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with comments by David Bruce

IT WAS GREAT
Subject: the movie Left_Behind
Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001
From: April Nebrask

I FINALLY saw the Left Behind movie,.. it was great. I have read the books and the way that the movie is made is soo how I pictured it. I think that it is just a great movie. I am sad that I was not here when it first came out .. (I was gone out of the country for one year) but I am soo glad that I now saw it! It is sooo good and I hope that there will be other movies for the rest of the books made!!!
Thanks,
April Nebrask

END SONG
Subject: Blair_Witch_2
Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001
From: ely

To: <_E-mail > what is the name of the first song in the end credits of blair witch 2 ?and who is the singer? please..write me!
ely

FRESH VIEWS
Subject: Incubus_Make_Yourself
Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2001
From: j.e.w.

I came to this site on a complete fluke. I stayed because I noticed the Incubus review. I am 30, I am not traditionally religious, but do nurture my spiritual side. For all purposes - that's all I will comment on that.

I was glad to find your review confirming some of the uplifting sentiment I get from their songs - and I'm not even a big fan - I just like when I hear them on the radio. What urges me to write is to respond to Shane's comments on avoiding secular music. A huge portion of the population is very interested in popular culture - and they practice many diverse religions. Some people glean their faith piecemeal from many various sources. I think it's great that someone would spend the time to find the effective, yet subtle guiding posts that exist within pop culture. They are there.

It also provides an opportunity for someone lacking in faith - who would otherwise not be exposed to it - to find it - in where they are - and nurture it further from there.
j.e.w.

THE COLOR RED
Subject: American_Beauty
Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2001
From: Twinky

hi David, I had a question about American Beauty. I watched it recently, and I did like it, although I was kind of disturbed by the twisted morals in it. I don't rely on movies for my morals but it seemed that we were supposed to admire the guy for all this positive change that he was making, and yet all of it was over some cheerleader he was lusting after. That part really bugged me: the constant sex theme throughout the whole thing. Well anyway, one thing kept popping up: RED. I noticed that in Moulin Rouge, most of the review is directed towards the colour symbolism issue. However, I noticed an obvious recurrence of red throughout the movie and it wasn't even mentioned. "The house with the red door" is how their house is recognized. The red flowers in all his fantasies. The red roses always present in their house. At the end, the red blood splattered on the wall. His red car. The red roses between him and Angela as they nearly have sex, if you watch that part of the movie you notice that there is constantly something red between them: a table, the roses, until the last part when they are almost intimate. A boundary, maybe? A certain bridge? I found it very symbolic of something, but what? I appreciate your comments.

Response: I will have to view the film again. Perhaps you are on to something. -David

SHADOWLAND REVIEW
Subject: Shadowlands review -by John Schuurman
Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2001
From: Mark Yeoman, Oregon.

I was interested in John Schuurman's remarks about the excellent movie, Shadowlands. I copied the following from his review: "With reasonable, (for Hollywood), accuracy, and unusual, (for Hollywood), sensitivity to Christian issues, ....." Actually, the movie is not a Hollywood movie; it's a British movie. It was filmed at the venerable Shepperton studios, and on locations around England. The only American connection I can think of is the inclusion of Debra Winger and the actor who plays her son [Mazzoli(?)]. Appropriate, since they portray 'real' Americans (or were they Canadians?).

I know this is an OLD review, but since it's still the review that your website represents, maybe it should be changed, (or maybe I need to be corrected).
Thanks.........Mark Yeoman, Oregon.

BEST TEEN FILM EVER MADE
Subject: O-
Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2001
From: sexton

Dear Hollywood Jesus, Thank you for your positive reivew of O. I have seen this film twice and each time I was profoundly touched by the completely relevant themes of human nature it explores thanks to Shakespeare's original masterpiece. I think young people like myself need to see films like this, films that shine a realistic, shattering light on the darker side of the world we live in. Seeing films like this would serve the purposes of hlping young people realize the devestating choice violence is and to prove that there are people in Hollywood who know that all teenagers aren't shallow morons who can't enjoy a really important film. O certainly is an important film and I urge all young people to see it for the powerful story and excellent performances. I will definitely be rooting for O in the awards races.
Sincerely, Rachel Sexton

COMMENT
Subject: Terminator 2
Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2001
From: "Nocturne ."

