Noah (2014): Part Two of a Two-Part Commentary
In which two very different moviegoers wrestle with Noah, and with some of the questions that the movie asks.
22 Comments30 Minutes
Noah (2014): Part One of A Two-Part Commentary
Darren Aronofsky made an epic Old Testament movie in which he wrestled with some of humankind's most difficult questions. And Christians responded with admirable attention, grace, intelligence, and humility. Right? No? That didn't happen?
7 Comments14 Minutes
Is It Dangerous? Biblical? Gnostic? Awesome? — Here’s All The Noah That’s Fit to Print
Let's focus on the reviews of Noah that demonstrate an actual love for movies, an interest in our neighbor Darren Aronofsky, and a willingness to engage his ideas.
26 Comments8 Minutes
Three Years Ago Today, We Raised Our Glasses to the Ale Boy
"This is my favorite fantasy series," says the latest Amazon reviewer of The Ale Boy's Feast, the fourth and final book in my series of fantasy novels called The Auralia Thread. "I recommend it to everyone 13 through 120."
1 Comment6 Minutes
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Every scene was like a spectacular frosted pastry with a sharp object baked into the middle of it.
3 Comments21 Minutes
Seven Films That the Oscars Forgot
Now would be a great time to catch up with what the Oscars missed. And they missed a lot. Good news: Most of those titles are now easily accessible for you to enjoy at home.
0 Comments1 Minutes
The Passion of the Christ: Revisited
Would I now disagree with the review I wrote ten years ago? Would I flinch to read what I wrote back then?
4 Comments38 Minutes
What’s So Funny? – Part 2
When movies make fun of religious characters, should we laugh?
1 Comment31 Minutes
What’s So Funny? (Or: Christianity and Comedy are Not Exclusive)
A criminal steals a baby. Are you laughing? A rabbi uses Jesus's name in vain? Is that funny?
3 Comments26 Minutes
The Incredibles (and Other 10-Year-Old Films); Jesus Films; Matt Zoller Seitz; Scott Cairns
This week, special thanks go out to Brad Bird, Matt Zoller Seitz, and more. Find out why.
0 Comments6 Minutes
Not Gonna Bow: Notes on the Oscars
It appears that a lot of people have completely misunderstood what cinema is for, concluding that it's all some big cockamamie competition.
7 Comments5 Minutes
The Great Beauty (2013)
I've just seen "The Great Beauty" and I'm still a little bit drunk on its imagery. It's a feast for those with big appetites for beauty on the big screen. But alas, the meal is soured by a bitter syrup.
4 Comments9 Minutes
Listen Closer: St. Vincent, Beck, Neneh Cherry, Lost in the Trees… and U2
Got headphones?
0 Comments8 Minutes
Hard to Be a God — The Science Fiction Film of the Decade?
This film first won my attention when one of my favorite film critics rated it a perfect "10." I began to dig for information. What is this movie? Why such a bold title?
6 Comments12 Minutes
The LEGO Movie (2014)
The LEGO Movie is, at once, a movie with more laughs-per-minute than any recent comedy I can remember; the greatest LEGO invention of all time; and a thrilling summons to unleash our own creativity — not only with our LEGOs, but with our lives.
8 Comments17 Minutes
Six Movies to Revisit Before You See The LEGO Movie
I encourage you to revisit this short list of movies before you go watch the LEGOs this weekend. Why? Let me explain...
6 Comments4 Minutes
Through a Screen Darkly… Again?
My book Through a Screen Darkly was published in 2007. Martha Bayles' book, grabbing the same title, was published in January 2014. I'm going to take that as a compliment.
0 Comments13 Minutes
In Case You Missed It: Personal Highlights of 2013
I am so grateful for evenings, weekends, and coffee breaks. Those are the chances I have to share what I do best. I hope that some of it was useful to you in 2013. Here are some of the highlights of my past year...
2 Comments18 Minutes
Her (2013): a guest review
Guest reviewer Lauren Wilford on Spike Jonze's new film: "Depending on your perspective, Her has either an amazing elevator pitch or an awful one: 'A guy falls in love with his iPhone.'"
6 Comments15 Minutes
Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet
(now the ears of my ears awake andnow the eyes of my eyes are opened)
– e. e. cummings, “i thank You God for most this amazing”