Home > Movies > News
News & Miscellaneous
Reel News: Prince Caspian Storms the Web
New TV spots and clips go online, and the Christian Post defends Lewis's "pagan" story. Plus: New clips from Indy 4; a release date for W biopic; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 05/12/08
Reel News: Del Toro Talks Hobbit, McKellen Returns
The director discusses the direction of the upcoming movie and sequel; Sir Ian to reprise role as Gandalf. Plus: More Expelled hubbub; previewing Prince Caspian; Mel Gibson returns to acting; and much more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 05/05/08
Reel News: Caspian Buzz Storms the Web
Exclusive Narnia footage surfaces on YouTube, MySpace; Switchfoot plays song for the end credits; and church groups offered early screening opportunities. Plus: The Hobbit gets a director; Angels and Demons gets a cast; Expelled gets a lawsuit; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 04/28/08
Reel News: More Expelled Controversy
The Intelligent Design documentary finds trouble with critics, lawyers, and Yoko Ono. Meanwhile, Guillermo del Toro has a Hobbit update; updates on Antichrist and X-Files; Christian movies in a post-Passion age; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 04/21/08
Reel News: Expelled Defended and Denounced
Colson, others champion new documentary for its defense of academic freedom; critics call it sloppy, unscientific. Plus: Ben-Hur TV miniseries; Walden prez talks Narnia, Screwtape; Disney unveils animated lineup; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 04/14/08
Reel News: Del Toro: Hobbit Moving Forward
Director says discussions for Lord of the Rings "prequels" are ongoing. Plus: Ben Stein screens Expelled for lawmakers; actor cast to play Billy Graham; Gibson seeks to hide Passion lawsuit details; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 04/07/08
Reel News: Expelled Enlivens Blogosphere
Controversy over new documentary is hot blog topic online; film draws praise from creationists. Plus: Casting news for George Bush biopic; McKellen discusses The Hobbit; upcoming projects for Diablo Cody and Will Smith; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 03/31/08
Reel News: Expelled Expels Darwinist
Evolutionary biologist and avowed atheist Richard Dawkins attends screening of ID documentary, but his colleague got booted. Plus: Disney dispels Narnia rumors; Scofield, Minghella pass away; a new generation of Christian filmmakers; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 03/24/08
Reel News: Expelled in the NYT Headlines
New York Times investigates Ben Stein's new intelligent design doc; Dobson applauds the film. Plus: Fireproof website goes live; Hindus upset about Mike Myers' film; last pro-life activists crash Horton screening; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 03/17/08
Reel News: Expelled Under the Microscope
Intelligent design documentary draws praise from conservatives, derision from others; publicity blitz underway. Plus: More honors for Into Great Silence and There Will Be Blood; a Christian response to The Secret; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 03/10/08
Reel News: New Line Folds; Hobbit Safe for Now
Studio behind Lord of the Rings folds after forty years, absorbed by Warner Bros.; Hobbit movies still a go. Plus: Intelligent Design doc draws criticisms; Vatican condemns Oscar winners; updates on Night at the Museum 2, Star Trek, and Terminator; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 03/03/08
Graham Film in the Works
Movie to focus on the early years of Billy Graham's ministry.
posted 02/28/08
Reel News: No Country for Oscar Voters
Coen brothers dominate the Oscars with Cormac McCarthy adaptation; Day-Lewis, Cotillard win acting prizes. Plus: Ellen Page on Juno, abortion; sequel updates for Hoodwinked 2 and Toy Story 3; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 02/25/08
Reel News: Hobbit Hits Hurdles
A new lawsuit threatens to block The Hobbit, as Tolkien's estate sues New Line Cinema. Plus: Indy trailer debuts; Bettany joins spiritual thriller Legion; Nativity Story's Joseph gets new role; Passion screenwriter sues Mel Gibson; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 02/18/08
Reel News: Indiana Jones Trailer to Debut Thursday
First look at Kingdom of the Crystal Skull appears before Spiderwick Chronicles. Plus: Ledger's death accidental; WGA and studios reach tentative deal; Noah's Ark movie coming in 3D; Amy Adams joins Night at the Museum 2; and more.
