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with comments by David Bruce

THE DOOR AND THE MIRROR
Subject: The Door and the Mirror Blair_Witch_2
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001
From: James

Towards the end of the movie, when one of the guys shuts the door. The light that reflects on the door distinctly forms the shape of a face. The mirror is when one of the males is being interrogated by the police officer, as the officer passes by the mirror, his reflection appears to be following him. However, he is facing away from the mirror and on his reflection, his face looks like a ghost and is facing the camera as well. Hope that helps.

THANKS
Subject: Lost In Space
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001
From: Sorge

Lost in space is my favorite movie and I am glad that you found a Christian way of looking at it. Also what I noticed was that the bad guy(spider Smith) was cast by the father into a pit (like the fire pit that Satan will be cast into by our father.) The cut scene from the movie of "Planet Beast" (future Blawp) is like what we become when we enter God's holy place. On the outside our deads make us look like a nobody, but when we decide to enter into God, we become so much more. So thank you so much for your site.

SATANIC HEADSETS
Subject: Josie_and_the_Pussycats
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001
From: Artie

I just wanted to respond to the SATANIC HEADSETS post. Please tell me you're joking. Are you insane? Why has the Christian sub-culture produced this kind of silliness? I really...well...don't know what to say other than "wow."

I FEEL INFORMED
Subject: Lord of the Rings essay
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Bonnie

I think Mr. Wright's essay is wonderful! So informative, it's as if he's spent his whole life studying Tokien! I didn't know anything much about Lord of the Rings before I read this essay, now I feel I have an opinion that is based on the information and views presented by Mr. Wright.

ENJOYABLE WITH MY KIDS
Subject: Spy Kids
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Joe

This is probably the most enjoyable movie I've taken my kids to see in a long time. Lots of exciting gadgetry and action to keep us entertained, but nothing too violent. But it also had a very pro-family message and showed kids who haven't quite fit in finding a way to adjust. And siblings actually come to like each other by the end!

I'm glad to see how well this movie is doing at the box office. There are almost no PG movies these days. It's become mostly PG-13 (and R) movies aimed at teens. It's nice to have a family film I can take my 7 and 10 yr old boys to.

JESUS OF MONTREAL
Subject: Jesus of Montreal
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Terre Pope

I was just checking out Hollywood Jesus, looking for a review of a movie I am leading a discussion on tonight at church just as I do for all the movie discussion groups I lead at church. I cannot find a review of the movie "Jesus of Montreal." Have you never reviewed this movie? If you haven't, it is a must see and really should be reviewed on this site. It is a French Canadian film from director Denys Arcand. I think it was released in 1990, and put out on video in 1991. I have been unable to find a copy on DVD yet. I don't think it has been released on DVD. Terre Pope

A RARE GEM
Subject: Amistad
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Mike

The first time I saw this movie was a few years ago. I took a 70+ African American friend to see the film along with my wife, son and daughter. My son is biracial so I was hoping that the experience would be something that my friend would be able to talk about with my son and my family after the movie while eating dinner. The movie was so moving that I am now writing my version of the review some years later. I recently saw this movie again, on video, and was reminded of how great Amistad truly is.

I couldn't say anything more than what David has commented on in his review, what I will say is that one of the true signs of a great film, at least to me is the films ability to hold on to the original feelings. There are a very few films which do that. For me films like Field of Dreams, Life is Beautiful, Chariots of Fire, Children of Heaven, Schindlers List and a few others are there. Amistad is among them. I realize that there may be some that will look at this review, on this site and just trying to figure out whether or not they should check out this movie to rent or purchase. Hopefully this will help inspire you to check out this film. On a scale of 1-10 A very rare 10

Mike Furches mike@furches.org

DEALS WITH PRESSURES OF TEEN SEXUALITY
Subject: Something about a Log American_Pie
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Mike

When I first saw this movie I was extremely critical about how the film portrayed sexuality in American Youth. I found myself thinking of all the do's and don'ts that have come with some aging in my life. I even thought about the fact that I couldn't write anything positive about this film. I then began to reflect on my own youth experiences and sexuality. I really appreciated the comments from David in the Think About It segment. It should cause us all to think about how our society has changed in the areas of sexual pressures. While American Pie is not a movie that I can recommend others to see, it certainly does deal with the pressures of teen sexuality in a real and unfortunately honest way.

