TV & Film

Links and Stuff

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A handful of things that you need to know, hear, see, or read...

- Tonight I will probably put up a single post that I will update throughout Molly's surgery and hospital stay.  I will try to keep updates at the top of the page with time stamps on the page so you can read what has happened as they happened.  The hospital says it has wifi throughout, so being online and live-blogging the next few days shouldn't be much of a problem.

- Please start immediately downloading Stereogum's tribute to Radiohead's OK Comupter.  It's free and includes some great bands like Dave Bazan's Black Cloud, Cold War Kids, and Twilight Sad.  It's not Radiohead, but it's still fun.  By the way, they aren't going to leave these free mp3's up forever so grab them asap.  Couldn't wait for Music Monday on this one.

- JJ Abrams.  1-18-08.  Nuff said.

- Drew Goodmanson on The Gospel Awakening (file through his posts on triperspectivalism too).

- John Piper on Why We Should Have Courage to Speak About Christ.

- Gary Rohrmayer on Sharpening Your Evangelistic Skills.

- I don't know if I've mentioned it before, bu there is now a version of 2 Ways to Live for kids. 

- Darrin Patrick's The Journey Church has done a service by providing this Keller-oriented Religion and the Gospel.

Smatterday

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A smattering of shtuff...

Update on sabbatical last week.  I was greatly encouraged by Jonathan Edwards' Personal Narrative.  I also listened (again) Tim Keller's "Being the Church in Our Culture" and "Doing Justice" from the Reform & Resurge conference last year.  Every time I hear Keller I stop at some point and freak out by how good it is.

Melinda Penner on Luther's A Simple Way to Pray
Email yourself in the future
GOOD Magazine (Bright Orange, video)
Spider-Man 3 is coming
Comic Relief 2007
A great way to keep me from eating your egg salad

The Office

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The_office_2I'm through season one of The Office and a few episodes into season two.  Man, this show is funny. 

I know there are a bunch of Office lovers out there.  Anyone have a favorite episode or moment?  So far my favorites are Diversity Day and any time Dwight says or does something.

Reformissionary Roundup

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Time for a roundup of random stuff.

1. I've started a Bible study series at our church based on Kris Lundgaard's book, The Enemy Within (@ Monergism).  Lundgaard's book is based on two of John Owen's works on sin.  I read it a few years ago and rereading it for this series.  Very helpful book.  Justin Taylor points to some of Lundgaard's audio messages on The Enemy Within.

2. Watched the movie Click with my wife yesterday.  It was moderately funny.  Best part of the movie is what Adam Sandler does to David Hasselhoff (there's a bad word here, so don't watch if you can't handle it).

3. Speaking of video, the Smiling Addiction video is great.  It's an original piece (including original music) by Crossroads Community Church in GA.  I think Joe Thorn first pointed me to this.

4. It looks like Paradox, a music venue at Mars Hill Seattle but not run by Mars Hill, is no more.  This article doesn't really give Mars Hill's perspective in a good light, but the news was worth mentioning.

5. Have you taken a trip on Line Rider yet?  Throw on a scarf and go!

6. Alan Hirsch is blogging.

7. Tim Keller wants to help you know how to "Work."  Great sermon.  Keller provides Dorothy Sayers' definition of the biblical doctrine of work: "Work is the gracious expression of creative energy in the service of others."  Other TK Resources.

Jack Bauer Facts

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I love the TV show "24."  Love it.  My wife and I watch it every week without fail.  So I had to steal these "Jack Bauer facts" from Jonathan Herron and share them with you.  Great stuff.

* Jack Bauer's calendar goes from March 31st to April 2nd; no one fools Jack Bauer.

* If everyone on 24 followed Jack's instructions, it would be called 12.

* If you wake up in the morning, it's because Jack Bauer spared your life.

* Superman wears Jack Bauer pajamas.

* There have been no terrorist attacks in the United States since Jack Bauer appeared on television.

* When someone asks Jack Bauer how his day is going, Jack replies, "Previously on 24..."

* Jack Bauer doesn't speak any foreign languages, but he can make any foreigner speak English in a matter of minutes.

* When Google doesn't know the answer, it asks Jack Bauer for help.

Crash-lash

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Crash_1Roger Ebert has a curious article on "The Fury of the Crash-lash."  It seems that calling "Crash" a better movie, which Ebert does, is considered more than a little homophobic.  He gives a helpful response.

The nature of the attacks on "Crash" by the supporters of "Brokeback Mountain" seem to proceed from the other position: "Brokeback" is better not only because of its artistry but because of its subject matter, and those who disagree hate homosexuals. Its supporters could vote for it in good conscience, vote for it and feel they had made a progressive move, vote for it and not feel that there was any stain on their liberal credentials for shunning what "Crash" had to offer.

