love for ewoks

Okay, I just recently finished watching all six Star Wars movies in chronological order for the first time (I kind of had a lot of disappoint with the prequels and was reluctant to ever attached them to the originals). It was way better than I thought and definitely made the classics have a richer meta story. Some dialogue really takes on a whole new twist with the prequels (thinking about Ben and Luke's first conversation).

Anyways, enough about that. I came across this video and almost wet myself. This was ridiculously funny. The cameo is awesome!

army of darkness

In 1992 an amazing little movie came out, Army of Darkness. I have only seen it on the small screen, but tonight it makes a return to the big screen at the local Century 25. Bruce Campbell as hero Ashley "Ash" J. Williams is a classic character. No one can beat the "I lost my hand so attached a chain saw for a weapon against the evil dead, and then was transported back to Medieval Times."

daemons anyone?

Lots of drama around the release of The Golden Compass. I read the book, it was pretty good. It definitely seemed like more of a pre-teen story. There are significant "anti-Christian" and "anti-authority" themes in the book that directly go against a biblical worldview. While for some older kids (13+) this will be a great movie to interact with them about, any younger kids probably won't benefit from the complicated message below a beautifully creative story (good thing its is rated PG-13). Definitely disturbing that everybody has daemons (pronounced demons) that follow them along and act sort of like a conscience (that nobody else hears or can touch).

norman maclean

The problem of self-identity is not just a problem for the young. It is a problem all the time. Perhaps the problem. It should haunt old age, and when it no longer does, it should tell you that you are dead. — Norman Maclean

Found this quote on Kit Reichow's blog. I have been thinking a lot about Norman Maclean lately. I picked up the soundtrack to the movie based off of Maclean's A River Runs Through It. All three are wonderful pieces of art in their own right.

You should certainly take the time to read Maclean's book. It is one of the most beautiful stories of brotherhood, family, fishing, and searching that you will ever read. I appreciate that is an unassuming story that seems written only for a few to read and leaves behind the grand commentaries of books you read in high school and the pomp and convention of a best-seller. The writing is honest, naked, and beautifully descriptive.

Then watch Robert Redford's screen adaptation and you will find there was little work for the screenwriters and cinematographers since Maclean's writing was so straightforward and wonderful.

All three works provoke a reflection in my soul that is, in Maclean's words, haunting. There is a longing for life, love, and peace that is stirred. It is a good feeling that I enjoy revisiting and letting cause me a little unease about the direction or course of my day an life.

I am grateful for such works that do not let me get caught up in the dreariness of the calendar and that call me to stop, feel, think, and pray.

boy jesus movie

For those of you that missed Anne Rice's book Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, you can see the movie in 2009. Now I can't exactly recommend the movie, since there is no talent connected and the rights are owned by Good News Holdings, backed by Christian church researcher and author George Barna. Who knows whether this will actually be a quality film, or just another cheesy Christian film. We'll see.

I did actually read the book a couple years back. It is a very interesting read from inside the head of seven year old Jesus. The historical setting, daily life, and political climate are extremely accurate to the time of Jesus. This alone illuminates some of Jesus' teaching in the gospels. Rice forms here fictional story of Jesus on the rejected gnostic gospels, and she clings to Catholic traditions like the continued virginity of Mary. If you are looking for a fictional read that will spark some good conversation about Jesus and give you insight into 1st century Israel, pick it up.

jesus camp

After awhile of waiting I finally got a chance to see Jesus Camp. It is a documentary about Pentecostal Christians and how they raise their kids. With no narration (other than sound bytes from current events, radio preachers, etc) it is quite an interesting look at the lives of three kids and their Children's Pastor.

While most of what makes Jesus Camp scary to many is the charismatic expressions of faith (tongues, prophecy, & spiritual warfare), the underlying question is how militant and indoctrinated are these kids and their leaders/parents?

The directors certainly care for their characters, and seem to lead the viewer to believe that they are to be pitied because of their upbringing.

I'm not sure what I think about these people. They clearly are devoted to their beliefs, and reflect the urgency of people who believe the truth will clear others from a very intense hell.

I see the dangers of indoctrination.

I know the compelling message of the Scriptures.

I acknowledge that the spiritual realm is real, and foreign to most Americans.

I believe their use of the "miraculous" spiritual gifts reflects a lack of order that would turn away unbelievers (which Paul is against in 1 Corinthians).

I was haunted by the scenes with Ted Haggard since the film was released prior to his scandal.

I found myself strangely relating to these kids and their leaders. Though I do not share their rhetoric, or commitment to a Christian State . . . we fundamentally (ha ha) agree on the truth and the importance of partnering with God to reveal it to others.

A movie I will continue to wrestle with and reflect upon as it relates to raising my kids and understanding my religious upbringing.