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with comments by David Bruce

SATANIC HEADSETS
Subject: God got his viewpoint in this one!
Josie_and_the_Pussycats
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2001
From: NL

It particularly suggests that could be the case with all these "Virtual Reality"(VI) headsets that all the concert goers use to listen to Josie's concert at the end. It seems to suggest that Satan may be using VI as his tool for subliminal programming. I have heard that to be the case. One acquaintance says he will never wear those VI headsets. And I don't think that I will either.
NL

Response: Are you serious? I hope not.

MORNONS TO HELL
Subject: MY THOUGHTS Mithras
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2001
From: "Tom Fenlon"

Anyone who can maintain Christian beliefs when shown the facts is unworthy of life. May you and all like-minded morons die immediately and suffer forever in your hell.

Response: Your compassion toward others who think different than you can use some fine tuning. You seem to have some rage going on. Why is that? Looking forward to more communication with you. -David

IT IS A NATURAL THING
Subject: Bridget Jones
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2001
From: Janette

Your reviewer focuses only on the negatives, that Bridget's fear of being alone drives her into unhealthy relationships with men. She is certainly more desperate for male attention and affection than is healthy. On the other hand, it is natural that a young woman wants to meet a young man, fall in love, and get married. On that level, Bridget is living out the desire God planted in most people to find a life's partner. Her methodology (making herself sexually available for exploitation) is faulty. Her motivation (desiring a life partner who loves her) is just fine. Mark Darcy's statement to Bridget that he likes her just the way she is makes him the right choice, because he's not requiring her to compromise herself to meet his selfish needs, he's offering her unconditional love. She grows in self-respect through the movie, so that she is able to turn down the manipulative, self-centered man and finally turn to the man who quietly offers her respect and friendship as well as romantic love.

The self-loathing aspects of Bridget's personality -- her obsession with her weight and appearance, her striving to recreate herself in the image that the media promotes -- are the objects of satire in this movie, which means that the underlying message of the film is against those self-destructive tendencies. Making people (especially women) laugh at qualities in Bridget that they recognize from their own experiences encourages them not to continue to be bound by those qualities.

Yes, there is a sadness in the portrayal of Bridget, because there is a sadness in all good comedy. The laughter is an antidote to the things that make us sad; the laughter helps us leave those things behind. Bridget Jones's Diary, in my opinion, is skillful comedy subverting the values that lead lonely women into harmful relationships with self-centered men. Bridget's sexuality does not offend me; although Christians accept that we must reserve sex for the marriage relationship, Bridget's desire for sex is no different than our own. The bawdy and earthy elements of the screenplay did not bother me; God created us embodied creatures, and we ought to get all the joy we can out of our bodies, within God's wise guidelines that keep us from harm and exploitation. I am much more offended by the violence in many movies in which HJ finds merit than by the sexual misconduct in this movie, which at least springs from relational qualities built into humanity at creation. Bridget's longing for a man who is willing to make a commitment is God-given; it's the desire God planted in Adam, which made him exclaim with delight when he met Eve: At last! Here is flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. I was happy to see Bridget at last end up with a man who delighted her and whom she in turn delighted.

By the way, Bridget Jones's Diary is hung on the basic plotline of Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, a nineteenth century author who had a thoroughly Christian vision of human relationality. It's not actually biblical for this review to hint that lonely people should not seek to meet their emotional needs in human relationships, particularly marriage, but should spiritualize it into creativity or devotion to God. Those are good things, too, and we should devote our energies to them. But God did create us beings who long for each other's companionship, and he gave us each other as companions. The fact that Bridget has sexual longings for men and that she is seeking for one man to establish a loving sexual relationship with is a virtue, not a flaw, of this movie.
Janette Kok

Response: You resonate with the character. You are correct in your assessment of Bridge Jones. I like the way you analyze. Your criticism of me, however, is a bit sharp. I am in agreement with most of what you say. I sense some real passion in you towards this issue. In terms of loneliness, I believe it is a complex issue that involves self, others AND God. The answer to loneliness is more than just finding that special someone to meet our physical, sexual and emotional need. No one person can do that. Nor should we expect them to. Additionally, loneliness can be a very positive thing. It is not just a negative thing. -David

CONFUSED
Subject: confused
Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2001
From: "Chris P."

