It’s always tempting to weigh in on movies that one has not seen, especially after reading some very interesting reviews. At least this is true for me. Usually I refrain and push my mind to think about more important subjects. We find ourselves in a very strange place as Christians in America at this time in history. Many would agree that Hollywood has long sought to discredit our faith while at the same time desires to capitalize on the so called “christian market”. So, it is interesting that we have two religous films in the theaters at the moment that are getting not only a lot of attention, but strong attendance as well. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Both have an agenda.* One was directed by a known atheist and the other by a Christian. If I can believe the reviews, both miss the opportunity to do something really great. Having not seen either film, this is really the one subject I can comment on with some degree of integrity.
I long for Hollywood to take a good Bible story and portray it with all of the tools available to modern film making and also with integrity to the source. I’ll go one step further and add that I want to see that movie reflect the theology behind the story as well. Of course this does mean being fairly broad as to not delve into some Biblical account that is interpreted in a variety of ways. Noah is a narrative that can be done with Hollywood style and remain true to the source as well as the theology of the text. None of the reviews I have read suggest that has been done with the current film. It’s sad to me, because I like watching anything that features a former cast member of Neighbors and or the acting talent of Emma Watson. Most reading this won’t have heard of the Aussie show Neighbors and some will not have seen “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, a film that left me in tears on an airplane.
I also long for a good Christian story that is gracious and generous with it’s portrayal of people that are not believers. It only makes sense considering 1) God’s grace towards us, 2) the call to love others, and 3) the reality that most media does not portray serious Christians in the best light; that a good Christian message movie should be not only fair but kind and loving in it’s portrayal of others. To do otherwise strikes me as a sort of revenge. I’ll add as well that I long for a good Christian story that is completely believable and intellectually strong. We have a faith that is both and to settle for anything less strikes me as shooting ourselves in the foot. Now, while I make these comments on the basis of what I read in the reviews, I am not making an argument specifically about one of the films out at the moment. I am just expressing my longings which were awakened by the reviews. I had a great conversation with my mom the other night who had just seen “God is Not Dead” and loved it. She caused me to question whether the review I read was possibly overstated somewhat. Regardless, my longings are real and will be for some time I am sure.
So, in case you want to check them out, the reviews I read were: (caution… some are spoilers)
Gregory Alan Thornbury’s review of Noah is more positive than others I read.
The Hollywood Reporter’s review of Noah
Creation Ministries really did not like God is Not Dead
Matt Walsh’s review of Noah was the most entertaining (amusing) one I read
Not sure when or if I will watch either movie. I don’t get out much (which should be painfully obvious).
*The agenda in “God Is Not Dead” is seen in the end where they list the number of cases at Universities across the country that show an opposition to Christianity in the lecture halls. (it’s a valid agenda in my opinion) The agenda in Noah is a matter of interpretation and commented on it reviews.
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