While many within our Churches will not want to accept the honesty of the film the reality of it is that it does exist. One explanation of why there are so many pregnancies among teenagers and, yes, abortions, within our church walls and membership is that we as a Church have still not dealt appropriately with the issue of sexuality. We tend to use the, just say no approach, and then not discuss the real issues that are going on within the lives of our teenagers. American Pie in some ways addresses those issues in a far more honest way than the Church has addressed them in the past. To use a technique from the Apostle Paul, Does this mean their approach is right? Of course not. We for example know that sexuality in its right place is a wonderful and beautiful thing. It is a gift of God between two people who love each other enough to make the commitment to share each others life together in marriage. Knowing this does not take away from the God given urges to be involved in sexual activity, especially during the years of puberty.

Unfortunately, this movie does not show the extent of the problems that come about from inappropriate sexual activity. Neither does it really show the lessons one can learn from just following their desires. Both are areas that can lead ultimately, not just in a figurative since but in a literal since, to death, especially in today's world. The consequences of these actions are also reasons that the Church must do a better job at addressing real needs and real issues among our youth, including their urges and leanings towards sexuality. All we have to do is turn on the television or radio to hear of all of the negative aspects that are being portrayed to our youth. Open a magazine,, the reality of it is, that sex sales. But what sex is selling is ultimately a broken hearted world, especially in the way it is being sold.

American Pie is a well made movie with a great cast who do a wonderful job at portraying their roles. There are some comedic points in the film but the script and story just don't mesh with the totality of honesty that I would have liked to have seen. For example the reality of it was that if these characters continued their behavior then it would not have been long before one of them had to deal with a unplanned pregnancy. What about the expenses and experiences that come with that? While it did deal some with the concept that some are used for sexual purposes, and that others get hurt, it was not nearly a strong enough message. I would like to have also seen at least one positive character who had made the commitment to save themselves for marriage and then that character portrayed in a positive light, struggling yes, but holding true to their commitment. However, I unfortunately did not see any character in this film come close to this approach.

On a scale of 1-10 I will go with a disappointing 4

Mike Furches mike@furches.org

DANIEL SENDS A LOT OF THOUGHTS ABOUT BC COMIC
Subject: Johnny Hart and BC Newsletter #22
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Daniel

David, I am a journalist in Taiwan and just read yr interview with BC Johnny Hart, which completely contradicts what he told the media about his Easter strip. I am now sending yr q and a around to other news outlets so the truth can be told. Not only does Hart see his strip as his ministry (his words) but Mr Newcombe his boss is the brother of Mr Kennedy. WOw. Thanks for spilling the beans. I am writing to the LA TIMEs editorial board and all the other newspapers which carry BC and all the reportes who are following this. WHY? Becausae i hate hypocrites and liars. Terrible, he says one thing to the media and even his synidctae lies (due to the family connection) and then he says something else to yOU. Wow. Thanks for being so honest. RSVP if you like. I am not against religion, I am against liars and hippocrits. You know alot of them, too, I am sure.
Cheers DAN BLOOM in Taiwan Q.

AND ANOTHER FROM DANIEL
I am glad you printed some pro and anti HART letters. This shows you are a fair man. Must say, I agree with those who say Hart is a hypocrite. He told you in an interview that he uses his strip NOT AS A COMIC STRIP but as a ministry. And that is fine with me, but not in family newspapers read by people of many differing faiths. Hart should publish his ministry strips in a religious newspaper, that's okay. But the public prints are for all people and should be sensitive to all people's tastes and religious backgrounds. You don't agree with me because you are a triumphalist, you think your religion is number one, but it's not. The sooner you realize this, that your religion is but one of many in the world, and in no way the best or highest or most Godly or most true, then you will really know God. Right now, you only know your programming, like a robot. Try to see our POV too, sir. It will make you a better man, and maybe even a better Christian.
Love you. DAN

AND ANOTHER FROM DANIEL
Those of us who didnt like the Hart cartoon were not trying to erase Christ from Easter. That's your tradition, and it's good. Pls understand that. Nobody is trying to "erase Christ from Easter."

AND ANOTHER FROM DANIEL
A menorah morphing into a cross? Wonder what Hart would say if someone did a cartoon of a cross morphing into a swastika? Harmless cartoon?

