.
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with comments by David Bruce

INCREDIBLE, BUT LACKLUSTER
Subject: Crouching Tiger
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Michael

Why this movie was nominated for best picture I will never know. It won for best foreign film which is good, it is a foreign film. The special effects were incredible but the story was lackluster at best. Let's keep foreign movies in that category and not allow movies such as It's a Beautiful Life to be included in categories other than foreign films.

CLOSING SCENE
Subject: Hannibal
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Michael

The closing scene was one of the most hilarious I have ever seen!

WAKE UP CALL
Subject: Easter Controversy Newsletter_22
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Sharon

Our newspaper here in Albany, NY did publish the Johnny Hart cartoons and I was thrilled to see them. Especially the BC cartoon. I also was a little "shocked" by it which made me realize that we have been persecuted for so long now that I'm "surprised" when I see a public figure take a stand in favor of Christianity. A very sad commentary indeed! May this serve as a wake up call for all of us.
Sharon

CLEAR AND TRUE
Subject: Johnny Hart Comics Newsletter_22
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Rose Marie

My newspaper, The Tampa Tribune, carried both the B.C. and Wizard comics. I love Johnny Hart. His messages ring clear and true. Rose Marie

I'D BE UPSET
Subject: Controversy Newsletter_22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Gordon Stromberg

Well, if I were Jewish, I certainly think I'd be upset to find a cross in the Menorah. But why would it be shown in a comic strip? I thought comics were for humor and lightness, not sermonizing, followed by 'Don't censor me.' The following is not a comic strip idea, but it is a more worthy concept to promote than a cross in the Menorah. A branch of Myrrh taken from a bush, (related to the gifts of the Magi) has an implication of the form of death Jesus would die. It was probably given to the holy family in a ground form, but in the original it has thorns on the branch. The Bible mentions nothing of this, and it is not humorous, but would be more authentic to show at Christmas than a Menorah with a cross. I would have to see an image of the Menorah with a cross, but it doesn't sound like anything intentionally put in the Menorah. More important is the enormous Menorah originally at the Temple of Jerusalem. It's probably what Jesus was gesturing to when he said "I am the light of the world." I'm sorry to say I have not seen any of the films listed. Though I have seen snippets of some as I've heard Ebert review them. I am impressed with 'Butterfly' to see Christ in symbol in several ways as the lead actor/teacher.
Gordon Stromberg

BAD
Subject: Mexican
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Michael

Gandolfino good...the rest: bad.

TASTELESS
Subject: Blow
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Michael

They should have combined this with Traffic and that way it would have been one boring, tasteless movies instead of two!

FOUR SNORE
Subject: Enemy At The Gate
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Michael

This movie gets my "Four Snore" award. It put me to sleep in record time!

BELIEVERS SHOULD USE THEIR BRAINS
Subject: Great Job Mithras
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Ron Bobeck

Dear dave , as a christain 27 yrs. I found your Page great However I think that new Christains would be confused. That said, I had read on mithra while researching a Quote out of an old jack chick Tract. I wish more Belivers would use thier Brains, The story stays the same. God loves mankind we sinned, to redeem us he sends a Savior, has to pay the Ulimate price to save us, So The outline of God's Truth is shown to all man kind. I have no problem that The Lord probably thru Daniel gave the story to Magia. Praise our Coming Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
Yours trurly Ron Bobeck

ONE OF MY FAVORITES
Subject: Remember the Titans
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
From: Sami

Wow! This movie has now become one of my favorites!! The best part is that it is based on a true story! This also helps people understand how things were back then and the things that people went through! The music in this movie has great hits! The day after I saw it I went out and got the cd! Also Rev and Superman are quite the cutties in this movie! Rev or Craig Kirkwood also plays in the other Disney movie Hounded. My little brother was watching it and I just happened to walk by and notice Craig was in that movie!! I HAD to watch the end of it! He is a (HOT), smart, talented, new actor and I wish him the best in his career!!
*Sami*

VANITY
Subject: "Blow" Movie
Review Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: John Cook

