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with comments by David Bruce

STALINGRAD
Subject: To: Enemy_at_the_Gates
Date: Thu, 31 May 2001
From: Wayne

Is Enemy at the gate a good movie? Well I am going to have to say it is a pretty good movie; it has everything you could want and everything for everyone. It has your violent action pact parts for action lovers, your love scenes for the hopeless romantics, and your slow parts for who ever likes them.

Some good parts to the movie are the beginning where all the soldiers are running out to fight, but only half of them have guns. This leads to part where Vassili gets a gun a kills five nazi guards. Some other good parts are where Vassili gets promoted to sniper unit; he gets to sneak around and snipe nazis that are not careful. The best parts of the whole movie is when Vassili goes head to head with Konig (an amazing nazi sniper), there are many exciting parts where Konig and Vassili try to out smart each other, or try to anticipate each other. So I don't spoil the ending I will just tell you it is a great ending, it is one of my favorite parts also.

Some of the dumb and pointless parts of this movie is the sex scene, it is totally unneeded. You are watching all the soldiers sleeping in the dugout, then in comes Tania who lays beside Vassili and well you know what happens from there, it is totally pointless. The movie was very drawn out also, there was a lot of slow parts, such as Vassili sitting at a post for a few minutes seeing nothing, and then he leaves, it was unneeded, it just made the movie longer.

All in all the movie was pretty good the pros out weighed the cons making it a okay movie. I must say it was a very entertaining movie that was very informative. It portrays the battle of Stalingrad very well.

VIDEO FOR GENESIS?
Subject: Genesis
Date: Thu, 31 May 2001
From: Eric

Hello, Where can I order a copy of the "Genesis" film. I saw it months ago on HBO or Cinemax and loved it. I must have a copy.
Thanks,

Response: As of June 2, 2001, this important film has not been released on video tape. -David

NOTICED MANY SYMBOLIZATIONS
Subject: Superman
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: Costi

When I first saw this movie I thought of it nothing more then just another superman movie. But then I looked deeper into it and checked on the net for some reviews on it and went and watched it again. after viewing it a second time I noticed many symbolizations. After finding that the makers of superman were Jewish and that he was created at the time of Hitler I think that superman was made as a Jesus type figure. here on earth to save the innocent and destroy the bad. Lex Luther, who is symbolized as Satan is the evil side. trying to destroy this hero who has came to earth, he lives underground which is hell and offers superman this world and tempts him just as Satan tempted Jesus. superman's parents Jarel and Kalel are symbolized as the father who has sent his son to earth. Clark Kent's parents are symbolized as Mary and Joseph who are given this responsibility to take care of him. when Lex Luther puts the kryptonite around his neck that symbolizes the death and the cross. Lois is sort of peter the disciple figure as she is taken for a fly and stumbles as did peter when he walked on water. the earthquake is a symbol of end times. and Lois dies and he goes back in time and saves her. that is the resurrection. in many or all of superman's rescues and "miracles" he ascend to the heavens leaving the people on the earth to spread the word of his power and ability to save. similar to our responsibility as Christians to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the earth.
Costi

MY REVIEW
Subject: my review Driven
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: Colin Bandstra

Driven I thought that this movie was very well acted and directed. The acting was pretty good considering Sylvester Stalone was in it. I thought that this movie had some really great moments of some intense racing action. Throughout this movie, I thought that the characters in this movie would use a lot more harsh language than they actually didn't. The language part wasn't all that bad, considering they never uses the f-word. One part of their language really bothered me, it was the uses of the Lord's name in vain a couple of times. I thought the plot of this movie was alright considering it was a huge love "triangle." The one thing I enjoyed watching the movie was that the main character, Jimmie Bly did not end up with the girl he was going after the whole movie. During the movie, the scenes were very bright. The atmosphere throughout the movie was quite intense as in the plot and the racing aspect of the movie. The action was extremely well done. I realized that the action was not over done as most actions get out hand. This was pretty realistic. He won the racing championship, but that was obvious he was going to do that. I also realized that each of the racers in the movie all had a positive outcome, which was surprising. I didn't think that the scene when Jimmie Bly went to go save Memo Mereno when his car was in the water was over done at all. I think racers in the races today would have done the same thing. It wasn't over done at all. That is what I liked about this movie.
Colin Bandstra

THE MUMMY RETURNS REVIEW
Subject: The mummy returns review The_Mummy_Returns
Date: Thu, 31 May 2001
From: Monica

I think it is true that this movie can give ppl a thought that mummys are our future(?). In the movie, ppl's spirits never go to their own world(Hell or Heaven) as christians believe and most things are controled by magics. Especially the mummy's face was quite scary and the idea of 'one's body never dies with magic' wasn't sound good for me. However I enjoyed this movie and it didn't affect me any ideas of Egyptian magic , I don't think its b/c i'm very religious its just how serious we care sbout this kind of movie. I just watched it as a 'movie'
Monica Kim

GOOD INSIGHTS
Subject: Good Insights to Autumn in New York
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: -Vivian

To add to my original responce, I wanted to comment on the overall theme of this film. The film deals with various lifestyles, and the way that we interpret the world. Some believe that they have forever, and therefore go through life not seeking true love, but more relationships because 'why waste time on only one person?'- This is Will's perception of life and love. Charlotte, however, seeks true love, but doesn't have the time to find it.

