Movie Review- Thor

Let me just say this right off the bat: I never read the Thor comic. I knew who The Mighty Thor was, but I can honestly say I never read an issue. That didn't stop me from knowing a few scant details about the character. So, I saw the film. I was not disappointed; neither with the movie, nor with its yielding of theological subject material or insights.

If there is a problem I have with superhero films it is that the bulk of them are origin stories. But, it in this case, this was helpful. I'm not sure how faithful the film is to the comic storyline. But, I felt like I got a decent sense of the basics.

The eponymous main character is the son of the Norse deity Odin. It is at this point that I should probably inform you, dear reader, that my knowledge of Norse mythology is as limited as my knowledge of the Thor comic. Thor is also the brother (by adoption) of Loki. Apparently, Loki is some sort of trickster or mischievous deity.

There is much to discuss theologically. The deities have some human attributes (human form, the ability to lose limbs, the ability to die) to accompany their fantastic powers. This could spur a discussion of ancient religions, as well as present-day polytheistic religions. It could also start a good discussions of what exactly, the attributes of God are.

There is also the issue of Thor being "worthy" of the title/office (or, vocation) of King of Asgard. This can lead to several possibilities for discussion or illustrating. The first is, obviously, the sonship of Jesus. Another is how we obtain worthiness before God (what our sinful nature tells us vs. what Scripture teaches).

Another issue that could be addressed is Thor's hammer. This is of particularly of interest to Lutherans, especially if you've read the novel "The Hammer of God". This could be a way to introduce the book. Thor's hammer is one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. The Word of God happens to be the most powerful thing in the universe in real life. The connection is obvious.

This film is a good way to kill a couple of hours. It's not the best film ever, but it's not too bad. The hardcore fans will always find something to criticize, but I think the film could serve as a decent springboard to some good discussion. But, realize, there are better superhero film which would serve that purpose.

Movie Review- The Adjustment Bureau

I had been anticipating this film ever since I saw the trailer. The trailer led me to believe that the film would address some of the issues that I struggle with, both personally and professionally. I was not disappointed.

The film (based on a story by Philip K. Dick) tells the story of a hot-shot politician, who meets a woman by chance on the night of an electoral defeat. He then sees her again by pure chance. The problem is that he is not "supposed" to see her again. At this point, a group of men in suits and hats steps in to stop the ripples that will occur due to this chance meeting.

The plot centers around the politician and this woman. But more than just a simple love story is the heart of the issue. This pair's couplehood goes against something that is constantly referred to as "the plan".

So often, Christians (both ordained, and non-ordained) are caught repeating their catchphrase, "God has a plan for your life." Many different varieties of Christians can say that phrase, and even mean it. But it means very different things to different breeds of Christians.

Some of the issues addressed by the film are good questions that many people have: Does God have a plan? What does that mean? How much of the plan do we have control over? How much can we influence the plan? Is the plan adjustable? Does it matter if we don't understand the plan? Should we worry about trying to understand the plan or merely worry about following it? All of these are good, honest questions that regular people in the pews (and sometimes the pulpits) wrestle with.

How would you preach the idea of "God's Plan"? How would you answer the questions listed above?

GOSPEL HANDLES

The film shows that there is grace when we slip up, and redemption (or recovery) is possible.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in the film.