Category: Movies

Overcoming the Horror of It

A good horror movie has value because it reveals something about the nature of humanity. They expose deep-seated fears, and provide a canvas for exploring the nature of evil. They accept that at a fundamental level evil does exist. Pennywise is true evil. There are no moral relativists in a horror film.

Last weekend experienced a surprising box office phenomenon with the move It, which made $123 million dollars in its opening weekend! It had the highest opening for any horror film ever. If It had opened during the summer it would’ve already become the tenth highest grossing film of the summer. No one could have predicted the wild success of It.

Warning: It should be noted that It is rated a hard R. The kids in the movie often use strong language, and make crude jokes. There are moments of strong gore, and intense horror sequences. It is definitely not appropriate for children. This movie is not for everyone, but Christians should be aware of this film because of its huge appeal in modern culture.

I personally loved this film. It will probably go down as one of my favorite horror movies of all time. The movie is surprisingly hilarious with whip-sharp dialogue. The casting director deserves an award, for perfectly casting each and every child actor who all give fantastic, believable performances. Bill Skarsgård is otherworldly terrifying as Pennywise. The score is wonderfully nuanced. The director creates a tense mood of dread. It is a tense and psychologically terrifying film, though it does include some effective jump scares. Most importantly, It is a well told story with meaningful themes and character arcs. I would recommend It to any Stephen King fan, any horror movie fan, or fans of good films in general, who are not bothered by language or intense sequences.

Spoilers follow….

The movie It would be better understood as a fantasy allegory exploring themes of becoming an adult, childhood abuse and trauma, courage, love, and friendship. Pennywise is a shape-shifting monster that feeds on the fears and flesh of children. Pennywise seemingly is able to peer into the souls of children to discover their deepest fears. He then either shape-shifts into that fear or is able to produce a psychological effect on the children where they see whatever horror he has concocted. In this way, Pennywise is the embodiment of fear. Pennywise gleefully toys with the children’s emotions and fears.

Bill, stalwart leader of the Losers, is traumatized by the grief of his missing younger brother, Georgie. Pennywise preys upon Bill’s grief and sense of responsibility for Georgie. Beverly, the tough but kind girl of the group, is traumatized by her abusive father and the fear of entering womanhood. Wise-cracking Richie, is afraid of clowns and going missing himself. The courageous Mike is traumatized by the death of his parents due to fire. The practical Stanley is afraid of a creepy painting in his father’s study. Smart and sensitive Ben, is afraid of dead children and hypochondriac Eddie is a real germaphobe. All of these fears feel real. I left the film wondering what shape Pennywise would take to terrify me. What am I truly afraid of?

A good horror movie has value because it reveals something about the nature of humanity. They expose deep-seated fears, and provide a canvas for exploring the nature of evil. They accept that at a fundamental level evil does exist. Pennywise is true evil. There are no moral relativists in a horror film.

My favorite scene in It occurs directly after the Losers defeat Pennywise. Bill finds Georgie’s jacket. He breaks down weeping. The other children gather around Bill, embracing him in friendship and love. This touching scene displays the greatest strength and lesson of It, friendship. It is only through the power of friendship and love that they are able to overcome their worst fears and overcome Pennywise.

This movie displays that in community we can overcome many great evils. I was reminded again, that Jesus has called his people to be together. We are commanded to not forsake the gathering of ourselves together; to bear each other’s burdens. We cannot go it alone. The Christian faith is meant to be walked in community. We are at our greatest when we are together. In Christian community we can be a light that holds back the dark. In the face an evil world we have the hope of a savior who will one day vanquish all evil. It reminds us that the world is currently wicked, but also prompts us to look to the Light that has overcome the world.

“Good horror movies accept that at a fundamental level evil does exist. There are no moral relativists in a horror film.”

 

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Caesar: The Simian Moses?

War of the Planet of the Apes emotional power is the use of the Exodus narrative structure. Caesar’s story affects us because we recognize within his story our story. We long for rescue and a promise land where we can be free.

Amid mostly mediocre blockbuster fare, War for Planet of the Apes shines. Director and co-writer Matt Reeves has crafted the best movie of the summer. War for Planet of the Apes concludes the Caesar trilogy and in my opinion will eventually be considered one of the greatest trilogies of this generation.

Caesar, the sentient ape and central protagonist is one of the most complex characters in film. Andy Serkis is brilliant as the noble and wise, but war-weary leader Caesar. Thanks to cinematographer, Michael Seresin, War for Planet of the Apes is absolutely stunning, providing a very different look from most blockbusters.  I cannot recommend this movie enough. Please go see it in theaters, we need more movies like this.

