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COMMENTS FROM THE CAST AND FILM MAKERS

Ever since producing "The Omen," producer Mace Neufeld had looked forward to the day when he would find another supernatural thriller of the same caliber. That day came in 1993 when he came upon a treatment that would later be published as the novel Bless the Child. "I saw a lot of material that dealt with Satanic cults and the supernatural and religion, but found nothing in the same class as 'The Omen' until I read the treatment for Cathy Cash Spellman's book," he said.

There were a number of elements in Spellman's book that intrigued Neufeld, not the least of which was that it was a story that dealt with women as the central characters. "The material worked on many different levels: It was smart, sophisticated and suspenseful," recalls Neufeld. "But if you eliminated the supernatural from the story, you still had an interesting story about a woman who is bringing up an apparently damaged child, the birth mother coming back to claim her, and the clash between the two of them."

Neufeld tapped Chuck Russell, the director of the international hits "The Mask" and "Eraser," to bring "Bless the Child" to the screen. "I've always been fascinated with the supernatural thriller genre," explains Russell. "What makes the classics in the genre -- films like 'The Exorcist,' 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Omen' -- so compelling is that there is a resonant sense of spiritual truth about them. They're not just about magic; they're not just about horror film effects. They're about a very real battle between good and evil that we all have to deal with, on some level, every day of our lives. "What is so unique about this movie is that most supernatural thrillers tend to empower evil only, which always seemed odd to me. Why are we in Hollywood frightened to empower good as well? There is hope in 'Bless the Child,' and there is a sense of the power of good over the power of evil that I find stirring."

Academy Award®-winning actress Kim Basinger stars as Maggie O'Connor, a woman who must delve into the unfamiliar world of religious cults when she is faced with the horror of protecting her niece from evil occult practitioners. Neufeld says: "Kim projects a kind of sincerity and adult innocence -- even though she's so physically beautiful -- that makes her very believable as Cody's aunt, and when she begins to fight for Cody, it gives her, as an actress, a really great ability to do a dramatic turn."

"I identified with this film on a number of levels," Basinger says. "First, of course, it's an incredibly absorbing story that deals with some truly fundamental issues: the war between good and evil, and the selflessness of love. I was also attracted because Maggie isn't a peripheral role, she's not there just to serve as a love interest or helpless victim. She's a strong woman who is absolutely central to this film."

Emmy Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits was chosen to play the role of FBI Agent John Travis, an expert in ritual homicide and occult-related crime. Russell says: "The definition, for me, of a great leading man is someone who has an edge to him, someone who has charm, but who also projects a sense of danger. Jimmy brings that to the film. He's a very focused, intense actor who brings a lot of credibility to this role." Smits says the script "grabbed" him from the moment he picked it up. "I'm a big fan of this genre," he says. "I guess it's human nature to enjoy a good scare, and in that respect, I'm no different than anyone else. But what was different about this script was the fact that evil gets a really good run for his money, and I liked that. I also liked the fact that my character, John Travis, is one of the people who is instrumental in making this happen. He's a complicated, driven and mysterious man who is a firm believer in the power of good but at the same time is completely aware of the potential of evil."

One of the most difficult roles for the filmmakers to cast was Cody, the young child with supernatural powers. "We cast a very wide net searching for the young girl who would eventually play Cody," Neufeld says. "The difficulty was to find a young actress with an angelic quality who was bright but wasn't precocious. In the film Cody represents innocence and good, and we needed to find someone who could appear very natural on screen. We saw many, many children before we found Holli Coleman." Russell says: "Holli has naturally a lot of the qualities I imagined the Cody character would have: her blunt innocence, even her view of God and good. She'll say the kinds of things you can only hear from a child.

"I was trying to work with her on an improvisation and I said, 'This is where Cody can feel the power of good; maybe this is where God is.' And she looked at me and said, 'But God's everywhere.' And she was so certain. She is a special girl, and she's a wonderful actress. "Traditionally, directing a child is known to be very tough. Any child has a short attention span, but Holli was fascinated with the story and seemed to have a natural affinity for acting. When it was time to shoot a scene, she'd be right there. I'd tell her it's time to become Cody, and we'd talk about what Cody would think and how Cody would feel. She totally understands acting, knows that it's pretend. As soon as I'd say 'cut,' she'd started giggling and asking, 'Is that a print?'"