Hi I recently heard about this site from the program detailed the popularity of the shawshank redemption, when looking i didn't see any mention of Terminator 2: Judgement Day, which can contain many links to Christianity, if you are interested I can give a list of the one's I've seen contained. Also out of interest what was your opinion on Kevin Smith's Dogma ?
Thanx Nocturne

Response: Sure send it on in. -David

LEADER OF PEARL HARBOR ATTACK SAVED!
Subject: Pearl Harbor
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001
From: "Tadayoshi Minakawa"

Dear brothers and sisters, I'm a Japanese Christian and just found out about this beautiful true story about the Love of God during World War II, and I'd like to share it with you. You can find out more about the story at www.bli.org. God Bless. Your brother in Christ,
Tadayoshi Minakawa

COMMENT
Subject: ITS COMING
Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2001
From:

DO YOU KNOW THAT ONE DAY (BY THE LOOKS OF WHAT IS GOING ON NOW N.Y.) IT MAY BE SOON, THE POINT BEING YOU ARE REALLY GOING TO MEET JESUS IN PERSON.
SINCERELY ASHLEY HUGS AND KATS

NOTICING THE OBVIOUS
Subject: Superman
Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2001
From: "mworkhoven"

Dear Superman/Jesus site, For years now I have been telling my Christian friends that Superman is a fictional re-telling of the greatest story ever told, and they've been telling me I'm nuts. I'm glad I'm not the only one out there who has notice the similarity. In fact, in the DVD release of "Superman, The Movie" it's revealed that the studio noticed it too, and wanted the filmmakers to tone down the religious symbolism. But the filmmakers got their way. When Jor-El says, "They (The human race) can be a great people, they wish to be.....they only need a light to show them the way. And so I will send them you, my only son....." I can't believe more people didn't notice the obvious reference, there.
Mark Workhoven Portland, OR

WOW!
Subject: Newsletter_27-Disengagement
Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2001
From: Mollie

Dear Bruce,
Hi. Christina here in California. I had never realized the entire Thomas Kinkade debate before, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading this very informative news letter. I'm so grateful for your ministry. It's made me realize how the world does stereotype so many things (like films) and blames them for the state (I guess) that this world is in, and they say "What happened?" Then they seem to make various statements about different times in history and wish that we could return back to the so-called principles of the Victorian era or the 1950's (June and Ward). Looking back on what I've learned in school, history seems to go something like this:

The twenties "roared"

The thirties were dreamy (they gave us "The Wizard of OZ and "Gone With The Wind).

The forties were promise... totally polluted by the ugliness of a war that just happened to be much bigger and more unexpected than most.

The fifties were light out of darkness: Tremendous economic prosperity; Laurel and Hardy and Leave it to Beaver (While little Dennis the Menace was verbally and physically abused on a daily basis; and Judy Garland's brain cells habitually destroyed with drugs..... and all in the name of keeping them going.)

The 60's and 70's were pure evil: After all, they brought us Hendrix, Joplin, Nixon, Clapton, four lads named John Paul, George and Ringo, "The French Connection," "China Town," "The Godfather"; plus the Hippie movement, Free love, "Sex, drugs & Rock n' Roll, and a huge war that nobody seemed to know why we were fighting to boot.

The eighties...Ahhhhh- we reap what we sew right? Now we have generation X; the children of all the hippies, huge economic decline, increased divorces-- and whose fault is it? sadly, according to a lot of Christians, Michael Jackson's, Madonna's and people like Steven Spielberg.

The Nineties: The aftermath of the "Anti-Drug campaign" from the eighties that may have caused more problems than it solved. Prisons are most certainly over crowded, and even less money can go towards education. And a new enemy has come full force: Rap. Now we can blame Ice T, and Vanilla Ice. Local news stations give reviews of the movie "Colors" and says that it promotes and could even cause gang violence. Churches everywhere are "Boycotting Disney" because of Miramax films, and the "Anti-family programing aired on ABC."