Spoilers Follow…

There are so many things I could comment on for War of the Planet of the Apes but it feels appropriate to focus on Caesar. Reeves is clearly drawing from a number of stories such as Apocalypse Now and Clint Eastwood westerns, but the strongest seems to be from the biblical Moses. Caesar gives the law, for example “ape no kill ape.” The apes are forced into backbreaking slavery to build an artifice for the humans, much in the same way the Israelites were forced into slavery by the Egyptians. When Caesar sees one ape being cruelly whipped, he stops it by speaking out, similar to how Moses speaks out for his people.  Caesar leads his people out of captivity. The enemies of Caesar are wiped away by a sea of snow. Caesar leads his people through a desert to a promise land. Caesar’s anger causes Caesar to fail, which leads to him being mortally wounded. Therefore Caesar sits atop a hill and looks out onto the promise land, but does not enter it, much in the same manner Moses’s anger prevents him from being allowed into the kingdom. Caesar is a simian Moses.

Part of War of the Planet of the Apes emotional power is the use of the Exodus narrative structure. Caesar’s  story affects us because we recognize within his story our story. There too is a war in our souls between mercy and revenge. We innately know the exilic story. We are held captive by our sinful nature, oppression, and death. We long for rescue and a promise land where we can be free.

The Bible story points us to our need. We are exiled captives caught in our sin. In Jesus, as with Caesar and Moses, we find a hero who came to set the captive free. Jesus is our savior who lifts us out of our fears, sinfulness, and oppression. Jesus will lead us into the ultimate promise land. Where Caesar and Moses failed, Jesus does not fail. In Jesus mercy and justice meet. We resonate with Caesar because many of his desires are our own. He draws on our recognition that there is something wrong with this world. Caesar represents our desires for mercy, justice, peace, and rest. The biblical story reveals to us that only in Jesus our exilic narrative will find complete resolution. Where the promise land of War of the Planet of the Apes is fleeting, through Jesus we will enter an eternal promise land where we will be free and find rest.

“We are exiled captives caught in our sin. In Jesus, as with Caesar and Moses, we find a hero who came to set the captive free. Jesus is our savior who lifts us out of our fears, sinfulness, and oppression. Jesus will lead us into the ultimate promise land. Where Caesar and Moses failed, Jesus does not fail.”

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Spidey Powers and a Fancy Suit Don’t Make a Hero

At its core Spider-Man: Homecoming ask one question, “what does it mean to be a hero?”

Spider-Man is my favorite superhero of all time. I am, therefore, happy to say that Spider-Man has come home at last! In Tom Holland we finally find a great portrayal of the comic book Spider-Man. Holland shines both as the dorky, smart, insecure Peter Parker, and the wise-cracking, superpowered hero. Holland is supported by a strong cast who act, talk, and feel like actual teenagers, as well as, a fantastic turn by Michael Keaton. There are things I could nitpick, but Spider-man is such a blast to watch, it is easy to forget the quibbles. I highly recommend seeing Spider-Man: Homecoming on the biggest screen you can in theaters.

Spoilers Following:

At its core Spider-Man: Homecoming ask one question, “what does it mean to be a hero?” At one point in the film Tony takes back Peter’s suit.  Peter pleads, “But I am nothing without this suit.” Tony wisely responds, “If you are nothing without the suit, then you shouldn’t have it.
In a sudden turn later in the film Toomes discovers Peter is Spider-Man. Toomes gives Peter 2 choices, either leave him alone, or he will kill Peter and everyone he loves.

Donning his original suit Peter chooses to confront Toomes. Peter becomes pinned under massive pile of rubble. Holland superbly portrays a scared kid stuck, crying out for someone to come help. Looking at his mask on the floor, a flashback of Tony Stark says, “If you are nothing without the suit, then you shouldn’t have it.” Peter then says, “come on Peter,” and then switches to, “come on Spider-Man, come on Spider-man.” Spider-Man triumphantly lifts the heavy rubble and escapes to continue to fight the Vulture.

The film suggest this is where Peter becomes a hero. I believe it misses what makes someone truly heroic. Furthermore, it lacks an essential part of what makes Peter Parker so special. A friend rightly pointed out to me that using Tony Stark’s quote here changes the message. It makes heroism about believing in yourself and having powers to overcome physical obstacles. But is this what it means to be heroic? I think not. Heroism is found in self-sacrifice, a refusal to give up, and a sense of duty to do what is right.  Heroism is a recognition that, “with great power comes great responsibility.”  Jesus is the hero of the Bible. His heroism is in his humility, his goodness, and his sacrifice for the good of others.

The Bible teaches that all believers have been given gifts and skills. Spider-Man presses us to recognize that we are responsible to use these good gifts for God. God has given us a heroic calling to serve him, his Church, our communities, and to expand his kingdom to the ends of the earth will we be heroic like Spider-Man and take on our responsibilities? Will we answer the call?

“God has given us a heroic calling to serve him, his Church, our communities, and to expand his kingdom to the ends of the earth will we be heroic like Spider-Man and take on our responsibilities? Will we answer the call?”

 

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Love Will Save the World: A Review of Wonder Women

The long wait is finally over, after 75 years, Wonder Woman has her own movie!

The long wait is finally over, after 75 years, Wonder Woman has her own movie! Beyond all the high hopes, there was a shadow of fear; would the movie be any good? Would the first female lead, female directed superhero movie be a success? Thankfully the answer is yes.