by Josh Hurst | posted 02/11/08
Christians Unite for Strike's End
Writers and other Hollywood professionals gather weekly to pray for an end to the writer's strike, which is hurting many people financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
by Brett McCracken | posted 02/05/08
Reel News: Del Toro to Direct The Hobbit
Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy director to take over from Peter Jackson, who remains on board as producer. Plus: No Country wins at the SAG Awards; Day-Lewis honors Heath Ledger; Crash comes to TV; more on Bush biopic, Golden Compass DVD, and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 02/04/08
Reel News: Oliver Stone Filming Bush Biopic
The JFK and Nixon director plans a movie about the current president; No Country star Josh Brolin cast in lead role. Plus: Remembering Heath Ledger; Facing the Giants faces protest; reflections on the Oscar nominees; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/28/08
No Country, Blood Lead Oscar noms
List of nominees yield very few surprises, but the big question is whether the awards show will go on in the face of the ongoing writers' strike.
by Josh Hurst | posted 01/22/08
Reel News: A Muslim Version of The Passion?
Jesus, the Spirit of God tells Christ's story through the eyes of Iranian Muslims; coming to Iranian TV this year as 20-episode series. Plus: Oliver Stone to make film about President Bush; pro-life themes in Juno; U23D debuts at Sundance; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/21/08
Reel News: Atonement, Sweeney Are Golden
Movies win top film awards at seriously scaled-down Golden Globe Awards, reduced to a mere press conference due to writers strike. Also: A new cut of Walk the Line; another Frankenstein comes to the big screen; more on Terminator and Public Enemies; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/14/08
Reel News: New Indy Explores Sci-Fi
George Lucas discusses new Indiana Jones flick, which moves into sci-fi terrain; creator braced for adverse reactions. Plus: Denzel discusses his faith; Britney Spears as the Virgin Mary; Tyler Perry in Star Trek; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/07/08
Peter Jackson to Make Hobbit
Lord of the Rings filmmaker to join with New Line for two movies based on Tolkien's book—and apparently, all lawsuits between the parties have been settled.
from reports
posted 12/18/07
Reel News: Atonement Leads Globe Nominees
Charlie Wilson's War follows with five; insiders speculate about writers strike, while critics praise No Country for Old Men. Plus: Catholic bishops withdraw Golden Compass review; Eddie Izzard cast in Narnia; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 12/17/07
Reel News: Compass Controversy Drives Book Sales
Debate over new fantasy film and its anti-religious leanings continues; book sales soaring. Plus: New Narnia trailer online; No Country for Old Men honored; Bella becomes "rallying point"; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 12/10/07
Reel News: Catholics Respond to Golden Compass
Catholic News Service gives favorable review to Golden Compass; bloggers contemplate author Pullman, studio's interactions with Catholic community. Plus: New Narnia trailer this week; updates on Dark Knight and Star Trek; Hollywood heavyweights Ralph Winter, Susan Sarandon discuss their faith; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 12/03/07
Reel News: Director: Compass Not Anti-Catholic
Chris Weitz, director of The Golden Compass, says film is in no way anti-Catholic or atheistic. Plus: Fan site reviews the film; Naomi Watts joins Angels and Demons; German film to focus on Jesus' "evil twin brother"; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 11/26/07
Reel News: Director Defends Golden Compass
Chris Weitz responds to controversy over upcoming fantasy film; says sequels will go further into anti-religious themes. Plus: Da Vinci sequel falls victim to writers strike; Bella going strong at box office; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 11/19/07
Reel News: Political Films Voted Out
A slew of recent politically-charged movies flounder at the box office. Plus: Two Oscar-winners join Scott Derrickson's new sci-fi effort; more casting news for Star Trek; Bee Movie sued; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 11/12/07
Reel News: Golden Compass Under Fire
Evangelicals warn against anti-religious fantasy film, coming in December. Plus: Successful Bella to expand; Mr. Magorium seeks toy drive world record; AFI Fest under way; Rome condemns Elizabeth; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 11/05/07
CT Movies Critic Lauded
Jeffrey Overstreet wins 2007 Spiritus Award at City of the Angels Film Festival; fest celebrates potential of filmmaking for social change.
from reports
posted 10/29/07
Heartland Taps Bella
Independent film, which opens nationwide this week, receives $100,000 prize as Best Dramatic Feature at Heartland Film Festival.
by Mark Moring
posted 10/23/07
Fox Faith: Is It Working?
