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- Iron Man 2

So, I finally saw this film. I say it that way because I had been wanting to see it since it was released a few weeks ago. Before I begin the actual review, I should state two important things:

1. I love superheroes, and the movies made about them.
2. I don't read comic books. I used tot read and collect them. And of the ones I did read, Iron Man was NOT one of them. It wasn't from a lack of interest. I just discovered I was reading too many titles that could not be supported by the budget of an unemployed teenager.

Now, onto my analysis.

Iron Man 2 is exactly what you want in a sequel: familiar characters and stars, enough of a recap of the original work, a sort-of picking up where the story left off, and it should not be as good as the original. The Godfather, Part II is the only known exception to this last criteria.

The film carries on the story of titan of industry, wealthy playboy, and technological genius Tony Stark. Stark, in the Iron man armor, has brought about a type of world peace. This has not escaped the notice of the United States government, who wishes to acquire the technology and use it for themselves. Stark refuses to sell to them. Meanwhile, in Russia, a heavily-tattooed physicist is making plans to get revenge on Tony Stark for perceived injustices committed against his father by Tony Stark's father during the Cold War. He tries to accomplish this by constructing a a rip-off (based on original designs) of Iron Man's (and Tony Stark's) ARC reactor. He then constructs a sort of exoskeleton which brandishes electrically-charged whips in each hand.

The film is essentially, even if unintentionally (I suspect intentional, though) about contrasts. Let me provide a few examples. Malibu, where Tony Stark resides, is always sunny and has perfect weather. (I have never been there, but I am told this is pretty accurate.) Russia is depicted as being gray, always overcast, and almost always snowing. Further, the film contrasts the sleek, sparkling, and sexy Iron Man armor with the crude exoskeleton of Whiplash. Then we are faced with the contrast of motives. The film contrast the (supposedly) pure motives of Tony Stark/Iron Man with not only the motives of revenge displayed by Whiplash, but also the motive of the United States government (is it to wage war or preserve peace?).

GOSPEL HANDLES

There's a fascinating line by Whiplash in the film when he describes his motive for wanting revenge on Tony Stark. He says, "If you could make God bleed, people would cease to believe in him." What do we, as Christians (and pastors) do with that? After all, we believe that, on the cross, God DID bleed. How would you preach this?

Also, the story that unfolds in the film, is partially a Gospel handle itself. It starts with a "very good" design (the Iron Man armor) which is then co-opted by something/someone evil, made to create chaos and bring about death, and finally is redeemed. What other Gospel Handles did you see? I can think of at least two.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in this film.

All in all, I found this movie to be solid for a sequel. There were some parts that dragged, but on the whole it was pretty good. The lulls are salvaged by good performances by Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, and especially, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mickey Rourke. Also noteworthy was the brief part played by Garry Shandling.

Book Review- Holy Superheroes!

The majority of pastors I know all share 1 common trait: They are big fans of fantasy, science fiction, and/or superheroes. Though I'm not as hardcore as I could be (and used to be), I can be found in that third camp. Superheroes offer us yet another way to examine our culture and ourselves.

That is the premise of Greg Garrett's book, Holy Superheroes! Exploring the Sacred in Comics, Graphic Novels, and Film." He states that superheroes give us another way to examine ourselves and our myths: "In the process of telling their stories of human-and superhuman- characters, comics deal with issues near and dear to our hearts:faith, hope, belief, guilt, justice, redmption, ultimate meaning, ultimate evil". (p.7)

Garrett explores the spiritual issues of a wide variety of comics and superheroes. And he does so as one who truly loves comics. He examines such issues as truth, power, heroism, vigilantism, evil, ethics, violence, and others.

Particularly helpful is the appendix that Garrett includes. It's a list of 25 graphic novels which Garrett referenced and recommends. Granted, not all of them deal with superheroes. But, it is a worthwhile list. Not only does he list these graphic novels, he gives a brief synopsis.

I'm not sure how much this book will help you in your ministry, but it is a good read. If nothing else, it may help with sermon prep. That is, it may help strengthen illustrations, or provide new possibilities for illustration.

What about those of you who are not fanboys, or even casual fans of the genre? There are possibilities for you as well in the book. It may strengthen bonds between the comics enthusiast member and yourself, if you are not already a comics/superhero fan. Att he bare minimum, it will help you relate better to other pastors who describe themselves as fans.

The book is a quick read, and well-worth it.