Dear David, I thought your site was a Christian site until I saw the movies and videos that you promote, I really think you you should take the Mighty name of Jesus out of your advertisement.
Follower of Jesus Christ, Chris P.

Response: Reviews are not promotions. -David

REPLY TO LAUREN
Subject: BlairWitch 2
Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2001
From: Jon

Lauren-- The secret of esrever (reverse backwards--get it?) is where to find the stuff. The Further on the grave is is right, but your others aren't. We found that in the scene where Tristen imagines killing the baby, there's a shadow of the stick-doll that floats over the water. And when Steven leaves the room after telling Tristen that they'll leave adn she says no, a rug is visible from outside the room where there is no rug inside the room. We didn't find the mirror or the door yet, so if you find out, let us know.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
Subject: The Most Human and yet the More Divine JESUS!
Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2001
From: Gary A. Valenzuela

Absolutely amazing!, a new and fresh (not to say modern) approach to the figure of Jesus.

This is the best audiovisual Jesus I've ever seen. I liked the way they do it, specially showing us a real HUMAN person, without giving up on their divinity or spirituality. This is a labor of love.

This will remain in my memory as the best retelling of the story of Jesus. The "bird incident" is one of my favorites! Congratulations to the director and his crew, and of course all the actors who take part on this GEM!

On the sadly note, I saw the edited version, I hope someday I could watch all the deleted scenes from this miniseries.

THIS is a JESUS you can relate to. Playing, Dancing, Laughing and Smiling are nice touches that reconciles us with HIM, and show us that WE are not far from HIM.
Gary A. Valenzuela
La Paz - Bolivia (South America)
-- "We don't do it for the glory. We don't do it for the recognition. We do it because it needs to be done. Because if we don't, no one else will. And we do it even if no one knows what we've done. Even if no one knows we exist. Even if no one remembers that we ever existed."
*** Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) *** Christmas With The Superheroes #2 (Dec 1989)

GREAT MOVIE, GREAT CD
Subject: O Brother Where Art Thou
oh and a darn Good Review from David as always
Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2001
From: The Muters

Per Usual you have done a wonderful Job of hitting the nail on the head with the movie O Brother Where Art Thou, you speak truthfully about the movies redeeming qualities but do not hestiate to mention that as with all movies there are things that we would not want as part of our lives as Christians. But lets face it folks this type of film is more real life than we would like to admit, as a matter of fact it reminded me of a living parable really, because just like the Bible it shows the ugly side of humans while also showing them trying to figure out thier relationship with God and trying to figure out thier place in the world!!! I am not a Clooney fan by any shake of the imagination but he does a wonderful job in this. I also have to say that I do not buy CD's much anymore but the music from this movie hit me so hard that I ran out the next day and bought the CD and I have had three people ask me where they can get a copy cause they heard me playing it at the Church that I am a Intern pastor at. Anywho, I suggest this movie to one and all it is a wonderful and fun movie with a very meaningful message, even if the Coen brothers didn't mean for it to carry such a message! Christ is Risen, Lets live as if this is true and celebrate our new life in him
Midnight Matthew

WANTING FULFILLMENT
Subject: Blow
Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2001
From: Erik Nelson

I can relate to the hunger of wanting fullfillment. I am intrigued by what Jesus said in John Chap 4, "All who drink of the water I give them will never thirst again." Jesus was'nt talking about H2o, but that the fullfillment the world has to offer is just a facad to the food (a relationship with Jesus Christ) that puts an end to all hunger. What is this food? God has seen how we hunger and wants to fill us with His love (true fullfillment). In fact Jesus said "If they would repent and turn from their sin, then I would heal them." Repentence is the key which opens our heart God, so that he can give us fullfillment that we may not deserve, but he is so willing to give. So how do do I unwrap this gift of fullfillment which God has laid in front of me? I simply say I am sorry for buying into the fake, and ask Jesus Christ to take the place of emptiness in my life. "For those who are in Christ are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come." If upon reading this you have any questions,
E-mail me at erikosuave78@hotmail.com.
My name is Erik Nelson, I'm 23

APPRECIATE THIS ON TELEVISION
Subject: Jesus Mini Series
Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2001
From: "Amay Dufault"