Dear Hollywood Jesus,
The first thing I thought of as I left the theater after seeing "Blow" was vanity, vanity, all is vanity. I thought this was a great depiction of the deception of riches. The main character could have been anyone looking for what they can get out of life only to find that, without Jesus, it is fleeting. I thought it was appropriate to end it the way it did. Even his family and friends turned on him and left him. In the end, he is all alone. Reminded me of what life without Jesus must be like. Also reminded me that I have more riches in my faith, family, and friends than any drug czar with millions of dollars. Great cast, especially Johnny Depp and a surprisingly good Paul Ruebens (aka Pee Wee Herman).
John Cook

I APPLAUD HART
Subject: Easter "Cartoon" Newsletter_22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: John Cook

Dear Hollywood Jesus,

I live in Tallahassee Florida, the home of the Presidential Election. The Tallahassee Democrat did publish the cartoon but with an apology to the Jewish community and anyone else offended on the FRONT PAGE! I loved the cartoon that Hart came up with for Easter! I believe it is absolutely ridiculous for those who say it is imflammatory to try to censor this. Marilyn Manson can do all that he does and they are worried about this cartoon. I applaud Hart for his cartoon and any paper that carried it without an apology. It is funny that the Christian community is the only one in America without freedom of speech.
Sincerely, John Cook

CBS, TEMPTATION AND CALL
Subject: re-airng of jesus; do not print my address, please
Jesus Mini Series
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Mark

well they editted it again, you would think cbs would get the hint the first time, oh well...for all of you who were sooo offended, it does not claim to be biblically accurate nor the word of God. this movie does an excellent job at protrying jesus' humanity, but like all protrayls of God, it falls short. the divine mystery of fully human yet fully divine is a reality that humanity will never understand until the last day. finally though, some one addresses temptation of the flesh fuuly, jesus' humanity and love (yes, if he was human, he had to have been tempted by lust). we must remember that temtation is not sin, giving over to temptation is sin...two distrubing aspects however-

1) jesus and his ignorance of his father's call, this damages his ability to be fully divine

2) this one no one caught on this web site (or at least i didn't read it): JESUS FORGIVES SATAN? where did that come from? are we to understand satan as a moral being with a soul? this was a bit distrubing for sure overall however, a great protrayal of Jeus and his humanity.

Euro ending was the best statement i've seen about christ in our world today ever...

FOUND IT EXCITING
Subject: Spy Kids
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Jonathan Fletcher

Kind of a cross between James Bond and (dare I say it) PeeWee's Playhouse. I liked the plucky kids jumping in to take responsibility for their parents rescue--a tribute to the nuclear family. I liked the Bond-ish gadgets and the by-their-wits problems-solving.

I thought it bogged down a little in places, but overall it sustained enough of a pace to keep me from looking at my watch. My daughter and I both thought it fun and . I was encouraged (a little) about Hollywood by the sentiment at the end: "It's the family, stupid!" Go see it. And take someone you love.
-- Jonathan Fletcher

EXTREMELY WELL MADE, BUT HOLLOW ENDING
Subject: Blow
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Tax killer

I thought the movie was extremely well directed and acted. However, as happens with Hollywood, the portrayal of poor George Jung not having any meaningful interaction with his daughter at the end rang hollow. Combined with the sappy scene of George's Dad listening to the tape in the garage, I got the feeling that the screenwriter and director were inferring that had George just scored once more all would have been fine. Bull feathers! It is right that George end up in a place of hopelessness because he had no character. George chose the path of least resistance throughout his life. In Romans 5:3-5 Paul instructs us to learn character through our sufferings. George decided early in his life to avoid suffering and thus character. His perception of the world was actually closer to his Mother's than his Dad's. His fairness to Diego as a partner is about the only time we see any trace of character. His reaction to most things in life had the smack of what is in it for me. I think his Dad could have done his son a great favor had he been the one to call the police on George after he skipped bail in Chicago. Maybe it would have shocked him into being awake. But his father's apathy as shown in the scene as they look over all the fancy sports cars reveals a subtle complicity. I think Ray Liota played the part very well, but I also think a lot of the reason for George's ultimate hollowness as a person is traceable to his father being spineless in some respects, despite his strong work ethic. I know the point of the movie is to tell the story of George, but given the inestimable damage the flood of cocaine has brought to our nation, which this movie showed not one nod towards, I have no sympathy for Boston George. Traffic showed a much seamier side of the destructive force of drugs, but was woefully inept at placing any blame upon the pushers and users of drugs. The escapist mentality of the drug using public shows a deep need for a faith in something of a greater and higher nature for which to live, God for example. Just thought I would weigh in with my own view.
TaxKiller

