Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, May 5, 2006
It's now just two weeks till the theatrical release of The Da
Vinci Code, and the conversations are really heating up. We ran a couple
ofcommentaries
in recent weeks that basically encourage Christians to "engage" the film and
the story—perhaps as an evangelistic opportunity, perhaps to bone up on your
knowledge of Christian history, or perhaps just to be willing to take part in
the cultural dialogue.
We got some feedback
from those articles, but nothing like the response we're getting to this week's
commentary
from Barbara Nicolosi, who says any dialogue about The Da Vinci Code is
just a "debate with the Devil." So she proposes not a boycott, but an
"othercott" of the movie. Rather than help DVC's box office on opening
weekend, she suggests paying to see another film instead, thus "casting
our vote," as it were, for something else. (We'll post some of the reader
feedback to Nicolosi's commentary next week.)
Meanwhile, in our new reviews, Tom Cruise and director J.J.
Abrams have saved the Mission: Impossible
franchise with an action-packed sequel, but Hoot
falls far short of the movie it could have been by encouraging kids to
behave badly—and by portraying all adults as idiots.
Also new this week:
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Online Managing Editor/Music & Film
P.S. Be sure to visit ChristianityToday.com's special section on The Da Vinci Code, or sign up for the new Hot Topics newsletter to get complete coverage on Da Vinci and other current issues.
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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 | REVIEW
Mission: Impossible III
Director J.J. Abrams revamps the franchise by giving Ethan Hunt a life—and by giving the audience nothing but intense, fast-paced, rollicking fun.
by by Todd Hertz
Rated PG-13
 |
 | REVIEW
Hoot
For a kids' mystery adventure, it's a bad sign that the biggest mystery is why any of the characters do the things they do.by Todd Hertz
by Todd Hertz
Rated PG
 |
 The Da Vinci Code
Murder in the Louvre, secret clues, a religious mystery. The movie, based on Dan Brown's controversial bestseller, opens May 19. Follow our coverage here.
|
 Cinderella Man
Explore three aspects of Jim Braddock's journey with this guide: the qualities of the heroes we look up to, what makes a successful life, and the second chances we are given.
|
 Les Miserables
Use this guide to examine the themes of this beloved tale. What does it say about redemption? Justice? Can grace make a difference? Can war be justified?
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More Movie Discussion Guides
|
COMMENTARIES
Let's "Othercott" Da Vinci
Many Christians see The Da Vinci Code as an opportunity for evangelism; others say it's a chance to engage the culture. Rubbish. Da Vinci is dangerous, so I'd like to suggest a better alternative.
by Barbara Nicolosi
 INTERVIEW
Low Budget, Big Success
Cory Edwards, director of the surprise hit Hoodwinked, knows how to make a good movie with limited resources. He's also a Christian … but don't look for a blatant evangelistic message in his flicks.
by Peter T. Chattaway |
FILM FORUM
United 93 Soars, RV Stalls
Christian critics love United 93, tolerate RV, are okay with Akeelah and the Bee, and say "forget it" to Stick It. Plus, a review of Water.
by Josh Hurst
REEL NEWS
Caspian Delayed, but More Coming
Prince Caspian moved back a full year, to December '08; meanwhile Walden unveils plans for next three Narnia films. Plus: Controversy over Mormon film, Al Pacino joins Ocean's 13, Duvall in TV Western, and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
Just Like Heaven: Working Your Life Away
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
 | NEW ON VIDEO
Hoodwinked Tops the List
One of the surprise hits of the year, the low-budget Hoodwinked—an animated whodunit written and directed by Christians—hits the DVD shelves. Meanwhile, comedian Steve Harvey cleans up his act in Don't Trip: He Ain't Through With Me Yet. Plus, Last Holiday, the made-for-TV Flight 93, and a Tennessee Williams Collection.
|
CT at the Movies
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Mission: Impossible III, starring Tom Cruise, opens this week. What's your favorite Tom Cruise movie?- All the Right Moves
- Born on the Fourth of July
- Collateral
- The Color of Money
- Far and Away
- A Few Good Men
- The Firm
- Jerry Maguire
- The Last Samurai
- Minority Report
- Mission Impossible
- Rain Man
- Risky Business
- Top Gun
- War of the Worlds
- Other
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
|
United 93, about the hijacked plane that crashed in Pennsylvania on 9/11, opens this week. How do you feel about the timing of the film's release?- The timing is just right: 51%
- Should've waited till later: 18%
- Never should've done it at all: 17%
- Should've been done before now: 12%
|
 Buzby, The Misbehaving Bee, DVD
In another adventure from Hermie and Wormie, the garden is all abuzz when the newest character, Buzby, the Misbehaving Bee storms, onto the scene. For ages 4 to 10.
|
 Chariots of Fire, Special Edition DVD
Winner of four Academy Awards! The moving true story of two champion British runners with, very different goals, who went to France to compete in the 1924 Olympics.
|
 Billy Graham: God's Ambassador, DVD
This authorized biography features 2 hours of rare archival footage of Dr. Graham's early life, his early ministry, and his worldwide evangelical efforts, and much more.
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Angel Wars Guardian Force 2 Episode 01, DVD