American Idol-aters

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If you are an American Idol-ater like my wife and me, you probably noticed the voice and sass of Mandisa.  She was the one ripped on my Simon who said they would need a bigger stage, but then they showed her later forgiving him because of Jesus.  She said, "I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you." 

Well Mandisa worked at LifeWay (SBC resources) and now sings at some Beth Moore stuff.  Read about her at BP.

The Da Vinci Challenge

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Sony isn't stupid.  As the worldwide bestseller and much discussed, debated and disliked (among Christians especially) The Da Vinci Code heads to theaters on May 19th, Sony has put together a truly brilliant marketing scheme.  They have started a website called The Da Vinci Challenge for Christians.  On the site Christian experts will deal with issues raised by The Da Vinci Code between now and the release date.  Currently there are articles by Darrell Bock, George Barna and Richard Mouw, and links for discussion take you to the Hollywood Jesus website.

From The Da Vinci Challenge...

The primary focus of The Da Vinci Challenge is to help Christians prepare for the inevitable question that will arise with the release of the film, “What do you think of The Da Vinci Code?”

These are the facts - currently, there over 40 million hardback copies of The Da Vinci Code in print. There have been thousands of column inches already written about The Da Vinci Code, and there will surely be more. It is now possible to take tours across Europe to visit historic sites referenced in the novel. On May 19, 2006, the highly-anticipated film version of the book, starring Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks, will open in theaters. There are literally millions and millions of devoted fans of The Da Vinci Code spanning the globe.

But there are also numerous people worldwide who question the theories espoused in The Da Vinci Code. Books refuting the claims of the best-selling novel have collectively sold millions of copies. Churches have held sermons and seminars to address the controversy and dispute assertions that many believe run counter to the foundations of their faith. These, too, are the facts.

The Da Vinci Challenge offers a thoughtful and faithful response to the questions raised by The Da Vinci Code. In the weeks leading up to the release of the film, prominent scholars and experts from across the spectrum of Christianity have volunteered to tackle specific issues raised by The Da Vinci Code – cultural, historical, theological and practical. By tapping into the collective wisdom of these respected Christian men and women, The Da Vinci Challenge hopes to present a forum where people can wrestle with the complex topics raised by the book and the film.

While Sony Pictures Entertainment has provided the means for this discussion to take place, neither the studio, the filmmakers nor Dan Brown have any editorial control over the content of this site. None of the Christian experts have been paid for their commentary or insights. This is an open forum where discussion, debate and disagreement are welcome. The Da Vinci Challenge wholeheartedly invites you to join the conversation.

Rhythm and Tune

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Dsc_00363_1My wife and I went to hear two of our church members play live music last night at the Last Chance Saloon in Grayslake, IL.  Our song leader on Sunday mornings opened with some covers and originals, and then another church member and his band (AliveInside) played mostly original stuff.  It was really a good time, good music, and I was able to take some pictures of the band.

On the topic of music, I picked up the newest one of the newest Nooma videos from Rob Bell, Rhythm, a few days ago.  I decided to watch it last night.  He talked about how we all are playing a song, the question is whether or not we are in tune.  Powerful stuff.  And very provocative.  If you have seen it, I'd love to hear what you think about it.

UPDATE: You can also view the entire "Rain" Nooma video online.  If you haven't seen Nooma, check it out.

Bears & 24

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I'm glad 24 is coming on now because I need something to get me over my depression caused by the Chicago Bears losing to Carolina.  And the reason?  The Bears' defense is either overrated, or more likely were just flat-out outplayed.  Great game by Rex Grossman, considering his experience level.  This is all on the defense.  I think the coaches failed to adjust to a very different Carolina team (since the November game). 

I will now be pulling for Denver who became one of my favorite teams when we spent three years living in a  suburb of Denver (Lakewood). 

Brokeback Mountain Review

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I told myself the only way I would watch Brokeback Mountain at the theater is if Joe Thorn went with me.  Then I questioned what that would communicate and decided it would be better to pretend the movie didn't exist long enough to make it to the DVD release date.

But after reading this review I'm now actually very interested in watching it.  A blurb...

Brokeback Mountain is the story of two young cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, who meet in a 1960s summer job tending sheep on the mountain. They fall in love, then upon returning to the world, go their separate ways, marry and start families. A few years later, they resume their intensely sexual affair – visually, this is a rather chaste film – but with terrible consequences for themselves and the wives and children they deceive. The film climaxes violently and tragically, and it's this that has the critics lauding it as a cinematic cri du coeur for tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality.

But Brokeback is not nearly that tidy. True, the men begin their doomed affair in a time and place where homosexuality was viciously suppressed, and so they suffer from social constrictions that make it difficult to master their own fates. But it is also true that both men are overgrown boys who waste their lives searching for something they've lost, and which might be irrecoverable. They are boys who refuse to become men, or to be more precise, do not, for various reasons, have the wherewithal to understand how to become men in their bleak situation.

