Revenge of the Sith reviews!

My review of Star Wars, Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith will be posted on Wednesday. There'll be a long version at CT Movies, and a MUCH more comprehensive version up at Looking Closer.Read more


I'm glad I caught "Dear Frankie" before it disappeared.

Just got back from a matinee of Dear Frankie at Seattle's Crest Cinemas, the discount theatre that plays recent films before they disappear into the waiting room for DVD release. And I pretty much agree with everything Peter T. Chattaway said here, so I'll let him speak for me today.Read more


A Sequel to "The Dark Crystal"??

Apparently so!!

I would rejoice over this...

I would dance with glee...

...if only they would tell me that the Henson studio wants to accomplish this in the same way that they accomplished the original... without digital animation.

What makes The Dark Crystal stand out as unique is its handmade quality. Those aren't digital aliens... they're handcrafted puppets extraordinaire. And you know what? They look better today than any CGI character I can think of.

The story of The Dark Crystal is interesting, but the script, especially the narration, is pretty lousy. Come on, Henson Co. -- think about it. It's the puppetry that makes this thing memorable and special in fantasy-film history.

But alas, it sounds like it's going to be a fusion of digital and puppetry.

Here's hoping, then, that they get a great script.


Star Wars 3: What Questions Do You Want Answered?

As you count down the days to Star Wars, Episode Three(if, indeed, you care at all)...

  • What are you most eager to see?
  • What questions do you most want to see answered?
  • What problems do you most want to see fixed?
  • What are your deepest fears about the film?
  • What are your greatest hopes?

The comments are open for you to unleash your most cynical, or your most optimistic, pleas....

When the film comes out, we'll look back and see if it delivered for you.

MSNBC certainly has some questions....


Letter of the Day

My comments on Islam in my Kingdom of Heaven review have been tweaked, politely and correctly (I assume), by an attentive reader. Thanks, Kurt! Clearly, I have more to learn on these subjects....Read more


Josh Hurst's new DVD column!

Congratulations to my good friend Josh Hurst for starting a new column at Christianity Today Movies, celebrating weekly DVD releases.Read more


CT on Over the Rhine, the album, the tour, the marriage

Another interview... this time with just Karin ... about saving the marriage, the music, and Over the Rhine.


The Circle is Now Complete


For me, a journey that began in 1977 ends today. The circle is now complete.Read more


U2 in Church ... A Wonderful Night

I had to fight back some serious surges of emotion tonight as a dream came true for me. I'd always wanted to share with my church what it is about U2 that moves me so much, what it is about their work that has transformed my life and drawn me closer to God.

My pastor invited me to do just that this week, and tonight I was given the better part of an hour to tell U2's story, to draw the attention of the congregation to the poetry of Bono's lyrics, to talk about how cleverly and brilliantly they weave themes of grace, echoes of Scripture, and reminders of Christ into their music.

I must thank, and thank, and thank Nathan Partain for performing three U2 songs beautifully ... and on very short notice. (Thanks also to Luke, who backed him up on piano and accordion.) He sang "Until the End of the World," "The First Time," and "Wake Up Dead Man" with passion and skill, and in that way kept us focused on the art of the songs instead of upon the celebrities who composed them.Read more