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Million Dollar Assisted Suicide

Al Mohler deals very effectively with the theme of assisted suicide in the Clint Eastwood film Million Dollar Baby.  An excerpt: 

Beyond all this, the worldview of "Million Dollar Baby" represents a direct repudiation of Christianity's respect for the dignity of human life. Compare this movie to the real-life story of Joni Eareckson Tada, who triumphed over her own paralysis and has become a witness, both to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the true dignity of human life, even among those who have suffered disastrous spinal injuries....The Christian worldview leaves absolutely no room for assisted suicide, euthanasia, or any other form of what the secular world increasingly embraces as the "good death"....Helping a friend to die is not a heroic act. True heroism consists in affirming human dignity and in lovingly calling hurting people out of depression, not into suicide.

Particularly timely with the events surrounding Terry Schiavo currently.

Groundhog Day

No doubt there will be a gadzillion posts on this unique celebration of rural American folklore.  But I can't resist posting on one of my favorite movies, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.  Here are two thorough reviews of the movie:  Roger Ebert and Michael Foley (Touchstone Mag).  The film is an excellent representation of the utter vanity (failure to produce the desired results) of a self-centered life.  Though the movie's hero has a lifetime (albeit limited to one day) to fulfill his every whim, happiness is discovered in serving others.  Read the reviews and go rent it tonight.  It's one of those movies you can watch again and again.

UPDATE:  Jonah Goldberg has a piece at NRO as well.   Hat Tip:  Mere Comments

The Incredibles (redux two)

Now this seems to be an incredible case of eisegesis (reading into the text) from  film critics on both the left and right.  If I did this to a biblical text, instead of exegesis (reading out of the text), I think I'd be laughed out of the pulpit. 

Exerpt:  Thus to argue that the Incredibles embody a fascist, or Randian ethic of the heroic is to make a very superficial analysis.  By the film’s end, the superfamily has found freedom by donning costumes and masks when society is threatened, in order to, once the threat is defeated, return to the anonymity of a normal life.  This is anything but the celebration of power.

I wonder if these guys enjoyed the movie?

The Incredibles (redux)

Well, the family finally made it out to see The Incredibles last weekend.  The guys loved it; the girls thought it ws OK.  This is right in line with my take on this flick--it is an action movie from start to finish, albeit a very good action flick.  Though I had read many reviews touting conservative themes and family values (they are there), it is the fast-paced, explosion-laced action that keeps slappping you down in your seat.  The story and relationships play second fiddle to dazzling animation and sound.  If you want to go to a movie and just have fun, you'll love this flick, if you are looking for a feel-good movie like Toy Story, you may be a tad disappointed. 

The Incredibles

We haven't been keen on seeing a movie in a long time, but there are rave reviews of this film all over the place.  I hope to take the kids when the lines get shorter, and the seats less packed.  Here is a good review.  I'll let you know Lauren and Jay's review after we see it.  Have you had a chance to go yet, and if so, what did you think?

"Saved" the Movie

I really, really think you want to save your money on this one.

Tired of Cursing the Darkness

Philip Anschutz, a successful businessman, decided to stop cursing the entertainment industry cranking out trash for his grandchildren, and start producing films they could safely watch. He recently received an award from Hillsdale College and wrote this article in Imprimis entitled "Whatever Happened to the Family Film."

Here is an excerpt: We have found in our focus sessions that people also want movies that are simply entertaining – movies that are fun, the way movies used to be. Our very next movie will have some educational value, but that’s not really its purpose. Above all it has a great sense of adventure, and it’s funny and entertaining – it’s called Around the World in Eighty Days.

In closing, let me say that the movie business is not a very good business in many ways. No one with any sense would get into it. My friends think I’m a candidate for a lobotomy and my competitors think I’m naïve or stupid or both. But you know what? I don’t care. If we can make some movies that have a positive effect on people’s lives and on our culture, that’s enough for me.

"Saved" the Movie

Apparently MGM, seeking to imitate Mel Gibson's financial success, is trying to make a hit with the Christian community through a new release entitled, "Saved." However, this movie bears no resemblance to Gibson's portrayal of Christ's death. Cal Thomas has a few choice words for MGM's work.