Movie Review- Sherlock Holmes

This film is a reinterpretation of the beloved literary characters, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Dr. Watson. The film itself is more packed with explosions and action than wits and logic. The film is entertaining, and does provide some interesting theological grist.

Much of the theological material deals with secret societies, and the "dark arts". Clearly, we are dealing with Second Commandment issues (or third, depending on your numbering system). This provides many opportunities for discussion, though showing the film (either clips or in its entirety) is probably better left to adult Bible study, or at least teens. It turns out that the "dark arts" in the film are the results of technology than actual Satanic influence, but the point that it is dangerous and nothing for believers to be fooling around with.

It can be argued that Holmes using his genius in the service of catching criminals is a good example of using your gifts from God in helpful ways or on vocation. This latter point is stretch.

The fact that the main villain finally gets his comeuppance is really more of a law handle.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The Gospel is pretty obscure. One possible handle, albeit a weak one, is the the practitioner of the "dark arts" are exposed as frauds. The Gospel handle, here is Satan and his minions , though dangerous, have no real power. The power is not in human reason and logic, but in Christ alone. As I said, this is a weak handle.

CLERGY HANDLES

There is one very brief image of a priest. He is seen at the execution of the villain.

This is an entertaining film , if nothing else. The theological material is unconventional, but interesting.

Movie Review- The Blind Side

Here we encounter a film where Christians are portrayed in a positive light. This film tells the story of Michael Oher, a guy with a horrendous childhood. He bounces around life with pretty much no direction, until he's offered a chance at success via a private school education with athletic potential. He's "de facto" adopted by a wealthy white family who takes him in, essentially out of Christian charity and the goodness of their hearts. He flowers under their generosity. Then they legally adopt him. He develops his athletic prowess, goes to college and is drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. This is all based on a true story.

There would be no problem showing this film in your church, to either a youth group or a larger audience. The demonstration of Christian charity preaches very well. Another point of discussion is when the football coach (out of selfish motivation) questions what it means to be a Christian. he does this toward the beginning when he lobbies to have Michael admitted to the school.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The biggest Gospel handle is the theme of adoption. Michael is adopted by the family. What better way to illustrate Scripture's point of our adoption through Christ? Further, when Michael first starts to live with the family, he is taken in, fed, clothed, sheltered, etc. This provides a fantastic illustration of Christ's words in Matthew's Gospel about welcoming the stranger.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in this film.

I recommend this film for any pastor's film library. He or she may she it with confidence. What?! You don't have a pastor's DVD library?

Movie Review- Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel

Here again, we are presented with a film that, at first glance, does not provide much opportunity for theological discussion. However, if we are willing to look a little deeper, we soon discover that there is, maybe, more than meets the eye. I'm not saying it's all that deep, but let's see what we can mine form the film.

This movie is cute and fun. It's a great kids movie. And sometimes, that's all a film needs to be. This film explores issues such as friendship, family, peer pressure, celebrity as well as others. Any or all of these issues can be or are important to kids.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The biggest of a gospel handle in here are acceptance after turning away (parallels with Luke 15). Other images of rescue are in the film.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in this film.