THE BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL
Subject: Bless The Child
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From: "Dallyn Kwok"

Bless The Child seemed like the typical demonic scary movie and I had to admit that I rented the movie for a good scare. As the movie progressed, I was really enjoying myself, not because it was scary, but the fact that it actually had substance in it. I really liked the fact that the battle between good and evil was put into modern context. The movie really made me see the power of devil and it's influence on young people through Eric Starks' cult "A New Dawn". It was frightening to see how naively devoted and thankful the New dawn believers were, and they don't even know what they're committing themselvse to. Although the movie was filled with evilness, but goodness always came through throughout the movie. Especially at the end, Satan's last attempt to convert Cody(an allusion to temptation of Christ), and angels descended from heaven and brought order and restoration once again. This totally reminded me of Christ second coming, Revelations 12:12 "Therefor rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." 11:16 "The kingdom of the world has become the king of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.", the last battle that need to be fought and there will be peace and harmony forever more.
By Dallyn Kwok

TRAVIS = GOD'S PARENTAL LOVE IN ACTION.
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2001
From: Samuel

Hello, I was able to rent this movie, Bless The Child on video, and I was interested in the character of John Travis after reading your review. I can see where there were similarities between John Travis and Michael the Archangel. *I had the distinct impression throughout this movie that the John Travis was a Christ Figure as well because of his constant effort to find Cody reminded me of Jesus as the Good Shepherd seeking the one lamb who is lost. John Travis as a seminary student and law enforcement officer seemed to embody "God's Law", quickly transforming him in the final battle of the movie (at the church) as Jesus, the Wrathful Lamb (Wrath of God) who slays the Antichrist character (Stark) with the Word of God (John Travis' firearm) = This was an allegory of the Word of God and the forces of Heaven appearing and destroying Antichrist and his armies ( Revelations 19: 11-16). John Travis' role became gradually that of a father till at the very end he became part of a Holy Trinity with Maggie and Cody. Travis= representing God's masculine and paternal love in action.

Maggie and Cody seemed to embody God's feminine aspects. They are clearly Female Savior figures. It is interesting too that John Travis and Cody knew that their enemy was Satan; while Maggie became initiated by events into the truth of how things really are in the world.

Again I think John Travis was an allegory for Christ as the Wrathful Lamb and Lion of Judah.
Sam
P.S. Please tell me what you think.

Response: Yes, sure. I see your point. However, John Travis is not a Christ figure, in my view. He is the protective angel and the warrior angel of Revelation chapter 12. Also interesting are the first letters of the names: Magie = Mary and Cody = Christ. -David

MY REVIEW
Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001
From: Scooby

I normally don't even watch rated R movies, but when I saw the previews of this one, and saw the spiritual warfare that took place, I HAD to see it. As a Christian, I cannot say that I would recommend this one because of the language and violence. However, I didn't turn it off (as I normally would), I kept watching.

I am saddened by the whole concept of ANOTHER Christ-like child being born in today's time who is coming to do work for God. This just isn't Biblical. And I can see where people might believe that one day, when the REAL anti-Christ takes his place, performs miracles, and tells the world that he IS God, people might believe him. Because movies like this only condition them to start "seeking" that new messiah, and to accept him when he makes his appearance.

I am also saddened that the one chosen to guard this "Special" child, didn't even have any belief in God. In one scene, she even confessed to being raised cathlic, and didn't object to the girl being raised the same "...AS LONG AS IT WASN'T TOO RELIGIOUS." Then in one prayer, she even said "God, IF you're real..."

Then at the end, when she was shot, she saw angels of light coming to help her. She didn't have any relationship with Jesus Christ. This might add to some people's confussion that you can go to heaven WITHOUT repenting of your sins and inviting Jesus Christ into your life.

The docrine in this film were so OFF-BASE of Christianity. HOWEVER, what I DID enjoy, was the bold telling of the spiritual warfare. This movie nailed it on the head by showing the flying demons above the building, and other times throughout the film.

I also LOVED the angels showing up un-aware, and helping their subjects out. The ultimate battle between good and evil was captured well.This movie reminded me of the cleaver plans that Satan has been using on us for so manner years. I was spiritually challenged by this movie, and inspired to not give in to ANYTHING that didn't relect our Lord.