RESPONSE TO NEWSLETTER 22

MAJORITY WERE PRO BC
Subject: Johnny Hart and B.C. NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Mrs. C. Warren

I wrote a letter to the editor of the Arizona Republic and also a note to Johnny Hart to show my support. The Arizona Republic received the most letters ever from the B.C. controversial. The majority are pro B.C.
Mrs. C. Warren
Phoenix, AZ

HALLELUJAH
Subject: BC NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Judith Hamilton

The Sunday Oklahoman printed Johnny Hart's Easter BC and I was thrilled when I saw it. I love the Lord Jesus so much, and to see a cartoonist openly and boldly share the true meaning of Easter caused my heart to rejoice. With all the violence, perversion and apathy in our society today, people need to know that they can have LIFE by surrendering to the love of Jesus Christ. I say "Hallelujah!". Keep up the good work, Johnny Hart!
Judith Hamilton

BIGGER IMAGES?
Subject: cartoon NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Jerry

Thank for your news letter. Sorry but the print is way to small to read any of the cartoons. Is it possible to view it on another site?
Thanks God bless. Jerry

Response: I had to keep them small due to copyright laws. I have them recognizable, but unreadable. Sorry for that. The sites for the publishing companies, no doubt have them posted. Try a search engine. -David

HE ANTICIPATED THE BACKLASH
Subject: Hart NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Christy Allen

While Hart's explanation of his intentions makes everything more clear, he and his syndication company should have anticipated the backlash. The problem with a cartoon of that nature is that everything is symbolic and open to interpretation. He might have expected everyone to interpret it one way, but he should have known that no one ever interprets anything the same way. With an issue this touchy, he should have been more straightforward and eliminated the need for much interpretation. I know that is limiting the creativity of an artist, but if his chief goal is to reach people for Christ then he needs to make some concessions. As it is, I fear that more people were alienated than enlightened.
Christy

MADE MY EASTER
Subject: Johnny Hart NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: Jimmy

David, Easter Sunday is busy here. The day started at 0400a and did not end until 1730p. In between was a sunrise service, sunday celebration, church/community BBQ, egg hunts for all the kids and pictures with the family. The Sunday paper was not opened. Monday was also busy with planting of lettuce and nursing a sick daughter.(to much party) The Sunday paper was not opened. Tuesday was busy helping a member replace a door in there old house and dinner with a church elder. I came home at 2200p and set down with the family to watch "The Missing Link". Wife and kids went to bed while I finished email for the day. I climbed in bed about 2315p and the Sunday paper was spread out on our king size bed. I ALWAYS go for the comics first. Since Calvin & Hobbs are now history Johnny Hart is a light in the middle of fog. I read the strip and looked at it again. I looked and counted. I was blown away with the simplicity and the beauty of the picture. It made my Easter!!

I can see why "sensitive-religious-folks" would object. If looked at the wrong way it could appear that the flames of the menorah going out could communiacte the end of Judaism. But Jesus kinda did that in reality.... It was a Pro-Jesus strip. It made me proud that there was a man who would stand up for his faith. I knew in my heart that it had cost him on some level. Your email just confimred it.
blessings2u,
Jimmy Chalmers
Lead Pastor The Carpenter's Shop PO Box 1558 Oxford, NC 27565 919.690.8487
jchalmers@gloryroad.net
http://www.woodshavings.net

WE LOOK FORWARD TO BC
Subject: RE: Hart's Message NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001
From: Tanya Seattle, Washington

Every Easter, my family and I look forward to the BC cartoon. We can always be sure it's going to contain a blatent message of truth. I am happy to report the Seattle Times DID print the cartoon in question. I am part Jewish, but am a Christian by faith. I take great pride in my Jewish background, and appreciate the symbols of the people God chose. Jesus was born of a Jew, and said that He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. I'm not sure what Replacement Theology is, but I do believe that many of the symbols the Jewish tradition uses were instructed by God as pointers to the Messiah that was to come. Maybe the menorah wasn't meant for that, but I think it's commendable that Hart saw a way to connect Christians with their faith's Jewish roots. I think it's something we often forget.
Tanya Seattle, Washington

