The new movie Joker has been polarizing among critics. Most seem to praise it as a masterpiece but some see it as irresponsible because it’s cinematic power is not properly channeled by a moral framework and could spill into society with a burst of incel violence. That seems like a strange objection to me. I […]
film
Conservative Christians find sex and violence offensive. But what about mediocrity?
The other day I found myself in conversation with some Christians about Netflix. One lady stated that she had decided not to get Netflix because she found some of the content offensive — pornographic, she called it. I was puzzled by this reaction. “No doubt the city library also has content one might find offensive,” […]
The Birth of a Nation: A Powerful but Flawed Film
Things started out promising for Nate Parker’s 2016 film The Birth of a Nation. The film tells the story of Nat Turner, a slave preacher who led a fated slave rebellion in 1831. The movie took the 2016 Sundance Film Festival by storm, winning critical and popular praise along with a stunning $17.5 million payout from […]
Do you dare place God on trial?
“He gave us the Law. And to debate the Law even on such a terrible subject … is a kind of prayer.” Do you know God well enough to charge him with covenant unfaithfulness? Do you dare place him on trial for the evils in the world? Can you conceive of that very interrogation being itself […]
Is it elitist to lament the popularity of superhero movies?
My lament over the enduring popularity of superhero movies (“Who can save the box office from superhero movies?“) was met by some incredulous responses. Chief among them was “Bryan L” who offered a stinging rebuke: “Who checks box office numbers? And who cares? Go see what you want and stop fretting that others don’t have […]
If Woody Allen is a pedophile, should we boycott his movies?
I’ve been planning to watch “Blue Jasmine” for some time now, Woody Allen’s critically acclaimed 2013 film starring Cate Blanchett. Except that now the disturbing charges of pedophilia have resurfaced. The charges that Allen molested his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow first appeared two decades ago. They were investigated, and charges were not filed. Case closed? […]
A taste worth acquiring: A review of “Inside Llewyn Davis”
If you ever try the nordic treat salmiakki you will not soon forget it. It looks like regular licorice. But a bite quickly reveals an uber-salty, piercing flavor that will open up the salivary floodgates whilst placing you on the precipice of the gag reflex. “Inside Llewyn Davis” is like that. This latest offering from the brilliant […]
A theologian muses on “Avatar”
Note: this review was originally published at The Christian Post in December, 2009. I’ve seen some great films in the last few months (e.g. “The Road,” “Paranormal Activity”) but nothing I’ve seen on a big or small screen prepared me for “Avatar”. This is not a movie, it is an event. My only request: see […]
This movie goes on and on and on: A pious reflection on boredom
Who hasn’t sat through a critically acclaimed but painfully boring or otherwise unpleasant film simply because (a) it is supposed to be good and (b) you already paid your money to see it? Two nights ago my wife and I paid for a 48 hour rental on our PVR. The film was critically acclaimed, had […]
Gratuitious sex, violence and swearing at the movies? The debate continues
In “How many ‘F’ words in a film is TOO many?” I critiqued Michael Medved (nineteen years after the fact) and the moralistic-checklist cultural criticism that he and his culture war ilk represent. (Whew, that’s a mouthful.) Brad Haggard responded as follows: Randal, I think I know what you’re saying, but i still am somewhat […]