I really appreciated the Jesus movie that I saw on TV. I thought that Jesus was portrayed so well, grieving, dancing, laughing and loving. I liked the way that Bible truths and teaching is portrayed in a very believable manner and very close to the written account. I congratulate you for such a engaging and profound presentation of the life of Jesus Christ and also the portrayal of human nature in light of our temptations and sinfulness. May the hope of our risen Lord touch your life this Easter.
Amay

WHAT A WASTE
Subject: WhatDreamsMayCome
Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2001
From: Matt

I thought this was a terrible film. Not only is it a silly view of Heaven and Hell from a Christian point of view, but also a pure piece of fluff form the view of must other religions. What would a Buddhist make of "optional" reincarnation? Heaven is a misty theme park, God "up there somewhere", hell is at least visually interesting but of little consequence. Life on earth is all about laughing and rolling in the grass...easy enough for the spoiled yuppies who are the heroes of this film. Visual fireworks cannot make up for a dumb, dumb, dumb, script that makes "Touched by an Angel" look like sophisticated theology.
matt

I KNOW WHY!
Subject: Star Wars Episode 1
Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001
From: DAN

I KNOW WHY OBI-WAN AND YODA DISAPPEARED!!!! SINCE LUCAS LIKES TO BORROW THINGS FROM THE BIBLE (LIKE ANAKINS MIRACULOUS "VIRGIN BIRTH") HE WAS READING ONE DAY IN HIS FAITHFUL OLD KJV AND COME ACROSS TWO ACCOUNTS OF MEN WHO WERE SO IN TUNE WITH THE LORD THAT GOD JUST TOOK THEM. IM REFERRING TO ENOCH AND ELIJAH WHO WERE TRANSLATED/RAPTURED INTO GLORY.YODA AND OBI-WAN WERE AT SUCH A MATURE LEVEL AND IN SUCH HARMONY WITH THE FORCE THAT "IT" JUST TOOK THEM. REMEMBER, ELIJAH LEFT ELISHA (AS A MATTER OF FACT THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH RESTED ON ELISHA IN II KINGS 2:15 AS THE SPIRIT OF OBI-WAN DID ON LUKE IN EPISODE IV), OBI-WAN LEFT LUKE. THE ONLY SPECULATION I HAVE ABOUT ENOCH AND STAR WARS IS THAT ENOCH WAS TAKEN JUST PRIOR TO THE FLOOD (GEN 5) AND PROPHESIED OF THE COMING OF CHRIST TO EXECUTE JUDGEMENT (JUDE 14&15). PERHAPS THERES SOME CONNECTION BETWEEN THE APOCALYPSE, YODA, AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE.
DANHURST31@AOL.COM.

COMMENTS ON POE
Subject: comment on POE Prince_of_Egypt
Date: Mon, 09 Apr 2001
From: Candace

I think that POE ranks higher than The Ten Commendments in achievement and accuracy. First of all, i just love movies that animate historic events. Through the use of musical numbers and occasional accounts of humor, POE eases up the complex biblical plot for kids. Second of all, POE is more accurate concerning the biblical event it describes than is The Ten Commendments. POE allows the viewer to see both sides of the story--the Egyptian and the Hebrew. I used to think that the Hebrews were a solely righeteous people being enslaved a pharaoh that was nothing but flawed. Watching POE changed my viewpoint quite a bit. From what I saw, both the pharaoh and Moses were justified in their actions. The pharaoh Rameses was struggling with leadership at the time. He was nicknamed by his father the "weak link of a mighty dynasty [one that had ruled Egypt and led the world for 2000 years]." Also, Rameses was being tormented by the fact that the only friend he had known, Moses, had become his only enemy. Furthermore, both Rameses and Moses thought that keeping the Hebrews as slaves was the just thing to do before Moses discovered that he was originally the son of a Hebrew. Only by discovering this fact did he begin showing some sort of sympathy towards the Hebrews. (By the way, cross-examination cannot argue that Moses was still a child at this time and was thus learning values and responsibilities in his life, because Moses was anywhere from 25 to 30 at the point of this epiphany.) Thus, similarly, Rameses was doing a just thing of keeping the Hebrews as slaves from this perspective. He desired to maintain the empire's glory and had not been through a likewise revelation. Moreover, Rameses was justified in his dealings with God, because he was not like a tyrannical king who had deified himself such as Julius Caesar, but he was rather a devout Egyptian who was following the scriptures of his Egyptian Gods. He should not thus be blamed for doubting the God of Abraham. (by the way, i believe that there is only one God but he can be worshipped in many ways as long as one believes in him. Drawing from this perspective, both the God of Abraham of Moses and the Egyptian Gods were ultimately the same.) On the other hand, Moses was justified in his actions because he was trying to free slaves from bondage. Neither Rameses nor Moses should be portrayed as more righteous in his actions than the other. The Ten Commandments in many ways favors Moses over Rameses by portraying Rameses as an arrogant, furious, tyrannical pharaoh and Moses as an innocent, modest, and a favorite son of the pharaoh. POE is much more accurate and should be credited for its advancement of feature animation.