CRUCIFICATION STUFF HERE
Subject: Hart's comic NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001
From: J. W. Dudgeon

Hi ! I'm not a comic reading sorta person but, this article is so common place. It looks like some more Crucification stuff here. Let's look at what they did to Jesus...accussed - condemed - hung on the Cross. Mr. Hart will have to know he'll probably escape the hanging, but the accusing and condeming definitely comes with the territory. The territory of seeing the 'Light' and professing the truth. I think Mr. Hart has done well clarifying his position. Maybe this will be Mr. Hart's new mission in life: helping others see the 'Light".
Thanks God Bless, J. W. Dudgeon

IT'S A CARTOON FOR PETE'S SAKE
Subject: Johnny Hart's Cartoon NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001
From: "Penney Rahm"

The Times-Leader of Wilkes-Barre, PA ran an article on Saturday acknowledging that the cartoon was controversial. However, they said that they were going to print it. The article ended with words something to the effect that, "If you are offended, wait until the next day. It's a cartoon, for Pete's sake." Those weren't quite the words, but they seemed to say to me that the controversy wasn't worth pursuing. I was glad they published it. The managing editor of the paper is Jewish, so I am very pleased that she refused to censor it.
Penney Rahm
pmrahm@prodigy.net
a friend of Jesus

I CAN NOT SEE WHY IT WOULD BE OFFENSIVE
Subject: Religious Cartoons NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001
From: Angeline

My local newspaper (The Cleveland Plain Dealer) carried most of these. I thought they were great and I loved BC. It seems that public display of " the Christian Faith" is always the one that is being restricted. I cannot understand why some Jewish people thought the cartoon was offensive. I thought it a beautiful crossover between the two faiths, since Jesus was born, raised and died a Jew. I am glad the majority of newspapers did publish the cartoons. It is too bad we always have to fight to protect our freedom of speech under these conditions. All through history religious intolerance reared it's ugly head. You would think by now with all the past history that has gone before, that we would learn to be more tolerant.

HART IS A HYPOCRITE
Subject: Re: BC controversy NEWSLETTER 22
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001
From: "Paul/Valerie"

I don't believe my newspaper ran the Easter strip; I do remember seeing the Palm Sunday strip and, frankly, I'm surprised that you're supportive of it while giving Dogma the review you did. The point of the strip, to me, was that Christianity is the ONE TRUE faith, a message that Hart has taken up every Christmas and Easter as long as I can remember. This is especially odd to me, when his two strips feature a magician and, um, Before Christ characters.

I don't think that newspapers should be pulling the strip solely because of the religious nature of its content; on the other hand, it's hardly First Amendment censorship, as Hart refers to it, since freedom of the press only applies to governmental intervention. Newspapers are free to not publish whatever they choose not to publish.

I think that Hart's holiday strips have ranged from the inspirational to the self-righteous, but as he's been given more rein to do as he pleases on the Christian holidays, he's ranged farther into the realm of tastelessly intolerant (as in the Palm Sunday strip). It would also be different, in my opinion, if he had acquired his pulpit as a "spiritual" cartoonist, or even as a "family-oriented" cartoonist (as in the case of Family Circus and For Better or Worse); instead, his strip features pagan (by definition) characters and jokes involving such things as overt sexism and animal cruelty... except at Christmas and Easter, when he needs to dryclean his soul.

In other words, while Keane presents a consistent albeit naive cartoon universe, and Johnston presents an even-handed view of an American family, including their spirituality, Hart is a hypocrite and a proselytizer who's abusing his secular popularity.
-- Paul Kershaw

VANCE AS GOD
Subject: Legend_of_Bagger_Vance
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: Dianne Astle

I wondered if I was out to lunch when I saw Bagger Vance as representing God. Your web site has been a useful one when a movie has spoken to me and I think it has sermon potential. This one will certainly spice up a sermon.
Thanks. Dianne Astle

ESREVER SECRET WORDS
Subject: Blair_Witch_2
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: pete and kes

we too found "further" on the grave and "or" on the rug does the door always have closed on it?
pete and kes

LOVED THIS MOVIE
Subject: Loved this movie The Fifth Element
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: Poffinberger

I felt that Leelo as being the Fifth Element, represented Love, just as Christ did, but that they both represented Love, not so much a comparison of Leelo to Christ. I also feel a need to point out, that many 'pagan' religions use the same symbols of Earth Air Fire and Water, with the Spirit being the Fifth element in their circles, and that this is represented by the Pentacle- not a satanic symbol but an older symbol of protection. Weird eh?

