Noah: The Movie

I must be the only blogger left that hasn’t had something to say about the Noah film currently playing in theaters. Nope, haven’t seen it so I can’t write a review. I can say with certainty that the film does not represent an accurate retelling of the biblical story of Noah found in Genesis. The filmmakers were clear about that from the beginning, so the claims movie goers are being lied to is exaggerated. This infographic attempts to clarify some actual facts regarding the true story of Noah:

The Noah movie has incredible graphics and a dramatic story. The list of facts above is biblically accurate but boring. Is there a compromise?

Presenting for your viewing enjoyment: The True Story of Noah

I give this film 2 very enthusiastic thumbs up!

Movie Review: God’s Not Dead

UPDATE: God’s Not Dead opened in the top five at the box office.

There are two types of “Christian movie” and both have their pros and cons. Big Hollywood films (I’m looking at you Noah) have the budget for things like famous actors, directors and really good special effects. But although the target audience is Christians the people making the film are often not. Noah hasn’t opened in the U.S. but I have a feeling it’s going more like 300 adapted for Christians and less like the Genesis narrative. The other type of movie is made by Christians but on a much smaller budget. What you get is unknown or has-been actors and really shallow script writing. I run the risk of hurting some feelings here, but I’m about to be honest (if Flywheel or Facing the Giants are your favorite movies ever, close this webpage). Those movies left me with the distinct impression that having faith and saying enough prayers will allow me to sell all my cars and/or win every football game this season. And after winning all the football games, despite having several losing seasons in a row, my wife will stay and our family will be happy and healthy. What happens if a faithful Christian loses a business, or every football game? What if I repent and say lots of prayers and my wife still leaves? Or loses the baby? While these films may be inspirational, it leads many to be critical of the Christian film industry.

October Baby

October Baby, based on the true story of Gianna Jessen, opens in theaters March 23.  Jessen is the survivor of a failed abortion attempt.  I first learned of her back in 2008, when the Wall Street Journal (of all things) ran her story.  That was the year Barrack Obama ran for president; here’s what I wrote back when.

Tim Challies has written a review after seeing an early screening.  He was “pleasantly surprised” at how much he enjoyed it.  Tim reviews the film, and also analyzes the challenge facing any and every Christian film.

You could watch the trailer at challies.com, but why not click over to Gianna Jessen’s blog and watch it there.  There’s a trailer for the film, and also a behind the scenes sort of thing with Gianna.

Evan Almighty

I have to admit, even I didn’t go to the theater to see this movie. I loved Bruce Almighty; you can learn a lot about God by watching it, I’m not kidding. But the Evan Almighty concept seemed like a stretch. It was a sequel to a Jim Carry movie without Jim Carry. Never do a sequel without the star (Speed 2, Cruise Control).

However – I finally got to see Evan Almighty on DVD, and it’s much better than I expected. I just couldn’t imagine how they would make the story turn out any good at all, but it works. Not as funny as the first, but there is still a thing or two to be said about God. The movie is rated PG, but I don’t see why. You could watch this with 4-year-olds. Unless I’m mistaken, there was not one bad word. Morgan Freeman relates theological truth in a way that George Burns couldn’t have done in a million years. Lauren Graham plays opposite Steve Correll, and I don’t even remember her name on the bill. It’s like a bonus. (Okay, eat my alive, but I’m a big fan of the Gilmore Girls. Go ahead, let me have it.)

Bottom line: I didn’t think it would be any good, but it was. It’s a shame this movie tanked in the box office. Definitely worth a look. And if Michael Spencer doesn’t hurry up and watch Bruce Almighty sometime soon, I’m going to time him up and force him to. I’m on a mission.