It's been an up-and-down first year for Hollywood's first major "Christian" film label, with box office busts offset by strong video sales and rentals.
by Mark Moring
posted 10/09/07
Reel News: Filming the Boy Jesus
Two new movies about Christ's early years are on the way—The Aquarian Gospel and Jesus: The Lost Years. Plus: An animated Ten Commandments; a penalty for New Line Cinema; more on A Severe Mercy; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 10/01/07
Reel News: Dawn Treader Delayed; Caspian Unveiled
Disney delays the release of third Narnia film till 2010; Caspian poster revealed. Plus: Ken Burns back on PBS with war documentary; updates on Lincoln biopic, Justice League movie; Cronenberg talks atheism and violence; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 09/24/07
Reel News: Religulous Picks Up Steam
Bill Maher and Larry Charles already drawing a following with religion-spoofing film. Plus: Concerns mount over religious element of Chariots of Fire sequel; Walden eyes The Silver Chair; Stewart back for Oscars; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 09/17/07
Reel News: Heartland Fest Set; Indy 4 Gets Title
Orphan fantasy-drama August Rush premieres at fest, with Afghanistan-set Kite Runner closing. Plus: Title of Indiana Jones sequel leaked; Will Smith back with Pursuit of Happyness team; Night at the Museum sequel begins shooting; China censors Ang Lee; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 09/10/07
Reel News: Faith-Based Flops?
Terry Mattingly reflects on The Ultimate Gift, says Fox Faith label may have hurt its success. Plus: Chariots of Fire sequel in the works; Maher's Religulous trailer debuts at TIFF; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 09/04/07
Out of Egypt Scrapped
Barna's film company was to make Anne Rice's first Christian novel into a movie, but the project has been called off.
by Mark Moring
posted 08/28/07
Learning to Burn
At a North Carolina film school for teenagers, it really is OK to "Burn" your movies.
by Angie Ward
posted 08/28/07
Reel News: September Dawn Irks Mormons
LDS Church claims film is anti-Mormon, anti-Romney; filmmakers defend the movie's historical authenticity. Plus: Animated Bible films on the way; Mel Gibson complying with probation; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 08/27/07
Reel News: Jackson a Hobbit Option?
New Line tries to "mend fences" with Jackson, coax him into directing Lord of the Rings prequel. Plus: More on Bill Maher's religion doc; Golden Compass gets "watered down"; a new Jesus movie; Prince Caspian rushing to meet deadlines; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 08/20/07
Reel News: Evan Almighty Sinks Overseas, Too
Joel Rosenberg's Epicenter now a direct-to-video documentary, Exorcism director on Chesterton; The Ten's crude commandments; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 08/13/07
Reel News: Adamson Sounds Off on Caspian, Potter
Narnia director unveils new details about action-heavy sequel, says future films will be more faithful to source material than Harry Potter. Plus: Bergman, Antonioni pass away; new 9/11 film comes to DVD; Christian ventriloquists say no to The Ten; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 08/06/07
Reel News: Disney Snuffs Out Smoking
Studio bans any depictions of smoking in their family films; Christians applaud the decision. Plus: Ingmar Bergman dies; a trip to the set of Prince Caspian and a talk with Andrew Adamson; Karen Allen back for Indy 4; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 07/30/07
Reel News: Maher: Offend the Religious
Comedian/pundit discusses upcoming documentary about religion, says he hopes to be offensive. Plus: Why Evan Almighty bombed; sequel updates for Wolverine; Silver Surfer, and Transformers; more work for Ron Howard, Seth Rogen; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 07/23/07
Reel News: Jesus Film: 1,000 Languages
Campus Crusade's evangelistic film is the most translated in history; 500 more languages on the way. Plus: Bill Maher takes on religion in new documentary; Harrison Ford dons the fedora; more Man of Steel; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 07/16/07
Reel News: Abortion Avoided
Recent films feature unwanted pregnancies carried to term. Plus: Florida pastor writes screenplay for Darfur film; The Simpsons take a swipe at religion; no CG for Indiana Jones; A Christmas Carol gets animated; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 07/09/07
Reel News: Rescue Dawn Screens for Troops in Iraq
Vietnam War biopic to be shown to 2,000 American soldiers on Independence Day. Plus: Faith-based films used for fundraising; updates on Prince Caspian and Spider-Man 4; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 07/02/07
Reel News: What Would Jesus Buy? a Tough Sell
Documentary about anti-consumerism performance artist proves hard sell. Plus: Amazing Grace nominated for award; Narnia update; Da Vinci Code under investigation; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 06/25/07
Acts of Random Kindness
n conjunction with the release of Evan Almighty, the Ark Almighty campaign seeks to help churches meet the needs of those in their congregations and communities.
