Changing Hollywood

An article I read recently asserts that churches can change Hollywood by buying block tickets for quality movies at local theatres. This can make a major difference at the box office, even to the point of  being responsible for the success of the movie. Passion of the Christ would be an example.

  In turn, Hollywood movie studios would be encouraged to put more of their money towards creating similar  movies—it’s just good business.  And the result is more movies that could enrich peoples' lives.

I suppose the question is: What movies deserve endorsement by churches? I know it’s difficult to find a movie that everyone would recommend, but I suppose the bottom line is: What message is the movie sending? I think the movie quality has got to be good, too, or it may get lambasted by critics.

For example, today I was reading an article about the latest DVD movie releases, which included one that was  recently shown at a local church.  Although highly recommended because of  a Christian worldview, to Save A Life has not gotten great reviews by film critics in general. The newspaper movie critic used words such as 'lifeless' and 'combines the earnestness of an ABC After School Special with the chalky edge of Sunday School". Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 4.8/10  rating. Some of the comments at this site were positive, but generally, the consensus was that it would appeal to a limited, evangelical audience, perhaps not the general public. I haven't seen it, so I can't really give my opinion.It may  be a 'good' movie, but would it be able to help change the types of movies coming out of Hollywood?

Can you think of any Hollywood - released movies recently that you would like your church to get behind and buy block tickets for?

The Tracks of my Tears

Twice this past week you would have seen them.
The last two performances I've watched have left me with red eyes and a runny nose.  In this past week I've watched a live theatre WCTC performance of The Miracle Worker, and then the International Film Festival's presentation of A Shine of Rainbows. Both left me emotionally drained, but so glad I was able to take them in.

For years our homeschool group has participated in the daytime presentations of the top notch theatrical presentations that come to town. These are a whole lot cheaper than the evening performances, and we are usually guaranteed excellent seats. This year was no exception. Although I no longer homeschool (but am still involved in the support group), my twenty something daughter and I attended , and scored seats in the third row, middle aisle. Wow. The set, the costumes, the acting were all first rate. I held it together till the very end and then the dam broke. Luckily, Jill had kleenex with her, which she happily passed to me and my girlfriend who were both wet-faced by the end. I was ‘this close’ to sobbing!  The story of Helen Keller is so moving. What determination was shown by both Helen and her amazing teacher Annie!
Yesterday afternoon, Dave and I attended the movie A Shine of Rainbows, a story set in Ireland of an orphan boy who longs for a real home.  A great story of love, acceptance, and heartbreak. I won’t tell you more. A great family movie.  I couldn’t believe all the sniffling going on the in the movie. I thought I could keep it together,  but by the end, I had to wipe my eyes, too.

So, now I’m emotionally drained today. And Dave and I are leaving for the next festival movie presentation, Hana’s Suitcase. I’m bringing my kleenex, just in case! 

For Lost fans

For all of you Lost fans out there, Chris Seay, the author of The Gospel According to Lost, is going to do regular video blogs for Christianity Today from Hawaii, where the big kick off for the new season is taking place. He is hoping to do interviews with cast members,  photos, videos, and who knows what else. ( He promises absolutely NO SPOILERS. )


It looks like it’s going to be really interesting!
Remember, LIVE TOGETHER, DIE ALONE!

How do they DO that?

Last night Dave and I decided to see Avatar. We barely squeaked in before it was sold out. We were there early, and it wasn’t even the weekend!  We managed to get good seats, nevertheless.
You are probably one of the millions who have seen this already, no doubt, or you have plans to see it.
So, what did I think, you ask? Well, maybe you’re not asking, but if you’re reading this, you probably want to know my thoughts..
I am truly amazed what can be done with CGI and 3D technology. A few words come to mind…
Amazing!
Entertaining!
Cool!
Incredible!
Beautiful!
Great escapism!
Fun to watch!
Impressive!
The storyline itself…well, there is nothing new under the sun.  Quite predictable, but at the same time, very well done.
After watching this movie, I wished I could be an Avatar and zip gracefully along logs, swing through trees,  ride on the backs of flying creatures..without worrying about twisting ankles, losing my balance, breaking a limb, or falling 200 metres and killing myself. No one ever got hurt doing those incredible feats.
And from a Mom’s Perspective (‘cause that’s who I am) …
Very little strong language at all (yay!!!)  I really hate it when I have to sit and listen to F-bombs and other expletives  dropping here, there and everywhere… especially when it’s unnecessary.
The female  Avatars looked like they weren’t wearing any clothing … and I felt a little uncomfortable about that.  Just sayin’..
This movie has something for everyone.  Well worth the price to pay to see it.

Oh to have Faith...

...like Potatoes.

Yes, I know there are a lot of Christian movies out there that are cheesy, predictable, and full of cliche's, but even those can have a good, encouraging message. They are probably not made for the (critical) masses to enjoy, but they certainly have their place on the DVD shelf.

Then there are the movies that are a step above... maybe still a small budget movie compared to many, but so well done and the story engrossing. Usually true stories or at least well told ones. Faith Like Potatoes is like that. It starts off a little slow, but the wait is worth it.


This is the true story of a Zambian farmer of Scottish Heritage  named Angus Buchan and all the hardships he and his family go through as they struggle to make a living. It's about how his life changes when he starts really taking God at his Word. His life's purpose is revealed as he follows God with his whole heart.  He is one of those people who doesn't just talk the talk, but walks the walk. And people's lives change because of it. The movie is about marriage and family, farming, trusting God, forgiving self and others, miracles, and being the hands of God to a needy world. Real people. Real stories.

It is well worth watching the extras at the end of the movie, especially the interview with the real Angus Buchan.He is quite a character.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie  and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all of you!  Let me know what you think of it.