The new millennium: Who knows? Where do we draw the line?

Sad, isn't it? I pray that this isn't how most Christians view the world, but I'm afraid the reverse may be true. It never even occurred to me that Thomas Kinkade's paintings further help to promote an isolationist's viewpoint that many Christians (perhaps Kinkade himself) don't even realize exists.

Thank you for sharing your views with us!

BEWARE THE GROOVE
Subject: The_Emperors_New_Groove
Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2001
From: Patricia Pascua

I love this movie! In fact I've watched it more than a dozen times since I own an original video CD. I find the voices so apt for all the characters and my sister and I quote lines from the move to each other. I do believe the movie presents lessons on how to be less judgmental, more kind to others, and to value friends and friendship. Also, I believe it illustrates the power of transformation, literally, to change from bad to good, from bratty llama to benevolent emperor.
Patricia Pascua

YOU HIT THE BULLSEYE
Subject: Newsletter_27-Kinkade
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
From: "B. Rouse"

I too am not an admirer of Thomas Kinkade artwork. I do not see the artistic merit in his work. Too many pieces of his art look like either gingerbread houses my grandmother made at Christmastime or they looked like he is viweing the scenery from a window in a log cabin affected by the fog and the condensation caused when warm air on the inside meets cold air on the outside of the window pane. It's too blurry to show the details and the perspective art is supposed to be about. The more I see in Mr. Kinkade's art, the more paradigmed I think he is to where He may not be able to paint something different.

I too agree with your post and some of the other posts when this kind of art tries to portray Christianiy as backwards and yearning for a time that never existed. Christianity was never designed to be a backwards and backpeddling religion. Christianity was designed to be both progressive and forward moving in it's true practice. Between the Victorian era, the Leave it To Beaver era, and now in Christianity, the Focus on The Family era (Republican parents of nine homeschoolkids driving the Honda Accord and the Woodgrained minivan / Soccer Mom SUV who will one day be Republicans and learn how to evangelize through the legislation of righetousness instead of doing their Great Commission Mandate of evangelizing the people), this delusion of grandeur leaves a noxious stench in the nostrals of those desiring to know more about Christianity when they search for real solutions to real life's real problems. Many Christians are so busy doing "home" everything (homeschool, homework, homec hurch, homestudy, etc) that they can not relate. They are too busy worrying over being seperate from the world that seperation means segregation to "avoid the appearance of evil".

When you stated:
Listen to Christian radio Don't help, associate or talk to people different than you (your neighbor). Attend an exclusive Family Worship Center (carbon copy look a likes) Never go to an R-rated movie Do not listen to pop music -especially with language Listen only to so-called Contemporary Christian music Read only Christian books Put isolation art on your walls Stay pure from the world. Clean fingernails. Teach kids to avoid the world -never discuss it. When you die and face God... God will be pleased. Right? Hmm.
You hit the bullseye and what did many of these people get by staying home, a cheap substitute of the Christian walk and an inability to cope with real life. Look at Christian TV and you will see that they failed miserably in their coverage of the WTC / Pentagon bombings by choosing to show us more irrelevant programming begging for dollars, trying to claim judgement of gloom and doom, and use the tragedy to scare people to see Megiddo next week.

B. Rouse
Available Light http://members.christweb.com/availablelight
reachthewwworld@lycos.com
"The road unwinds before me. What was there is now gone. Now the same road winds back up behind me. I keep driving on."

I WISH I KNEW
Subject: Hannibal
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
From: Shim

Disturbing, I wish I would have known more before I saw it. I have seen wicked things that I am embarrassed by but this is beyond the pale. Truly beyond having Christian commitment anyone who considers himself or herself part of the human race should be disgusted this was made. The people who made this movie should be disgusted.

JUST WANT TO BLESS YOU!
Subject: Newsletter 26
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
From: Richard

Greetings in the name of the Lord!

I just read your comments regarding R-rated films and the flack you have taken from Christians (and I use the term loosely) who don't have a clue about the Lord.