When she sees Will in the restaurant in the beginning of the film, she is struck by his good looks and the possibility- little does she know what type of man he is. although she accepts to 'abide by his rule' because she has little time, she eventually reforms him, and changes him in a positive way. Perhaps death was the one thing strong enough to make Will see true love.

This realization at finally knowing what true love is - changes Will forever (which ties in beautifully with the eternal love of God symbolized through the cross and the dove). It is our own will that can bring us closser to the warmth of God's love. We must follow God's commands and realize what our faults are and reform them. I recomend this movie as a great rental, although Will's initial attitude toward women as sex objects is what might not make this movie a perfect 'chick flick', although it it sure to shed a few tears.
-Vivian

HIDDEN MORALS
Subject: The Mexican Review
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: Vander

The Mexican has some good morals, but they are well hidden. However if some discretion is used then it is worth it to see the film mostly because it is entertaining. That is the best reason thre is to see a film. The technical elements really added to the film. For example the scene where Samantha is on the balcony throwing Jerry's clothes down at him clearly shows Samantha's dominance in the situation and in their relationship. The main theme of the movie, which says that you should never give up fixing a broken relationship, is sound biblical advice. It is advise that needs to be heard because our society is full of broken relationships. This advice goes against what most people think; because the mentality of most people is that they should do only what they think is best for them. The high divorce rate in our society is evidence that people do give up fixing their broken relationships. Perhaps this movie could cause people to question the way they think about relationships, and help them put into perspective what is really important in this life. However it does of course miss out on what is really the most important thing in life, Jesus. But it is on the right track, because relationships with other people are also very important. Also to be taken into consideration is that there is bad language, violence, and many other things that a Christian wouldn't agree with. The Mexican is still defiantly worth seeing because of its entertainment value and its good theme.

DISNEY BOYCOTT
Subject: Disney Boycott Inquiry
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: Craig

To whom it may concern, I am just curious as to why you choose to boycott Disney and not mention any of the other things that are just as bad if not worse than what you are accusing Disney of doing. First off, look at the World Wrestling Federation, on their shows which kids watch, you have men beating women, racism, sexual innuendos, mockery of the "Christian Values", the big hero of WWF always shows up on the show flipping off his bosses, slamming beer, and beating people up just for the heck of it. And look at the results of this influence, you have "Backyard Wrestling", where children have gotten killed in the influence of that. There was even recently a kid who was convicted for killing his neighbor doing WWF wrestling moves on her. Look at MTV, on that they showed Beavis and Butthead and kids burned down houses and that has killed other kids from it's influence on kids. South Park is another show that has "corruptness" on the show where even one episode has Jesus hosting a show like Jerry Springer and during the violence Jesus shouted "Shut the $%$# up!". Now why is it that you don't complain about that. And all the afforementioned are examples of shows are not owned by Disney. Look at the news these days. All the sensationalized violence there is all the media, and not all of these are owned by Disney. A few years ago, there was a clip of a man killing himself on TV and it wasn't only the Disney owned station ABC that aired it. In Columbine, the 2 kids who shot up the school were not influenced by anything Disney. About the homosexual agenda as you call it, what about the fact that most Hollywood hires gays? In fact, the corporation my mom works for offers the same benefits to couples living together and not just gays, and guess what, they are not owned by Disney. So it sounds to me like you are just living out your own prejudices. And quite frankly taking a radical view, many shouldn't be Christian, considering the long history of racism, and sexism in the faith. Is it fair for minority races to boycott Christianity because of the KKK, who claims to be Christians? They quote the Bible to support their views all the time. How about that fact there are Pastors and Priests who molest children, and do other immoral things, people either overlook, and ignore it and nothing is mentioned about that. And how about the fact that alot of Pastors and Priests are gay. Perhaps you are just homophobic but do not wish to acknowledge it in your on domain. To me it sounds like you have your own personal beef with Disney and are smokescreening it with so-called concern for morals. With all due respect, there are other groups out there, but no one boycotts any of those. All I am saying is to be fair. A response to my inquiry would be much appreciated.
Craig

Response: I think you need to reread the page. I am in no way supportive of the Disney boycott. There is nothing in Hollywood Jesus that is in any way sympathetic to such nonsense. I do not support Gay bashing or any other form of intolerance towards any group of human beings. "For God so loved the world..."