AND ANOTHER FROM DANIEL
The sad thing is that Johnny Hart is a liar and a hypocrite. He is 70 and he was bored doing BC before. So he conciously turned it into a ministry. Why didn't the syndicate tell that truth to the media, and why didn't the syndicate boss Mr Newcombe say that his brother works for Jack Kennedy, full disclosure, as we say in the trade? I have emailed all this to the LA TImes and the Wash Post and other media outlets, in hopes to getting the truth about J Hart out. We already know the truth about J Christ, well, one version of it. But what about the truth about J Hart? When will he tell reporters his true agenda, as he told you in that interview. Huh? You are a good man, I know, and you are doing your best to be a better man, but try to see things from my POV too. Hart's Easter panels went overboard, and that is what he, and you, wanted. But he then backtracked and tried to cover up to the media. THis is his sin. You know that, too. Can you get back to him on this and have him contact me, thanks?
Dan Bloom in Taiwan reporter

WE HAVE ALL BEEN PROGRAMED
Subject: We all have been programed. We all have been seduced!
Josie and the Pussycats
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Daniel

We all have been programed. We all have been seduced! Yes, David, and this programming and seduction INCLUDES the way you have been programmed to be a Jesus freak and I to be a Jewish freak. Yes. I have a feeling that you and I are from the same gen, and have much in common, only that our programming as kids was different. BUT if you agree that the corporate world is programming us, have you ever thought that religion also programs us? In that case, while yr heart is in the right place, the concept of God is just nice product placement and has nothing to do with reality. CAn you deal with that? Answer me that.
DAN in Taiwan

Response: God is like Coke? A product? Hmm. Well, God can be marketed like Coke. But still, God is God -a class all by itself.

ALL THEM WITCHES
Subject: RosemarysBaby
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Kat

I recently saw the movie ( very good) here in Australia. I was wondering, the book, "all them witches" which Hutch gives rosemary, I was wonderinf if it was a actual book.... i think it would be an interesting read.. thanks 4 any info :)
Kat

Response: I doubt it. But, perhaps someone else knows for sure. -David

JIM CARREY IS GRINCHELICIOUS
Subject: How_The_Grinch_Stole_Christmas
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
From: "Mike Furches"

I have always been a fan of Dr.Seuss. He has a way of drawing children into adult truths and adults into a child's simplicity. The Grinch has long been one of my favorites along with The Butter Battle Book among others by Dr. Seuss. I was somewhat concerned when I heard Jim Carrey had obtained the title role. He doesn't have the reputation of doing the best family oriented movies, he surprised me in this role.

The production, special effects, acting and make up where tremendous. The make-up work of Academy Award winner Rick Baker is legendary for a reason and this film is no exception. While the film is a quality film I certainly have some questions about the meaning of Christmas portrayed. It is certainly crude to preach about the dangers of materialism then market toys for sale to children. While this says something about the attitude of the Hollywood producers it also says something about us as a society that even after seeing an excellent message on materialism that we would be willing to go buy products marketed through that same medium.

This is one that we as Christians need to make sure we give clarity to those who view the movie and are not Christians, maybe with a question like, "Hey David, in The Grinch they talked about what the real meaning of Christmas is, like love, family and all of that. What do you think the real meaning of Christmas is?" It is easy to see that from a question like this we can then maybe get the response after they have shared their beliefs, "What about you Mike, what do you think?" Then the door is wide open to share about a little baby, born in a manger, God incarnate, His life, death and resurrection etc.... At least The Grinch starts us on the right track to approach a subject like this with our friends.

This is a good film that can be enjoyed by even those who don't like Jim Carrey. On a scale of 1 - 10, I'd give it a strong 7

Mike Furches mike@furches.org

SO SO MOVIE
Subject: Left Behind
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
From: "Mike Furches"

A little over 4 years ago one of my nieces gave my wife the book Left Behind. Over the last few years my wife and daughter have been trying to get me to read the novel. I was quite reluctant to do so due to what I perceived to be poor theology and the retelling of a story that had been told hundreds of time before. When the movie came out I decided to cheat and purchase it before reading the novel. This of course was prior to the theatrical release which I have serious questions about in the way it took place and the timing. What I will say is that the video created enough interest for me to start reading the books. Now less than 4 months later, and into my 6th book I have decided to visit some of the comments. It continues to amaze me at the power some place on movies and /or books. One thing I have come to realize is that these tools only have the power to be used as we as individuals choose to use them. It's kind of like expecting the preacher in church to do all of the preaching and converting of our lost friends. It just aint the way it's supposed to be. We have our part to accomplish, kind of like inviting them there and sharing Christ with them through our lives. Movies and books are tools that can be used if we choose to use them.