INCREDIBLE
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000
From: Mark Hood

I thought the movie was incredible. The truths displayed on screen truly blessed me. The obvious choice we all must make between Satan and God was evident throughout. I loved the fact that everytime someone prayed, God answered. I loved the angels and how subtle, yet powerful they were. I really loved how the little girl Cody, with childlike faith never did anything spectaclular without showing the love and compassion of Christ. She didn't just wave her hand over the homeless guy, or slap the cancer stricken girl on the forehead. She embraced them, showing the kind of intimacy God longs to have with us and also His motivation for such miracles. Love! I pray that non-Christians who see this movie will see the love God has for them as well as the evil that Satan really is.
<>< Mark Hood

THE DEVIL GETS IT
Subject: FINALLY THE DEVIL GETS HIS DUE IN HOLLYWOOD!
Date: Thu, 07 Sep 2000
From: Deane Ogden

My wife and I watched this movie twice before taking several of the older high school students to it (we are youth pastors). (Hollywood Jesus has helped us tremendously, David, as we seek to take our students to movies that add something to their lives. Thank you for all your hard work.) I think it is high time that Hollywood has enough guts to make a movie that is so genuine to the reality of the spiritual realm. There can be no confusion of misdirection at what the true root of evil is in our world, thanks to this movie. I believe that the low ratings are a sign of conviction for our wicked ways; we as humans don't particularly like to look in the mirror. I commend Hollywood for taking a chance and putting God first for a change - right up to 'til the very end - just like it will be in real life!!
Deane Ogden
High School Pastor Salem, Oregon

BETTER THAN END OF DAYS
Subject: about the movie
Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2000
From: GR

Not a bad movie...its even better than End of Days...unfortunately ..not enuff violence, bodies, gore and the villian doesnt die in a titanic duel( think Star Wars light saber duel ) overall its a nice movie though :)

THOUGHT PROVOKING
Subject: A very spiritual film
Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000
From: Aiwkid

I just saw this movie today with my sister and brother in law and I must say that Bless the Child is a very thought provoking and very spiritual film. It's pretty obivous that Cody's a Christ figure, here. She resurrects a pigeon with a broken neck. she makes the glitter in her snowglobe twirl and dance around without shaking it, she heals her Aunt, and she makes candles light up without a match. When the movie finished, I started thinking about Christ's life in comparison to Cody's and what flashed in my mind the most was the temptations of Satan. It made me come to realize (even though I knew it already) how Satan will stop at nothing to become #1 even though he knows his end will come after the Millenium where Jesus will rule the earth. He even goes as far as to tempt Jesus Himself, just to make people sent from God fall. Sadly, this goes on today and Bless the Child makes a good example of that. I really enjoyed watching this film and it's far more thought provoking than recent films like End of Days and Stigmata (but I did enjoy those films, too, just not as much as this one).

A WONDERFUL SURPRISE
Subject: (no subject)
Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000
From: Benji

I was very pleased to see this film surface. I have no idea if the cast and crew of Bless The Child are Christians, but I do believe that God used them in a big way. And to comment on an earlier post; this did in fact have a similar feeling as that of This Present Darkness. Now I'm a major movie buff, in fact I'm a struggling filmmaker, but what many people do not know is that the director of this film Chuck Russell actually was in the process of directing the theatrical adaptation of This Present Darkness. Somehow the deal fell through. Maybe this was his replacement film. But honestly, This Present Darkness as well as many other Frank Peretti novels would make incredible yet thought provoking films. But anyway, Bless The Child was a wonderful surprise, and I hope this is a sign of things to come in film.

ANGELS UNAWARE
Subject: Finally! a movie that shows both sides
Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000
From: Heidi

(spoiler- at least a bit...) I was a little skeptical when I first went to this show- I thought that it (again) would be a show where the bad guys would win and every thing( pardon the expression ) would go to- well- to you know where... But little by little I started to see that this one was going to be different. When the cop was praying and the janitor came in and told him that he wasn't alone just when he needed it and disappeared- ( my thought along with many others I'm sure was that he was an angel ) I started to wonder if there was finally going to be help for the good guys. There were several occasions where angels ( in street clothes )seemed to show up and disappear. I loved the feeling I got when they were there- who knows how many times they have been there for us and we haven't been able to see them.