Wonder Woman is a joy to watch. Gal Gadot gives a true break out performance as Diana, enduing her with hopefulness, compassion, innocence, and strength. Steve, played by Chris Pine, is a likeable foil and love interest for Wonder Woman. At 141 minutes, it runs longer than necessary. In the final act the movie devolves into a CGI fest, and some of the CGI looks a little shoddy. These flaws however did not detract from the joy I had watching the film. I highly recommend seeing Wonder Women.

Spoilers follow….

In what might be surprising to some, Wonder Woman paints a picture of the world that aligns itself with the Christian message in many meaningful ways. Wonder Woman is a Christ figure who is compelled by compassion and love to help the helpless, rescue the lost, hurt, and dying. It is no accident that in the most iconic scene of the movie (Dianna stepping out into No Man’s Land) what causes Dianna to fight is her compassion for people who are hurting and dying. In Wonder Woman we have a heroine that does not glory in battle, but fights because of love and a desire for peace.

In the film Dianna realizes that war and death are because of humanity’s inherent wickedness. This is the Christian message. Humanity is fallen. We are born in our trespasses and sins, none can do good, all have sinned, and we are by nature children of wrath. We are lost and we need someone to come rescue us.

In the climatic last battle Ares attempts to convince Diana to join him because humanity is wicked and deserves destruction. Diana combats this argument with “It’s not about what you deserve, but about what you believe.” She follows with. “I believe in love” and later “Love will save the world.” Some might scoff at this dialogue, but the Christian says, “you do not realize just how true this is.”

Where Wonder Woman gives an ill-defined notion of love, the Bible presents a rich compelling version. Jesus is our compassionate hero who fights on our behalf. He conquered Satan, evil, and the grave through his sacrifice on the cross. The Gospel contention has always been that it is not about what we deserve, but about what we believe. We deserve death for our evilness, but we are offered life if we believe in Jesus.

Other religions tell us that we have to do good deeds to deserve salvation and atheists try to tell us that humanity is not wicked. Jesus says, “you are wicked, you do not deserve salvation, but I love you and I give my life for you so that you might have hope, peace, and joy.” Yes, love saves the world! “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

“Other religions tell us that we have to do good deeds to deserve salvation and atheists try to tell us that humanity is not wicked. Jesus says, “you are wicked, you do not deserve salvation, but I love you and I give my life for you so that you might have hope, peace, and joy.” Yes, love saves the world! “

 

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Guardians of the Galaxy 2 / Review

The Guardians are back in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and it is one fun rip-roaring thrill ride. It is both hilarious and surprisingly emotional, though it does not soar to the same stellar heights of the last.

The Guardians are back in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and it is one fun rip-roaring thrill ride. It is both hilarious and surprisingly emotional, though it does not soar to the same stellar heights of the last.

The cast brings the same charisma and chemistry of the orginal. The cinematography and color palette are gorgeous.  The music is fantastic and provides more emotional depth than the previous film. Michael Rooker gives a standout performance as Yondu.

This film however is not perfect. The plot is weaker than the last, a few jokes fall flat, and the pacing lags at times. That being said this is still an incredibly fun movie to watch. I highly recommend seeing it on the biggest screen you can find.

Spoilers follow….

Watching Guardians 2, I was struck by the theme of family. At one point Nebula screams “All you do is yell at each other. You’re not friends.” Drax responds, “No… We are family.” The Guardians are a motley crew of misfits who have become a family. While dysfunctional in many ways they still love and sacrifice for each other. This is the same story of the Bible. God has always been in the business of taking the misfits, the outcasts, the oddballs, the ostracized, and the broken and turning them into family. The Church displays the Gospel when it gathers as a diverse group of strangers and becomes a loving family. How we love each other as the family of God is meant to point people to the Gospel’s truthfulness and beauty.

All the Guardians suffer from family and father issues. Peter Quill had an absentee biological father, and was raised by a surrogate who was anything but perfect. Gamora and Nebula were raised by an abusive father. Drax is a father in grief over the loss of a child. Rocket Raccoon was biologically engineered. Mantis was raised by a man, who treats her as nothing more than a useful pet. Yondu was sold into slavery by his own parents. And on top of this Groot is a baby being raised by this rabble.

Guardians offers hope. Being a family is more than something biological. Family is about loving and sacrificing for each other even though they are flawed, broken people.  Yondu in sacrificing his own life for Peter offers hope of redemption, repaired relationships and the possibility of a loving dad.

Guardians pokes and prods some of our deepest desires: our longings to be known and belong, our longings to be provided for and protected, loved and accepted. In Jesus and the Gospel story we find fulfillment of these deep desires. We find the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who give of themselves for us.  We discover a perfect father and a new and eternal family, having brought together not by biology, but through union with Christ. We discover a hopeful story that is alive and inviting. Those who believe are adopted as children of God. Those abandoned, maligned, and scarred by their earthly fathers, now become sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father, who loves extravagantly and never forsakes.

“Guardians pokes and prods some of our deepest desires: our longings to be known and belong, our longings to be provided for and protected, loved and accepted”

 

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