With a few of those comments posted I will now comment on the movie. I have never been one that categorically believes that the book is always better than the movie. For example, sometimes movies are very much like the book. Silence of the Lambs, The Pelican Brief, Intensity and numerous other books hold very true to the book. Sometimes the movie is actually better than the book, the prime example of this is probably Forest Gump. However, Left Behind does not fit into either of these categories. The quality of the production is O.K. at best, and the retelling of the story is virtually inconsistent with the book, similar, for example to Jurassic Park which has very little in common with the book.

I actually found the movie to be untrue to the book so much that in some regards I believe Christians where upset to the point that they could not fully support the film. This being the case I believe the full potential of the movie was not obtained. Does this mean that I will continue to criticize the premise of the book or the possibility of it to reach others with the Gospel, absolutely not! This movie can be the starting point to discuss Christ with others. I recently had a discussion with a friend in Massachusetts about the book and had the opportunity to share the Gospel with him as a result his association of Left Behind with Stephen King's book The Stand. It was a tool, which enabled me to share the Gospel with an unbeliever. We also spoke about the movie and he did indicate that he would be willing to watch the video and that it would maybe ignite enough interest to read the books. We have also kept in touch via email discussing this over the last several months.

What makes the book so useful, in my opinion, is the clear Gospel message that is shared throughout. The message is clear despite what an individuals belief is on the end times. By the way, there are three prevalent thoughts on the end time, each with Biblical support. Left Behind presents only one of those. To my knowledge the authors have also stated numerous times that the books where intended to be tools not a dissertation on end times theology. Unfortunately the clarity of that message is not as prevalent in the movie unless there is someone there to give clarification to the viewer who is not aware of end times theology.

In regards to other attributes related to the movie. Personally, I don't think it was a very good screenplay, I was disappointed with the special effects and thought the casting was poor. Each of these things said the production should have been left for the video and not released on the big screen.

On a scale of 1 - 10 I would rate Left Behind with a 6. Worthwhile but nothing of special value that did not already exist in superior Christian and non Christian productions. If looking for a good story with better casting and acting on this subject see Tribulation, a surprising and good movie using the same end times approach.

Mike Furches mike@furches.org

INTERESTING
Subject: Mithra, Other "Religions", and the Apocryphal Writings
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
From: "Matt"

I found the information about Mithra intrigueing. I was in a Christian Forum and someone came in talking about it. Prior to that, I'd heard other people say there were religions, VERY ancient religions, that spoke about the birth, death, and ressurection of the "Son" of God. They used this to say that Christianity was also a myth. (I find it interesting that in almost every subject - including science, which is supposed to be an objective endeavor, by definition - a person's conclusions about a matter spring entirely from world view... i.e., conclusions about "evidence" is never purely objective, but depends on a person's presupposition(s), or basic philosophy of life. This is another reason this page on Mithra is interesting)

Interestingly enough, when I first heard of these other "religions" the thought occurred to me, "Hmmm... what if God were preparing the stage for Jesus, or even telling the story over and over again to make His point clear?" How interesting to visit this site and see the same concept suggested! (Can you say goose pimples?).

I was wondering if you could give me the names of these other "religions". I'd like to use them as reference points for my understanding of Jesus, the Son of God (and God, by the way). I believe they will help shed light on what I perceive to be "missing" pieces.

Which leads me to the concept of the Apocryphal writings.

If these ancient religions, including Mithra, have been hidden from moden thinking, presumably by anyone who might not have wanted the word to get out, perahps some of the Apocryphal writings that, according to popular vote as far as I can tell, were not accepted as cannon may also yeild some important truths. If so, what is a good guide in determining which Apocryphal writings hold the most promise of being contributory? I know... lots of questions.

