Maybe an Episcopalian priest shouldn’t enjoy the movies so much, but let’s face it–I do. On one level, I love movies just because they are entertaining, and I derive a great deal of pleasure from watching them. On another level, I look at movies at the most important vehicle in our time for the conveying of ideas. In our era, movies have, by and large, taken the place of books. Not many people read good books, but people do attend good movies, sometimes without even realizing that they are good movies.
It is my intention in these movie reviews and criticisms to write about films on a number of different levels. Sometimes, I will give plot summaries of films. At other times, I will write about various artistic techniques and performances. Most of all, as some of you know, I love to interact with the ideas and philosophies that are often presented in movies. Some of my comments will center around those kinds of discussions.
In these comments, I will not address the issue of whether the movies are good or bad, or moral or immoral. I will make no mention of whether people, Christians included, should watch the movies or not. I will leave that to the individuals’ consciences. I will give no ratings, such as *, **, ***, or ****. My primary intent will be to evaluate how successfully the movies present their ideas and images. Some of the movies may convey messages with which I disagree. Most of the books I read and the movies I watch convey messages of which I do not approve. Nevertheless, I think it is important for people, especially Christians, to examine these various ideas and philosophies. Some of my reviews, perhaps, will not even sound like a “Christian” review. That is, I may not make any direct link between the movie and the Christian faith.
Some of the reviews will concern movies that are “now showing.” Some will be older ones that are out on DVD. Other classic films, may be reviewed with much longer comments based on more extensive research. I hope you will find these reviews enjoyable. Perhaps they will also help to generate some interesting discussions. Most of all, I hope that it helps you to appreciate and enjoy this very important medium of communication. To read a review, simply choose a movie from the list below.