PARDON OR PUNISHMENT?
Subject:The Widow of St Pierre
Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001
From: Kim

As with Dead Man Walking, this movie raises yet again the important social/political issue of capitol punishment. As a Christian, I believe absolutely that people can change - that they can take responsibility for their lives, have a true change of heart, and become a new person. However, does a complete change of heart and mind warrant a pardon? Or must the law be satisfied when death is the law? That is the angst of Dead Man Walking, and that is the angst of The Widow of Saint Pierre.

The difference between this movie and Dead Man Walking is that God plays no obvious role in Neel's change. However, Madame La is most definately a Christ figure in that she extends grace and trust to Neel, and sees potential in him that he does not. This transforms him, and transforms the hearts of an entire community. The community of Saint Pierre follows her lead, and decides to give him another chance. They aren't dissipointed. In this way, God is most definately part of the change because love is who He is. As to whether Madame La had a relationship God, we aren't told.

That this story is based on true events is encouraging. Love, acceptance and grace really do change lives. I don't know whether Madame La was a shining portrait of discretion, but she certainly was a shining portrait of grace.
~Kim

CHRISTIAN ARTIST VIEW ON LEFT BEHIND?
Subject: Left_Behind
Date: Sun, 08 Apr 2001
From: Melissa

Hey (especially Christian Artists), I've read most of the LB books and seen the movie. Right now I am writing a research paper on the Christian Artists' function, using Left Behind and the debates surrounding it as the center of my paper. I've noticed a lot of people on this BB saying that LB the movie is disappointing and rather than argue theologically, I want to question the artistic value of LB and what role it had for the Christian artist. Is LB too "preachy?" SHould all Christian Art be this way? What is the best way for a Christian to reach a secular audience? Was LB really good or do we just have this need to say it's good because we are Christians and we want to help our fellow brothers and sisters (the producers of the film) and also feel a need to evangelize? IS LB a powerful evangelizing tool? Does LB do more harm than it does help to the non-Christian? These are a few questions I am asking in my paper. I'd really appreciate responses directly to my e-mail by Christian artists-ie filmmakers, writers, painters, sculpters, musicians, etc (sorry if I left your art out). As a filmmaker and a Christian a year from graduating film school, this topic is of utmost importance to me and my verdict on what value the books and film have is still out. Thanks for all your help.
David, feel free to give out my e-mail!
In Christ, Melissa melissmm@usc.edu

JESUS COMMENT
Subject: JesusMiniSeries
Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2001
From: MARK

This was one of the worst portrayals of Jesus I ever saw. I would not want to follow a Jesus who had to be pushed into his ministry by Mary. Half the time, he didn't even seem like he knew what he was supposed to do. He let the people direct what he was supposed to do, I don't think this is what God would have directed his son to do. When he was choosing his apostles, it was laughable. It was more like someone choosing a baseball team in grade school, as the apostles would shout "choose me!, choose me!" I saw one comment where someone said this is the Jesus for all, well its not the Jesus of the bible, it is some Hollywood concoction of a completely watered down Jesus that has no substance nor power. If you want to see a true masterpiece about the live of Christ that follows more or less according to scripture with only a little deviation, see Franco Zefferellli's Jesus of Nazareth. That is the best miniseries I have seen. This Jesus by CBS is a joke.
Mark email: mark24609@aol.com

1981 OR 1982?
Subject: French_Lieutenants_Woman
Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2001
From: Mike

I thought the film won an academy award in 1981, though you list it as 1982
Mike H

Response: I could not find where I any mention of 1981 or 1982. What am I not seeing? -David

NC-17 OR NOT?
Subject: Ratings policy?
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001
From: Mark