(I'll bet you were wondering, "How in thw world is he gonna tie these three things together?!") :-)

Thanks, and look forward to your response
keith.henry@kdhv.net

PROMOTING MY THRILLER
Subject: A Christian Thriller
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
From: David Paul

Whelp--I'm blushing on this side of the monitor, fearful that unknown faces might think this post of mine merely self-serving. Yup, it's true, I'm working hard to promote a Christian thriller that I've written, and I enjoy it when people stop by to nibble a little of it at www.plagueofterror.net, but with David's Hollywood group I have another motivation. Of those who've read the manuscript, including my wife, the most often made comment is "This has to be made into a movie!" I'd love it if some of you would sample the excerpts at my site and then fill out the Response Form that's there--letting me know specifically if you see this as a movie (from the little that you've seen). That's about it!
Thanks! Blessings in the Easter SONshine!

David Paul
www.plagueofterror.com or
www.plagueofterror.net

CROSS BETWEEN WIILY WONKA AND JAMES BOND
Subject: Fun Family Entertaninment Spy Kids
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001
From: "Mike Furches"

The last reviewer compared this film to PeeWees Playhouse and James Bond. I actually made a similar comparison after seeing the film but I said I thought it was a cross between James Bond and an older imaginative film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. While this was my response after the fact, it was not my attitude before seeing the film.

I have to say that the producers of the film did an excellent job in the original marketing of the film. It certainly grabbed the attention of my son who is 11 and my wife who noticed that Antonio Banderas was one of the stars. Personally, I had no desire to see the movie but after being bugged and bugged by my son I decided to go ahead and go. It wasn't long after the opening credits that I did something I normally never do in a movie. I almost shouted to my wife as the opening credits rolled, "This is a Robert Rodriguez film, do you know who he is?" I have been a fan of Robert Rodriguez for some time and had no idea that he had written, produced, edited and directed this film. If I had, I would have been willing to see it during the first week of release as opposed to the second.

Robert Rodriguez, is, without exception, one of the best young talents in the "Hollywood" market. He has a technique of using quick edits and lots of action in his stories that keeps the viewer drawn into the film. His films have become cult classics and for a good reason. Most of his past films have been more of the macho type which is great for catching the attention of the macho types but not much for the family. Most of his previous films are filled with very interesting story lines, yet at the same time not for the kiddies, definitely the opposite of the direction of this film. With this said, Spy Kids was actually a rather enjoyable film with some nice underlying messages.

Without giving away the film, mainly because I don't like spoiler reviews, I believe that this is a good film with some quality underlying messages that many Christians could enjoy and benefit from. There is a positive spin on family relationships as well as opportunity to discuss forgiveness. Antonio Banderas character Gregorio Cortez, has a unique relationship with his brother in the film played by a Robert Rodriguez regular Danny Trejo. There is also an aspect of forgiveness played out by the children with another important character portrayed in the film. Spy Kids, in its own sort of way, also pokes fun at the marketing ploys of many television shows and movies targeted towards children. It will be interesting to see if there are toys released from this film for sales to children.

There are a number of additional interesting characters played by popular actors and fans of the Robert Rodriguez genre such as Cheech Marin, George Clooney and others. The film also has Terry Hatcher, Lois Lane from the television Superman series, who has a nice role which she plays to almost perfection. While there are lessons in this film that are learned from the children and parents it is nice to see that each prospective party is willing and capable of learning from each other.

Time for an editorial comment. I often find it interesting at the criticism that we as Christians sometimes place on movies and I'm sure that this is one that may draw some criticism, after all it is not "blatantly Christian", whatever that is. This is a film however, that Christians will be able to go see with other non Christian families and not be offended. It is nice that as families we can approach the concept of forgiveness and change through the benefit of a movie. This is especially true in that for many families this may be the only method they are willing to approach these subjects. Spy Kids will also provide wonderful opportunities to talk about Christian concepts such as the forgiveness that we have received through Christ, despite the bad things we have done in our lives. It is a film that some as Christians, if used properly, can share these messages in a fresh and unique way from drawing comparisons to some of the characters and situations in the film. They will also be able to address the need for parents being with children and the influence we as parents can have on our children. Does this water down the Gospel? I don't think so as long as we make sure to draw the distinction between the fantasy characters of the film and the real life experiences of Christ. So, don't just see it yourself with your own family. Go with non Christian friends and use the opportunity to share the Gospel in an interesting and unique way.

On a scale of 1 - 10 on this one I had fun, lets go with a 7

Mike Furches mike@furches.org
homepage - http://www.rapfire.net/~furches/movie.html
Without movie - http://www.rapfire.net/~furches/home.html

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