I am an ordained minister and former pastor who is also has a film production company. I cannot tell you how many times I've been in the same situation you were. I ceased in trying to explain things to them and began to ask them these questions: If I made film that was completely accurate in content, intent and description from the Book of Revelation what kind of rating would I get? The answer they don't like to give - R for the graphic violent content. I then ask about doing a film where I show historically all that King David did for God. Again, it would R-rated. Does any of this change things for them. No. They just want to be judgmental. So, let me go one step further - I don't concern myself with what they think. My films aren't for the church (what's the point of preaching to the choir). My films are for a lost and dying world that needs the Truth in all their films whether they are comedy, action, thriller or horror.

I too am offended by these people and the narrow mindedness that fuels their beliefs. I compare them to Pharisees that are more interested in outward appearance then they are the condition of their heart. I watch millions get wasted on embarrassing garbage like The Omega Code (and it's 17 Million Dollar sequel) while I struggle to find the funds for my films. But, I won't compromise the message or the quality to play with the ones that hold those purse strings. And, to think they spent all that money on The Omega Code (and others) to cop out at the end and not even follow proper prophetic teaching or beliefs. What was the point?! I'd rather make films that the secular world goes to see that plant a seed, put them on a road to Truth and freedom or just outright changes their life.

So, stand strong and know that Jesus went where they smelled the worst and needed Him the most. He wouldn't be visiting any of the man made edifices because the lost sheep He seeks aren't welcome in there.
God bless, Richard

AWFUL, GROSS AND PUTRID
Subject: American_Pie_2
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
From: Tom

What an awful, gross and putrid movie! A celebration of sexual immorality, not to mention the sexual abuse of a 14 or 15-year-old boy with pornography. Reviewers should judge the morality of a movie. Great art should promote Truth, Justice, Goodness, and Beauty, not just some wimpy "spirituality," whatever that means!

HATED PLEASANTVILLE
Subject: Pleasantville
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
From: Tom Snyder

I hated PLEASANTVILLE. The movie was pro-sin and anti-Christian. It also seemed to support moral relativism. In fact, I attended a screening with the director, and he turned out to be just like his movie. He was also self-contradictory. He hated moral judgments but he kept making moral judgments throughout his talk and the Q&A Session.
Tom Snyder

REVIEW
Subject: American Pie 2
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
From: OneWayFilms2000

"A worthy follow-up to AMERICAN PIE, this outrageous and entertaining sequel ..." "Fans of the first film will not be disappointed."
"There is a certain charm about the characters and I have to admit Jim (Jason Biggs) has won over my heart. At it's core American Pie is a coming of age story. Amidst the humor and exaggeration there is a realism about the struggles of youth and discovering who you really are. "
"If American Pie 2 tries to tell us anything it's to be true to yourself. Find out who you are meant to be and stick to it. Usually the answers we are looking for are closer than we think. Granted, this is not an earth shattering revelation but it is a comedy after all. This is not a deeply spiritual movie but has a basic theme. We are all looking for love and acceptance. That is basically what God offers to us. He gives us an unconditional love and acceptance that we can't get from any other person. Love on earth is a dim foreshadowing of the love we can receive from Him. "

Oh My Goodness. By these comments, being posted on Hollywood Jesus, I would run out and see this movie, thinking it's the next heartwarming, moral Christian film for our teenagers. Yet this movie is FILLED with vile and foul language, jokes about homosexuality, group sex, masturbation, contains nudity, and plain old lustful 'GETTING LAID.' I CANNOT believe you would speak so tenderly about this movie as you have in a 'SO-CALLED" CHRISTIAN MOVIE Review site. I THOUGHT this was a CHRISTIAN site. How many people who have read this review of such immoral filth, gone to see this? Oh My God! OH MY GOD! O H M Y G O D !!!!!!!!!!

Response: Oh for goodness sake, this is a secular film. What were you excepting? It is R rated and it is plainly stated at the top of the review page that it contains, "strong sexual content, crude humor, language and drinking."