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 06/21/07
Reel News: Narnia Art Contest Announced
Fans called on to design limited-edition theatrical posters. Plus: More on Prince Caspian and Dawn Treader; Moore invites lobbyists to Sicko; Spacey retires; Pirates censored; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 06/18/07
Reel News: Connery Out, Hurt in for Indy IV
Sean Connery not reprising his role as Harrison Ford's dad; John Hurt joins cast of fourth film; Plus: Disney announces next Narnia and Pixar films; new film follows Adam and Eve into the present day; new films from Terry Gilliam, Martin Campbell, and Jim Carrey; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 06/11/07
Reel News: Out of Africa
Christian themes and filmmakers make their mark in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Plus: Evan Almighty aims for the faithful; Aronofsky's Noah script almost done; and more.
by Peter T. Chattaway
posted 06/04/07
Film As a Healing Exercise
A Seattle film festival looks for the connections between Christianity, narrative and human rights.
by Martin Stillion | posted 05/29/07
Reel News: Dalai Lama Blesses Buddha Biopic
Three-part Hindu epic also coming to big screen. Plus: Christian rock band tours for Evan Almighty; Keisha Castle-Hughes re-teams with Whale Rider director; Haggis back for Bond 22; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 05/29/07
Reel News: Spielberg, Jackson Join for Tintin
Directors to collaborate on animated film trilogy, based on hugely popular Belgian comics. Plus: Lawsuit filed over classroom screening of Brokeback Mountain; new Shrek sets records; U2 rocks Cannes; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 05/21/07
Reel News: Nicolosi to Pen A Severe Mercy
Catholic blogger, screenwriter adapts book for Origin Entertainment. Plus: Christian festival honors "best spiritual films"; Michael Moore under federal investigation; more news about Hulk, Indy IV; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 05/14/07
Reel News: Gresham Talks Prince Caspian
Narnia co-producer and C. S. Lewis heir Douglas Gresham discusses filming of next movie, responds to concerns over editorial changes. Plus: Keisha Castle-Hughes has a baby; Saved! comes to Broadway; another Noah's Ark movie; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 05/07/07
Reel News: Arks, Arks Everywhere!
Noah's Ark flicks are hot—including June's Evan Almighty and an upcoming "unconventional" one from Darren Aronofsky; Universal partners with churches on ArkALMIGHTY "good deeds" campaign. Plus: a "Christian teen horror film"; Craig says Compass not "anti-religious"; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 04/30/07
Christians as a 'Niche' Market?
The Biola Media Conference included lively debates about Hollywood's efforts to reach a Christian audience. The opportunities are exciting, but are the results much good?
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 04/25/07
Reel News: Apted to Helm Dawn Treader
Amazing Grace filmmaker tapped to direct the third of the Narnia series; Adamson out after Caspian. Plus: A possible Hobbit director; 3 more Spidey flicks, plus a Broadway musical; Norton is The Incredible Hulk; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 04/23/07
Reel News: Da Vinci Team Back for Sequel
Ron Howard, Tom Hanks in final negotiations for Da Vinci Code sequel Angels and Demons; release date set for next December. Plus: CleanFlicks back in business; Variety gets religious; Muslim movie shelved by PBS; LaBeouf official for Indy 4; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 04/16/07
Reel News: Husband-Wife Win 168-Hour Film Fest
168 Hour Project announces winners of its 2007 festival; eleven-minute drama A Good Day big winner. Plus: Variety reports on Christian film critics; Baehr blasts Ebert; updates on Indy, Caspian; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 04/09/07
Reel News: Studios Wage War in Heaven
Latest comic book adaptation follows Lucifer's rebellion in heaven, including epic battles between angels. Plus: Aimee Semple McPherson on PBS tonight; more Indy and Caspian casting; a Hoodwinked sequel; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 04/02/07
Reel News: Hollywood Prayer Network Seeing Red
Red wristbands, MySpace page launched; organization urges Christians to "stop boycotts." Plus: Controversy over 300; Cate Blanchett slated for Indy IV; more British royalty flicks; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 03/26/07
Nativity Comes Home
Just three months after an unimpressive theatrical run, The Nativity Story is now out on DVD, looking for a second "life" at video stores and in home libraries.
