Biblical perspectives on contemporary cinema
Friday, November 18, 2005
Ifind it interesting that so many Christians are so ready
to embrace a story—and a movie—that prominently features witchcraft, evil
spells, dark deeds, and all sorts of creepy, practically demonic, creatures.
Not to mention all that violence, bloodshed, and even death.
But enough about Narnia.
This week, our attention momentarily shifts away from The Lion,
The Witch and The Wardrobe—coming to theaters on Dec. 9—to Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth of the seven-book series to hit
the big screen. And, as always happens when the boy wizard is in the cultural
limelight, many Christians are raising their voices to object.
Shortly after Russ Breimeier's commentary, "Redeeming
Harry Potter," posted earlier this week, the e-mails started coming in.
"I was more than disappointed," wrote one reader. "How do
you justify witchcraft? Fiction or nonfiction, witchcraft is witchcraft. Sin is
sin. … In the last days, even the elect will be deceived."
Another wrote: "Because of your support of this article on
Harry Potter and the magical arts, my family and I will no longer support your
magazine or your website. I guess next you'll start endorsing homosexuality or
perhaps bigamy?"
Oy.
I've got no problem with Christians who don't like Harry
Potter. And I've got no problem with Christians who do like him. I can
see valid arguments both ways. But really, for Christians to completely slam
one another over something like this, a fictional world of flight and fancy? (And
no, we won't be "endorsing" homosexuality or bigamy—or harsh judgment of fellow
believers, either.)
All that Russ's commentary
did was to point out a number of redemptive themes—and there are plenty of
them—that run through the Potter books. Is that an endorsement of the occult?
Hardly. No more than applauding The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the
Rings, at any rate; both of those classics include witchcraft. Yes, the
works by Lewis and Tolkien include more Christian symbolism and metaphors than
those by Rowling, but all three series include "the magical arts."
Personally, I prefer Narnia and Middle Earth over
Potterville. Not because I have anything against Harry and his world, but
because I think Lewis and Tolkien were better writers, and that they
concocted better myths and stories and imaginative
landscapes along the way. But that's just my preference. I'm more than
willing to admit that maybe there is something about Harry after all.
Anyway, be sure to check out our review of Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Our other new reviews this week include the Johnny Cash
biopic, Walk the
Line, plus an interview
with director James Mangold and co-stars Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.
We also have new reviews of Christmas
in the Clouds, a holiday romantic comedy with an all Native American cast; and Paradise
Now, an intriguing look into the minds of two Palestinian suicide
bombers.
Finally, check out our two latest Movie Discussion Guides on
Chariots
of Fire and Million
Dollar Baby.
See you at the movies,
Mark Moring
Online Managing Editor/Music & Film
To reply to this newsletter: ctmovies@christianitytoday.com
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 | REVIEW
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The fourth installment of J.K. Rowling's series to hit the big screen—and the first to be rated PG-13—is more emotional, more intense, and darker than the previous three.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated PG-13
 |
 | REVIEW
Walk the Line
Great casting, great music, great story. Johnny Cash wrestles with his demons, but ultimately comes around thanks to an angel named June. Get in line for Walk the Line.
by Carolyn Arends
Rated PG-13
|
 | REVIEW
Paradise Now
This powerful film takes a look inside the minds of two Palestinian suicide bombers, but doesn't delve too deeply into the broader political and religious climate surrounding them.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated PG-13
|
 | REVIEW
Christmas in the Clouds
An all-Native American cast engages in holiday mayhem in this film, billed as a classic screwball comedy. Alas, it's got a few too many loose screws to be considered a real keeper.
by Josh Hurst
Rated PG
 |
 Chariots of Fire: Racing Toward God
This study guide helps your group discuss some of the major themes
of this tale about 1924 Olympic runners such as how people
can glorify God and how God honors those who honor him.
|
 Million Dollar Baby: More Than a Boxing Movie
With this ChristianBibleStudies.com guide, take an in-depth
at the movie's themes of finding meaning through talents,
facing bitter trials, and learning to love others.
|
 | COMMENTARY
Redeeming Harry Potter
The initial Christian outcry against the boy wizard seems to be dying down. Maybe that's because more and more of us are discovering multiple redemptive themes in the series.
by Russ Breimeier |
 | INTERVIEW
The Man in Black
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, who play Johnny and June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, join director James Mangold to discuss the legend's life—and faith.
by Peter T. Chattaway |
FILM FORUM
A Soaring Romance, a Flying House, a Derailed Marriage
Christian critics praise Pride & Prejudice, play Zathura, debunk Derailed, bicker with Bee Season, and bury Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Plus, more reviews of Good Night, and Good Luck and Jarhead.
by Jeffrey Overstreet
REEL NEWS
King Kong: Now in Three Sizes!
Sneak peak of Peter Jackson's epic King Kong to appear on NBC, and a 3-D version could be in the works. Plus: more news on Narnia; Bob Saget spoofs March of the Penguins; Terminator heads to TV; and more.
by Josh Hurst
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS FROM THE MOVIES
I Am Sam: Friends Help Raise Daughter
from PreachingToday.com
Click here for a complete listing of our recent articles.
 | REVIEW
Chicken Little
Walt Disney Pictures jumps into the 3-D fray with its first-ever computer-animated feature film—without the help of Pixar, the undisputed king of the genre. Did Disney chicken out? A little.
by Carolyn Arends
Rated G
 |
 | REVIEW
Zathura
Two kids, a board game that comes to life, and a potentially perilous adventure. Sound like Jumanji? Sort of, but this time the setting's in outer space instead of the jungle.
by Peter T. Chattaway
Rated PG
|
 | REVIEW
Derailed
Ignoring the dramatic potential in solely dissecting the deception, aftermath and emotions of infidelity, this forgettable thriller instead relies on a convoluted story twist you can guess from the commercials.
by Todd Hertz
Rated R
|
Click here for a listing of all the movies now showing in theaters.
 | NEW ON VIDEO
DVD Roundup
The hills are alive and sweeping down the plain! The Sound of Music celebrates its 40th anniversary with an incredible double DVD, while Oklahoma! turns 50 with a far less impressive two-disc set. Plus, Madagascar, Stealth, The Skeleton Key, and more.
by Josh Hurst
|
CT at the Movies
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 Lord of the Beans, DVD
When a young boy inherits a bean with amazing powers, he sets off on a desperate adventure to discover how to use his gift. Features the usual wonderful VeggieTales cast! |
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