This movie cracked me up and I enjoyed it so much I went out and bought it. This runs like a cartoon in some ways, but is fun and exciting like a wild ride on a roller coaster! whoheee.

By the way, did I mention how much I just love this web site and your reviews??? = )
Poffinberger

GOD IS
Subject: dogma the movie
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: S. Poffinberger

I agree wholeheartedly with your reviews, and although there is quite a bit of the film that could insult a Christian, I felt the entire movie was dedicated to the message that there IS God, and there IS a message
S. Poffinberger

SPLENDID MOVIE
Subject: reviews Ever After
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: S. Poffinberger

First let me say that this web site is wonderful with its reviews and explanations of the movies. I plan on using this site for most of my reviews before watching movie or videos!

Ever After was a splendid movie, with strong characters that are well developed. This is a great movie for young women to see a strong character that is smart, and also brave to face trouble when she needs to. I also like how all the characters, even the stepmother are given a side to personalities that make them very human. The stepmoher runs to her husband's side when he falls from the horse, only to hear his last words go to Danielle, and not to her! Her pain is apparant. I also enjoyed the 'battles' between the sisters, reminding me of my own quarrels with my sisters. (Although I never boxed one in the face! haha).

This movie gets a huge thumbs up from me!

MIND BLOWING
Subject: your web site Superman
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: Brian of Worcester, Ma

This web-site is one of the best i've ever seen. you found connections that i would never have found. for some time i have been reading the second series of comics looking for the Superman/Jesus connection but this page was absolutly mind blowing.
Brian of Worcester, Ma

LOST GOSPEL
Subject: Luke 1:1-2 STIGMATA
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: DalSandra@aol.com

You stated in the comments section of the movie Stigmata that there was a lost Gospel of Jesus Christ cited in Luke 1:1-2.... For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word. KJV I'm sorry, I just can't see how these verses could possibly be interpreted to mean that there is a lost Gospel written by Jesus Christ. Can you shed some light on this?
Thanks, Sandra
Please do not include my email address.

HOLLYWOOD KIND TOWARDS JESUS CHRIST?
Subject: Me Myself & Irene
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001
From: Charles

I read parts of your website and wondered if it were true: that Hollywood was softening -up toward Christian themes in it's films. I would welcome such a change but then I saw Jim Carey's latest film *Me Myself & Irene* It does not openly bash Christianity, but it certainly is anything but a morality play. What it does is to promote the rediculous myth of Negro equality with whites..yea superiority! While simultaneously making fools of white athority figures (police,.. of which Carey plays a part) it also shows how eager white women are to bed down with a Black man..even a fu**ng pigmy!!

I doubt that Hollywood is encouraging some influx in Christian ideology; I think they are almost complete in the total discrediting of anything Christ-centered (the Angel show is never "guilty" of mentioning the name of Jesus.)

Will Hollywood mellow in the years to come towards Christianity?..or will the Jewish bosses (who are responsible for content) continue to discredit not only everything Christ-centered but also everything American value centered.
Charles

Response: Do I detect some bias against Africans Americans and Jews in your email? You seem to be angry with those who do not hold your values. Remember: "For God so love the world that he gave..."

WHERE IS THAT ENDING?
Subject: Jesus Mini Series
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001
From: Angeline

David, I watched again the Jesus Mini Series last week. I was hoping they would show at least the version with Jesus ending with the children. Talk about dumb decisions by TV people. I still think this is one of the best versions of Jesus made so far. I'm wondering is there a chance they will make a directors cut in DVD that we can get here in the states. I can't believe that Vidmark decided to go with the CBS version the other version, knowing how many people wanted the directors verison. Also, I saw the Mary Magdalene movie that came out. I was greatly disappointed in it. There were some redeeming qualities about it, but not enough interaction with Jesus in this for me. God Bless and I hope you keep Hollywood Jesus going.

Response: Unfortunitly it is not possible.

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