WHEN WILL IT BE ON TV?
Subject: JesusMiniSeries
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2001
From: "Betty Hines"

I was in the hospital this past year and saw parts of a movie "Jesus" while recovering from surgery. Due to the pain medication, I was unable to stay awake to watch the entire movie. What I saw was excellent. Could you please tell me when this movie was on TV? Thank you. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Mrs. Hines

Response: Just rent it at your local video store. -David

BOOK OF SHADOWS ...THE SECRETS MAY NEVER ALL BE FOUND
Subject: Blair_Witch_2
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001
From: Alex

Just some info for your page. Next to the door of the hounds, you will see numerous license plates. Three license plates say BF.20.58. Two plates say BF.20.59. Go to chapter 20, one hour, four minutes, and 59 seconds. There, freeze frame. To the left of Kim's head, you will see a very clear image of the Blair witch watching over them. "Investigating them".

In addition, if you go to 20 minutes and 58 seconds, the camera cuts and then starts again. Use the frame by frame on a DVD player to see the hidden frame. The secrets are all far from found. There is a long way to go.

JESUS DVD
Subject: Jesus Mini Series
Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001
From: tom

Do you know of any way to purchase the european version on dvd?
thanks tom

Response: There is no way to get a copy. Sorry. -David

COOKIE CUTTERS!
Subject: Victimized_Christian_Newsletter#26
Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001
From: Colin Phelps

Dear David Thank you for your very refreshing website. May the Lord preserve us from those who seem determined to model the Pharisees not Christ.

I teach missions at a small Bible college in South Africa and relate well to some of the attack e-mails that you have published. As we seek to prepare men and women for ministry in our world today, we are under attack from a small group of fundamentalist zealots who believe that we are relativist and heretical. What a drain on energy and enthusiasm as they nitpick their way through rumours and inuendos in attempts to make sure that we're orthodox enough, By their standards anyway!!!!!

May the Lord bless you as you hold high the name of our Lord.
Allergic to cookie-cutters
colinp67@excite.com

STATS
Subject: Kincade Newsletter27
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001
From: Brad

David: I am brand new to your website, but found this article to be excellent. My minister had made a sermon in a similar vein many months ago. I was curious as to where your information comes. I don't like to quote statistics & numbers without a way to back them up. If you would send me a brief bibliography for this article it would be greatly appreciated! Great website!! -- I will continue to explore it.
-Brad

Response: All of the statistics in this newsletter come from a wonderful book by Stephanie Coontz, entitled The Way We Never Were, American Families and the Nostalgia Trap.

NOT JESUS
Subject: respones to Neo not being Jesus Matrix
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001
From: Nick

Just a quick not someone said that Neo is not Jesus becuase he had to figure out that is is the one and i agree. Another inside info in the matrix 2 there is the truth saying Neo really is not 'the one' it's Neo's son because he is born knowing that he is 'the one'. Part of the matrix 2 will be about getting Neo's son out of the matrix and into the real world of something realted to that theme. anyways gota go -nick-

SONG?
Subject: Powder
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001
From: "Kwun Jassica"

hi i am looking for the song about "powder", would you please tell me the name of the song about "powder". thank you every much!
best wishes jasica

SUGGESTION
Subject: suggestion
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001
From: David / Sanan BRAZZEAL

May we suggest you review the film "Amélie from Montmartre"? It's was produced in French but is shown w/ English subtitles, and has been an all-time type box-office hit in France. Here in Montreal, Canada, it is also attracting huge crowds. It definitely seems to speak to the postmodern mindset. Despite a few brief but raucous sex scenes, it seems to have a message that communicates some really basic truths and values. If you have a chance, see what you think. We appreciate your site,
David and Sanan Brazzeal Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Response: Thanks. -David

SOUNDTRACK
Subject: InGodsHands
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001
From: "Alejandro Ariza"

hi, i cant find the sountrack for this movie, where can i find it?
Alejandro Ariza

THEMES?
Subject: how to get the best from hollywoodjesus?
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001
From: Robinson Monteiro Brazil

Dear David, I'm convinced of the importance and value of HollywoodJesus, but I feel I've not been able to get the best of the site. I come from the need of good illustrations to my sermons or lectures. HollywoodJesus comes from movies reviews to give good insights. For instance, I will be praying about grace next Sunday. How can I find good movies/movies scenes about this theme? Would you give me some ideas? Thank you in advance.
Robinson Monteiro Brazil

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