Reimagining Consistency

Like Kelly McGillis from the 80's movie Top Gun, we apparently "can't fight that lovin' feeling" either. We are creatures of habit and Hollywood is banking on that with the slate of movies they have lined up over the next couple of years. The key words in Hollywood right now: remake, sequel, and reimagining.

The following movies are but a few reincarnations of classic films, toys or TV Shows from generations past that have recently or will soon make their way into movie theaters:

GI JOE
Star Trek
Fame (reimagined)
The A-Team
Transformers
Alvin and the Chipmunks (The Squeekwel)
Robin Hood (with Russell Crowe)
Scream (possibly another Trilogy)
Terminator
Three Stooges
Land of the Lost
Indiana Jones (4 and now a rumored #5)
Red Dawn
Mission Impossible (a fourth movie)
Comic Book Movies (Green Lantern, Captain America, Iron Man 2, Thor, Spider-Man 4)
Clash of the Titans (reimagined)
Bride of Frankenstein
Ghostbusters (old GB's will train a new class)
The Karate Kid (with Will Smith's son as the Kid)
Friday the 13th (reimagined)
Halloween (reimagined)
Wall Street (sequel)
Predator (reimagined)
Conan the Barbarian (reimagined)
He-Man (if it can make it past pre-production) (reimagined)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (reimagined)
The Hobbit (Prequel to Lord of the Rings)
Heathcliffe

New stories, new characters, younger/newer/"hipper" new actors, new effects, CGI, better stories... pick your "new" spin; however, it's not the "new" that studios bank on, but the old - the familiar. There is comfort for fans in stepping into familiar characters and story arcs. It's not that people fear change (though that could be the case for some), it is that we are people who want something consistent. That's why when Star Wars released its prequel trilogy and the famous John Williams' theme song started fans lept to their feet in uproarious applause or why they got goosebumps and smiled ear-to-ear when the silhouette of Indiana Jones donned his famous Fedora.

People cling to consistency because it is how we were created. God created us in His image... as a reflection of His divine attributes and character. No matter how life changes or adjusts, hurts or hinders, crumbles or collapses there is great comfort in the God who (1) never changes, (2) never abandons, (3) never sells us out for newer or better, and (4) always loves.

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Why Christians Don't Like Christian Movies

In this week’s edition of Entertainment Weekly, Josh Rottenberg contributed the article “Movies, Money and God” that examines the tumultuous relationship between Hollywood and Christianity. Besides being a very enjoyable read that did a great job of walking the very thin line between the two sides, it also got me thinking: “Why don’t Christians (and non-Christians, too, for that matter) like Christian movies?”

Before “The Passion of the Christ” Christianity seemed to be nothing more than a proverbial thorn in the side of Hollywood; an entity that seemed to do nothing but protest and hinder their creative flow. Then “The Passion” happened and $370 million later Hollywood was singing a new tune. As Jerry B. Jenkins (co-author of the “Left Behind” series) said in Rottenberg’s article “Hollywood started calling, saying ‘what have you got? Anything Christian?’” Hollywood had a new meal ticket in Christianity – more specifically the Church – and wanted to capitalize on it ASAP. Fox movie studios developed a new studio for films of faith (cleverly called “Fox Faith”), other studios began greenlighting films with Christian themes or elements of faith and churches began being inundated with resources and invitations from Hollywood to screen their new movies hoping these churches would sign on and endorse the films (much like they did for “Passion”).

So, what’s the problem? To date only “The Passion” and the two “Chronicles of Narnia” movies have had much financial success (though “Prince Caspian” did not fair as well as its predecessor). “Fireproof” did well considering it only cost $1 million to make (it made $33 million in theaters – and I have no idea how much it’s made from its spinoff books or on DVD). Other hopeful films, however, have bombed (or at least brought in far less than was anticipated): “The Nativity” ($36 million), “Evan Almighty” ($100 million), “Amazing Grace” ($32 million) and a slew of straight-to-DVD titles. Why has there been very little success to date with Hollywood’s new found religious zeal (or zeal for religious people)? Why are Christians (myself included) not lining up in droves to see all these faith films?

There are several reasons:

1. Probably the biggest reason: the production, writing, stories, etc. are bland, poorly done and uninteresting. It is sort of the same thing for the comic book industry. It’s not that comic book fans do not want to see their favorite heroes brought to the big screen, but they don’t want to see their favorite comics turned into cheese. “Iron Man,” “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” proved that comic book movies can be critically applauded and major box office draws. The same thing went for “The Passion” in that Mel Gibson told the story that changed the history of the world creatively, respectfully, artistically and (most importantly) accurately.
2. Hollywood’s love affair with Christianity is disingenuous. Many of the studios have very little to no interest in the subject matter being offered – they simply want more money.
3. Christians (especially pastors like me) feel used by Hollywood. It’s almost as if they want us to be their spiritual, cinematic pimps to push films that are, often times, terrible simply because they have some element of faith in it.
4. The believability of those associated with the film play a role in how well it is received. If the cast, crew or production company only seems to be concerned with the art of the story and/or do not seem to believe in the Truth of the story they are telling, Christian audiences typically do not respond well. After all, the stories they are telling are not myths or fables – they are real events that reveal the Truth of God; if the people telling the story do not know that or believe that story it seems unlikely they will be able to tell it well. “The Nativity” is probably one of the best examples of this. Besides the fact that the movie was based off of home Christmas decoration and not the Bible (the “nativity” scene in the end NEVER happened!) there were several issues with the believability of its cast, production crew and company: (1) the director Catherine Hardwicke’s first big splash in Hollywood was with the controversial, stomach churning story “Thirteen” that tells the graphic story of a teenage girl’s fall into the world of sex, drugs, alcohol and self-mutilation. (2) 16 year old star Keisha Castle-Hughes (Mary in the movie) ended up pregnant two months before the release of the film. (3) the production company that released this film is the one behind such hits as “Wedding Crashers,” “Harold and Kumar,” “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and “Freddy vs. Jason.”
5. Many Christian or faith films lack substance (those that have Christian themes, not the Bible story movies like “The Passion”). Instead of producing a film that holds true to loving God first and then loving neighbor, many faith films seem to be more Oprah-esque than Biblical. One noteworthy example is “Evan Almighty”: all it was was a bumper sticker told in an hour and a half movie (“Act of Random Kindness” – A.R.K.). It completely misrepresented the story of the Ark and misspoke God’s redemptive message. Instead of telling the Ark Narrative correctly it reduced it to a stupid catchphrase and made it pure cheese.