by Mark Moring
posted 03/20/07
Reel News: Jesus Coming Back … to the Big Screen
Four upcoming films pick up where The Passion left off; the latest, Risen, follows disciples from Resurrection to Pentecost. Plus: Ultimate Gift producer defends film; animated Ten Commandments in the works; Prince Caspian news; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 03/19/07
Reel News: Studio Considers Paradise Lost
Film adaptation of John Milton's epic poem draws questions, concerns from studio. Meanwhile, Derrickson rumored to direct sci-fi remake. Plus: Sequel updates for The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones IV, Star Trek, and Toy Story 3; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 03/12/07
Reel News: Annie's Box Brings Darwin to the Big Screen
Charles Darwin bio being adapted for the cinema; film to explore his crisis of faith and his controversial theories. Plus: Kevin Smith rips Gibson, Passion; news about next Trek; a teaser for The Ten; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 03/05/07
Reel News: And the Winners Are …
Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese wins his first-ever Oscar, as Best Director for The Departed, which was also named Best Picture; Mirren and Whitaker crowned Queen and King. Plus …
by Josh Hurst
posted 02/26/07
Reel News: Save Me Explores Gays, Christian Faith
Gay actor Chad Allen plays a homosexual sent to Christian therapy in new film; he speaks positively of experiences with evangelicals. Plus: The apostle Peter gets a movie; James Cameron weighs in on Hobbit talk; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 02/19/07
Reel News: Introducing … Prince Caspian
Title role for Prince Caspian is cast, as are Dr. Cornelius and the dwarves Trumpkin and Nikabrik. Plus: Toy Story 3 coming in '09; churches to celebrate Amazing Grace; updates on The Flash and Wonder Woman; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 02/12/07
Reel News: Walden to Adapt Screwtape
Studio behind Narnia, Charlotte's Web to adapt C.S. Lewis' beloved novel; Ralph Winter, Douglas Gresham to produce. Plus: Caspian actor chosen; SAG Award winners; Wallace and Gromit return; Martin Campbell leaves Bond franchise; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 02/05/07
Reel News: Amazing Grace inspires "Amazing Change"
William Wilberforce biopic inspires campaign to end modern-day slavery; church leaders invited to participate. Plus: Controversy over Dakota Fanning's Hounddog; MGM acquires film about Mary; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/29/07
Oscar Nominations Announced
Dreamgirls leads in nominations despite being snubbed for Best Picture; Babel, The Queen, Pan's Labyrinth not far behind. Plus: Three nominations for Gibson's Apocalypto.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/23/07
Reel News: Church Marketing Run Amok?
FoxFaith, DirecTV offer churches free satellite TV and exclusive screenings of upcoming films—but is that taking marketing too far? Plus: Caviezel returns as Jesus; Winter, Rose making films of faith; Dakota Fanning's new flick stirs controversy; and more.
by Josh Hurst and Mark Moring
posted 01/22/07
Dreamgirls Big at Globes
The musical emerges as an Oscar frontrunner, while Babel and Letters from Iwo Jima also win major awards, and Scorcese is named best director for The Departed.
posted 01/16/07
Reel News: New Line: Jackson Won't Do Hobbit
Peter Jackson blacklisted by New Line Cinema, responds to studio's accusations. Plus: Cuaron discusses Christian themes in Children of Men; Ten Commandments actress dies; Long Beach residents upset about Freedom Writers; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/16/07
Reel News: Indiana Jones Returns!
A fourth Indiana Jones installment to film in 2007, release in 2008; Lucas, Spielberg, Ford all on board. Plus: Variety mag opines on the relationship between Hollywood, evangelicals; LA Times wonders what happened to The Nativity Story; Robocop director plans a Jesus film; and more.
by Josh Hurst
posted 01/08/07
View past news in the archive …
Comments or questions? Send us feedback.
Browse More Movies
CT Movies Home Page | Now Showing | New on Video | All Reviews
Coming Soon | Discussion Guides | Film Forum | Interviews | Commentary
News & Misc. | Special Sections | About Us
Your Feedback | About Us | CT Mag Home Page
| |
|
