, harsh realities of life, and practical wisdom that real people share.
Tyler Perry would also, I think, admit that he is intentionally planting one or a few good Christians in the mix of each movie to show that among these desperate lives there are people who live grace filled lives.
My continuing disappointment after 3 movies that each of the "christian" characters end up giving advice at the end of the movie that contradicts the final message of the Gospel. Clearly displayed in each movie is that God makes demands upon us and if we obey we are rewarded but then the ending message repeatedly seems to be - do what is best for you which is not the Gospel at all.
I recommend the movies for adults, who want to grapple with the issues of real life but I caution them that the truth is in the Bible not in movies.
Saving God
My Angle - Movie about a Pastor trying to revive an old church. Sounds familiar to me.
Kid Friendly - no this is an adult movie with spiritual content.
Spiritual issues - very much present. This movie includes some powerful scenes of redemption. The author/director has some clear issues with the established church many of which are valid. Some of the actions of the Pastor in the movie are flat out dangerous, stuborn, and desperate. However the idea that Christians are supposed to take the command to lay down their lives for others seriously is a well deserved critique.
3 out of 5 stars
Content is great but the movie has some flaws. Ving Rhames plays the role well - perfect casting.
Kid Friendly - no this is an adult movie with spiritual content.
Spiritual issues - very much present. This movie includes some powerful scenes of redemption. The author/director has some clear issues with the established church many of which are valid. Some of the actions of the Pastor in the movie are flat out dangerous, stuborn, and desperate. However the idea that Christians are supposed to take the command to lay down their lives for others seriously is a well deserved critique.
3 out of 5 stars
Content is great but the movie has some flaws. Ving Rhames plays the role well - perfect casting.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Marley and Me
My Angle: I love dogs - nuff said.
Kid Friendly: Not really - several trusted sites had this listed as a good "family movie". I can't figure out how they thought so. The couple is skinny dipping once, trying to have sex often, and dealing with very adult subjects. Teens not kids.
Spiritual Issues: This movie (although not religious) is very pro life, and amazingly pro marriage. The Main characters grapple with tremendous issues but refuse to back away from the value of life and marriage. A refreshing poduction.
I liked this movie. I cried my eyes out but I liked it.
Bill Crawford
Kid Friendly: Not really - several trusted sites had this listed as a good "family movie". I can't figure out how they thought so. The couple is skinny dipping once, trying to have sex often, and dealing with very adult subjects. Teens not kids.
Spiritual Issues: This movie (although not religious) is very pro life, and amazingly pro marriage. The Main characters grapple with tremendous issues but refuse to back away from the value of life and marriage. A refreshing poduction.
I liked this movie. I cried my eyes out but I liked it.
Bill Crawford
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