It used to really bug me with some of these movies that the only side that seemed to win was the "dark side"- One movie that really bothered me was one with denial Washington where he ended up a demon- If the people who write trash like that were religious at all- they'd know that there is always help coming from the right side and maybe the movies would reflect that- But for some reason- they haven't. Instead of going out of this movie with a bad taste in my mouth - I went out glad I saw it. I commend the people who made this movie and for someone out there that obviously belief's that there is always help out there- even for us.
Heidi

WASTED OPPORTUNITY
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000
From: Nicholas Rogers

David, First off, I must say I'm not a churchgoing person, but I do enjoy forms of media which present the challenges and conflicts that having (or not having) faith in God brings about. When "Bless the Child" started, I thought it would be one of those films; what a ripe opportunity the screenwriters had with Kim Basinger's character. Yet, it was only hinted at, not fleshed out; given the film's insistence on becoming a low-rent action flick in the third act, I would have rather seen a movie dealing solely with this character's faith.

Even in "End of Days," the filmmakers remembered to incorporate the doubts of Arnold Schwarzenegger's character amid exploding cars and numerous corpses. In fact, that film's ending surprised me; "Bless the Child's" sadly did not. The redemptive twist regarding Basinger's character seemed merely absurd and little more than an opportunity to show off more special effects (all of which were bad, mind you). At least the sacrifice made in "End of Days" meant something; how often could you find meaning in a Schwarzenegger movie?

And the worst atrocity of all in "Bless the Child" was the way Basinger's character did not even mention the miracles (at least three) visited upon her at the film's end. Instead, we get an action coda with a cop in a cast and a red-herring threat. The saddest thing is that this film did not have to be a movie-of-the-week with a budget. There could have been endless questions for Basinger's character to consider -- why her, for one. Here's what I would have done with the film's finale given that the plot before it stay the same -- it would have been an immensely greater challenge for Basinger if the smooth-talking and persuasive villain had tried to influence her to get her niece to choose Satan. Instead of seeing a gun held to someone's head, it would have been an infinitely greater dramatic struggle to see Basinger's character coping with her religious doubts, her skepticism, her will, and saving her niece all within that moment. Instead, we get gas cans and bullets -- something "End of Days" had too, but alongside some interesting and surprising examinations of faith. "Bless the Child" was a wasted opportunity.
Nick Rogers nar

ALL NEW UPDATED QUOTES
"There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."
-- "The Matrix"

"It's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care."
-- "Office Space"

"Your Commie has no regard for human life. Not even his own."
-- "Dr. Strangelove"

"This story's gonna grab people! It's about this guy, he's crazy about this girl, but he likes to wear dresses. Should he tell her? Should he not tell her!? He's torn, Georgie! This is drama!"
-- "Ed Wood"

"Young men make wars and the virtues of war are the virtues of young men: courage and hope for the future. Then old men make the peace and the vices of peace are the vices of old men: mistrust and caution."
-- "Lawrence of Arabia"

REFRESHING TO SEE PEOPLE PRAYING
Subject: Bless the Child
Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000
From: Kris Childress

Dear David, I caught the opening night of "Bless the Child" tonight and, while I wasn't overwhelmed I *was* pleasantly surprised. This is probably one of the most unabashedly Christian thrillers I've seen recently (although "End of Days" would be a close second.) It is a clear and unflinching portrayal of a battle between the forces of good (God, Christ, the angelic host, the Christian church, and - implicitly - the Holy Spirit) and the forces of evil (Satan, demons and a cult of New Age self-improvement built around a core of vicious Satanism.) All are at war over the life of one six year old girl with extraordinary powers and promise.

Anything more I say will be a spoiler.

However, it is refreshing to see a movie that frankly shows people praying - and praying effectively! There were also some scenes of demonic and angelic activity that are striking and moving in their own way. (Makes me think that someone's getting ready to do a movie of Frank E. Peretti's "This Present Darkness.) At times I will admit the film becomes a wee bit preachy, but still remained entertaining and engaging and is an excellent opener for discussions about things spiritual.

I will have to qualify this with my impression that Stark - the head of the "bad guys" - was a disappointment. He came across as kind of slimy but lacked the charisma and force of will that I would expect in this role. I wonder what a young Anthony Hopkins or Jeremy Irons might have done with this role! Kim Bassinger was competent if a little too "pretty" for her role as the little girl's guardian. Here's hoping someone does this kind of movie even better in the future!
Kris Childress