Hi David, I enjoy your website very much. One of my friends was moved by "Requiem For A Dream." I haven't seen it, but thought I'd check your website thoughts on it. I couldn't find it on your site, though, and I was wondering if you had a policy against featuring NC-17 films.
Thanks for the great work, Mark

Response: I have no ban on NC-17 reviews. I just have not seen the film. -David

FINAL SCENE
Subject: The final scene as metaphor for the whole movie
Traffic
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001
From: Mark

"Traffic" ends with a little league baseball game. Each batter gets on base after one pitch -- the pitching and fielding are mediocre at best. As the scene ends, the bases are loaded and the pitcher is trying to intimidate the runners back to base instead of allowing the steal. We never see the next batter swing, but he's coming to the plate and it looks like he might just knock in a run or two. Likewise, the dealers, users and cartels are "outplaying" the government and parents. However, the government and parents don't give up. They just keep "pitching and fielding," intimidating and waving back the drug forces the best they can. The film's open ending and the scene's open ending both leave us wondering "How long until this game is over? It could be a long night. Will the offense bring in some of those runners on base out ther? Will the defense stop them any time soon? Even if they're stopped this inning, what will happen next inning?" This could sound trite, but my theory is: there are very few scenes left to chance in a Hollywood film. This is a fully intentional metaphor.

AGREES WITH MATT
Subject: I have to agree with MATT Hannibal
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001
From: "Dan Laskowski"

David I have to agree with Matt! I must admit that I didn't see "HANNIBAL" but I have a very hard time comparing a cannibal with Jesus Christ ! All of the other PARRALLELS that you drew with the "Christ story" (new testament) put chills down my spine.
Dan Laskowski
http://jesuspop.com

Response: You have comment on a film you have not seen? Well, whatever. Like it or not the parrallels are there. -David

WHY DID YOU REVIEW THIS FILM
Subject: The Mexican
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001
From: Judy in Va.

I cannot believe your review of this movie. I almost walked out of the theater! The only thing good about this movie was the popcorn I was eating! I don't think Jesus would approve of the language and the sexual content in this movie. I am a christain lady and I love a good movie, but this was not one that I would recommend to any of my friends. I am shocked at you comments! God help you!
Judy in Va.

Response: Reviews are reviews, not recommendations. May God help me, you say? Wow! Well, thank you ...I think. -David

REJOICE!
Subject: Chocolat
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001
From: Caldwell Alexander A A1C

People, people, this parable is not perfect, there are distinct flaws, but let us rejoice in truth where it is found! The writer/director is not a fundamentalist pastor sermonizing, if he was then I would have distinct problems with his message, but this film is coming from a secular viewpoint and captures ideas of grace and legalism quite profoundly. Paul saw truth in Athens and he used it as a springboard for initiating conversation on Mars Hill. Let us follow his example and not throw up so many walls when a movie is not perfectly in line with scripture, let's consider the source and be mindful that truth springs often from pagan lips.
A1C Alexander Caldwell
Flight Medicine ex. 4705 4 Fox

PREACH IT BROTHER
Subject: Chocolat
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2001
From: Kim

Caldwell Alexander - preach it brother!!!
I agree wholeheartedly.
Kim

GODZILLA VS LEVIATHAN
Subject: Original_Godzilla
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2001
From: john

Dear Sirs
It has been a while since I saw the movie, but if my memory is correct Godzilla breathed fire had a nearly impervious skin and when he came out of the water made the "boil" These all describe the Biblical creature Leviathan as described in Job chapter 41. For the above three descriptions see verses 18-21 (fire) 15-17, 23 (hardy skin) and v31 boiling water. Many scientists claim that T Rex's tail was used for balance, but the movie got me to thinking that T rex may have also lived partly in water, using his tail to push throught the water as a crocodile uses his tail to push himself through water, and using the small arms to steer him. Although Godzilla is a fictitious creature, created in the 1950s, the scientists really don't know any more about a T rex's life than the rest of us do.
John

ABOUT PERCY
Subject: Green_Mile
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001
From: Leah

i dont really understand what JC did to Percy at the end. Did JC show him what "wild bill" had done to those two girls? Is that why Percy shot him? If you could please send me something about this i would greatly appreciate it.
Leah

Response: It is not real clear in the film. -David

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