It is impossible to watch this movie and think that all would be well with Jack and Ennis if only we'd legalize gay marriage. It is also impossible to watch this movie and not grieve for them in their suffering, even while raging over the suffering that these poor country kids who grew up unloved cause for their families. As the film grapples with Ennis' pain, confusion and cruelty, different levels of meaning unspool – social, moral, spiritual and erotic. In the end, Brokeback Mountain is not about the need to normalize homosexuality, or "about" anything other than the tragic human condition.

(HT: Matt Crash!)

Narnia: My Take

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So I watched Narnia yesterday with my lovely wife, my four kids, and my 9:15am popcorn.  A lot of folks are blogging the heck out of this movie and I'm not going to try to do anything fancy or long.  But I thought it would be helpful to share some thoughts, both good and bad.  If you are going to watch the movie, I encourage you NOT to read on.  Experience it for yourself first.

**Spoilers Coming**

Over the last three weeks I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to the kids.  We enjoyed it very much.  And if you have never experienced a movie after reading the book, it's definitely a different experience.  I think it makes enjoying the movie (for an adult) much more difficult.  Plus, as we read I tried to imagine how the movie would handle certain things, and that led to some satisfying elements, but also some disappointments.

1. Characters: Both Lucy and Tumnus were played very well.  Brilliant.  Edmund was good, Susan was just okay, Peter was fine, the Beavers were fun, Father Christmas was better than I expected, Maugrim was pretty good, the White Witch was pretty good, and the professor was just right.  Some of the characters were a bit overdone, I thought (Susan sticks out to me here), but generally speaking the characters were good. 

2.  Effects: The effects were fine.  There were times when they looked a bit more fake than they needed to, but that isn't a big surprise.  I expected that from the very first teaser I saw months ago.

3. A Few differences between book and movie: Rumblebuffin was missing, at least in character.  There were a few random giants.  When they fled the Beavers' house they left through a tunnel, which was a nice addition for a movie.  There were plenty of other differences, but these stuck out to me.

4. What I didn't like: Edmund's insatiable desire for Turkish Delight (after the first bite) was missing.  He wanted more, but he just looked selfish.  The point was the White Witch's food could never satisfy.

The connection between the kids (or anyone else) and Aslan was poorly done.  When Lucy and Susan are laying on his dead body and just distraught (which was good), it wasn't developed enough ahead of time.  For example, in the book when Mr. Beaver said "Aslan is on the move" it's followed by some great description of what happens inside the kids as they hear this news.  They "felt something jump" inside them, "Peter felt brave and adventurous," and so on.  Someone needed to develop the heart-leaping aspect of hearing about and knowing Aslan, but it was missing.  This was the biggest disappointment for me.

One thing that I was looking forward to most other than seeing the general plot unfold was the roar of Aslan after resurrection which bent the trees.  Why was this not included?  From the book...

"And Aslan stood up and when he opened his mouth to roar his face became so terrible that they did not dare to look at it.  And they saw all the trees in front of him bend before the blast of his roaring as grass bends in a meadow before the wind.

I also thought they missed a great opportunity to show Aslan (Lucy and Susan aboard) running through the trees and such.  They showed this, but it was stunted.  From the book...

"That ride was perhaps the most wonderful thing that happened to them in Narnia."

One last thing, the narration quality of the book was missing.  And so it became the adventure of four kids rather than the adventure any kid can have.  I feel Lewis intends a more universal, YOU can find Narnia.  You can be a king.  You can have adventure and be brave and just, etc.  I wanted the movie to make me go home and start looking for branches in the back of my closet, but it didn't so much.  It could have been done better, I think.

5. What I liked: It was nice to see what Turkish Delight looks like, though I'm still not sure it looks all that delicious.

I liked how we saw a close up on the face of Aslan when he was executed.  I didn't like the book at this point.  He seemed to die too fast in the movie, but for a kid movie it needed to be fast I suppose.

For all the problems in developing the Aslan-children connection, I liked how Lucy and Susan were portrayed after the killing of Aslan, laying on him for some time.  The broken stone table was well done also, shaking the earth.

For the absence of the battle in the book, the movie needed it.  It was done pretty well, though Edmund looked pretty clueless the whole time. 

Side note: Liam Neeson has become quite the redeemer.  Oscar Schindler (purchases Jews), Qui-Gon Jinn (rescues Anakin), and now Aslan (saving Edmund and Narnia).   Hmmm.  I liked his voice with Aslan.  If it would have been Matthew Broderick (The Lion King) I would have walked out. :)

My overall take is this: If the book didn't exist and the movie came out, I would be telling everyone of great, redemptive kids movie that everyone needs to see.  And so I cannot help but to promote it and encourage everyone to go.  It's good.

So to be clear, I did enjoy the movie very much.  We will buy the DVD when it comes out.  And the movie, for it's weaknesses, is completely worthwhile.