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Everyone Loves a Hero

Batman. Iron Man. Spiderman. Edward Cullen. Autobots. Harry Potter. James T. Kirk.

I am a sucker for good Super Hero movies (or movies with a definite hero, period). My wife tolerates them (though I think she secretly enjoys them more than she lets on), but I love them. One movie we both have a common love for is The Dark Knight (she even says it might be her favorite film of all time). Why do we love that movie? Why do I love (super) hero movies? Why do most people love hero stories?

• As children (especially boys) we all secretly want to be the hero that saves the world from impending doom and is the twinkle in every citizen’s eye, as they lavish us with praise: “Thank you Super Christian, you are my hero!” “Super Christian – here is the key to the city… we are eternally gratefully for your service to us.” *No… don’t be silly. I don’t still think like that… don’t mind my red cape*

• They reflect the truth of Creation: there is good and evil. This truth resonates within each one of us.

• They show people (some ordinary, some juiced up on radioactive material, some in weird but cool costumes and some as vampires or wizards or whatever) in morally compromising and ethically challenging situations… it’s how they struggle with being/doing good and ultimately emerge victorious that draws us in and inspires hope (to a certain degree… after all, they are only movies).

• Seeing good prevail in film inspires us to want to see it in real life, too.

• We want to see justice prevail, good win and innocents protected. All of these are Biblical qualities that God has built within each of us.

To prove my point a little further, the most anticipated films of the summer are all hero stories: Star Trek (a reboot to the semi-stale franchise), Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen, G.I. Joe, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Terminator Salvation and New Moon (sequel to Twighlight… due out in November).

Parents of Children: Watch some of these movies (in particular, the age appropriate ones) and ask your kids the question: "other than beating the bad guy, what are some other things that made so-and-so a true hero?" Or say/ask: "it's not always easy doing the right thing, is it? How did so-and-so struggle to do the right thing? Did they make the right choices? If not, how did it hurt them or others? If yes, how did it pay off in the end?" A good movie to start with is Disney's The Incredibles. GREAT family film!

Parents of Teens: Use films like The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Twighlight, etc. to discuss the moral dilemmas present within the film. Talk about the sacrifices it took for the characters to be/do good. Or the consequences associated with their poor choices (both for themselves as well as others who were affected by them). Film is a great tool for teaching and discussing worldview with teens!


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Image borrowed from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pink_finger_prints/2128808897/
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Why Christians Ought to See "The Dark Knight"

I AM BACK... the trip was amazing! I have seen some things that have truly broken my heart and redefined prayer in my life. Thank you for your patience in my absence. I am now back on schedule (1-2 posts/week). HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

To begin: I am NOT a comic book junkie. I don't know what happened to Iron Man in issue #354 or Superman in issue #417… I do not know Captain America’s or Green Lantern's alter-egos’ names… I do not know which comics are actually still in circulation; however, I do like many comic book movies. I love GOOD movies with amazing stories and that are solid technically (directing, cinematography, effects, music, etc.), and recently many of the comic books-turned-movies have been enjoyable.

"The Dark Knight" is no ordinary, “enjoyable” comic book movie. It is a masterfully done piece of art that is probably the BEST good vs. evil movie I've ever seen. Politics aside (as many have alluded to the potential political message seen throughout the film), Christopher Nolan has directed a true masterpiece of a movie that I believe all Christians ought to see.

Superb acting aside (yes, Ledger’s Joker is worthy of all the hype), here's my rundown of why this film is one of the best (newly added to "my favorites" list) and why Christians ought to see it:

• Evil is portrayed as it truly is – pure evil. No real motive or reason for its cause – just the absolute lack of good. (Matter of fact, seeing it this way helps the viewer see how easy it is for good to blur the line of evil for its own sake… I digress.)
  


• I have not, in recent memory, seen evil portrayed in such a manner that the resulting anarchy/chaos actually become their own character(s). As the story and city seemingly come unglued, the audience is masterfully put in a shaky position of choosing its side (and for many, the good side is not as easy to identify as originally thought).
  


• The middle characters (supporting cast) do an amazing job of painting a grey line right down the middle of good and evil. If doing evil allows for good, is it really evil? Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhal), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Alfred (Michael Caine) and even the citizens of Gotham each come face-to-face with this question. How would you respond in such an event?

As a Christian this movie is even more enjoyable (though I am not a big fan of violence) because of how it wrestles with good and evil. It does not paint an easy to follow, cliché line of good. Instead it grabs the audience and puts them in a position where they are forced to see (maybe even test) their own ethical/moral values.

While the Bible does not paint an ambiguous line of what is good, many times Christians repaint the line for God according to their own definition of "good." That is what this movie shows, but (as Nolan beautifully illustrates) if good is ever going to conquer evil, there can be no compromise.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Just to be clear (though I know this is obvious to most), The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 for scenes of violence.

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