WHY ARE CHRISTIANS SO SUSCEPTIBLE?
Subject: Newsletter_24
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: BellaDom

I don't feel that Christians are any more susceptible to falling for hoaxes, especially email hoaxes, than the rest of the world. However, I do feel that when Christ is in danger of being disrespected, Christians do tend to jump quickly to the defense without thoroughly investigating what they are against. And for many Christians, the threat of denying God by not sending the message is all they need to feel their message is at stake - "What if someone finds out I got this and didn't send it along?!?!?" We must all be aware of falsehoods, and also be willing to stand up when and where it will matter.
BellaDom

READ AND WEEP
Subject: Touch by an Angel
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: Debi

CBS will be forced to discontinue "Touched by an Angel" for using the word God in every program. Madeline Murray O'Hare, an atheist, successfully managed to eliminate the use of Bible reading from public schools a few years ago. Now her organization has been granted a Federal Hearing on the same subject by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington, DC. Their petition, Number 2493, would ultimately pave the way to stop the reading of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, on the airwaves of America. They got 287,000 signatures to back their stand! If this attempt is successful, all Sunday worship services being broadcast on the radio or by television will be stopped. This group is also campaigning to remove all Christmas programs and Christmas carols from public schools. You as a Christian can help! We are praying for at least one million signatures. This would defeat their effort and show that there are many Christians alive and well and concerned about our country. As Christians we must unite on this. Please don't take this lightly. We ignored this lady once and lost prayer in our school and in offices across the nation. Please stand up for your religious freedom and let your voice be heard. Together we can make a difference in our country while creating an opportunity for the lost to know the Lord. Please press"forward" and only delete out what is not needed, and forward this to everyone on your list. Now, please sign your name at the bottom. Don't delete anything, just go to the next number and type your name. Please do not sign jointly, such as Mr. & Mrs.....Each person should sign his/herown name. Please e-mail this to everyone you know, and help us defeat this organization and keep the right of our freedom of religion. When you click to forward the list then you are able to add your name and number! When you get to 1000 please e mail back to Lisa Norman: XXXXX@XXXXX

Response: Debi, this so bogus. It is an urban legend. And you sent it to scores of friends, including me. I get so many of these emails a week. You are just one of so many that has been duped. Please tell you friends, it's false. -David

REPLY TO NATHAN
Subject: (What is the name of the song?) Blair_Witch_2
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: Dean

The song at the opening credits to Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows is called "Disposable Teens" by Marilyn Manson. Unfortunately, it is not on the soundtrack to the movie.

GOOD PLOT, BUT BAD PACKAGE
Subject: American_History_X
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: "Trevor Johnson"

The movie had an overall good plot. But there is a difference in depicting violence to bring to the surface the moral implications of violence and in just depicting violence for the sheer entertainment value of violence. This movie could have implied much of the violence and got across the intended point without dwelling upon it and relishing it. It is a good thing to depict in movies the power of a changed life - but we must be careful. If one gives one's testimony in church, we may say that we once were sinners but now we are saved - but we do not want to describe the sins in which we indulged to the point of enticing others into these sins or glorifying them.

Response: American History X does not relish in violence. And thankfully it did not use your standards of a "testimony in church" as a grid in making this very important film. I am curious what do you do with the graphic violence descriptions in the Bible. They outdo anything in American History X. Churches are all to often unrealistically moralistic while the Bible and American History X are realistically moral. -David

REDEEMABLE QUALITIES
Subject: Autumn In New York
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001
From: Vivian

At first glance Autumn in New York may not seem to embody any aspects of Christianity.However, at a deeper level there are redeemable qualities, beyond the explicit sexual exploits, that sheds light on an otherwise apparently immoral film. As Christians, we don't condone various sex partners- even the thought of sex without being bound by the vows of marriage.Richard Gere's character, Will, is a clear womanizer from the beginning of the movie. Immediately our perception of this movie is altered (especially when Charlotte accepts a short uncomplicated romance- primarily sexual). However, in the end Will's heart is changed, and numerous affairs will no longer satisfy him. In a way, he realizes that what he was doing was sinful, so he changes his life in search for meaning, and seeks values of Christian life. This is where a key scene comes into play (often unnoticed by the viewers as to its implications on the movie). The camera captures the cross on top of the church. The cross has central dominance as well as a sense of power (in terms of elevation, and the symbol of Christ). The tight frame eases into a loose frame- including Will's apartment in the scene. The territorial space communicates Will's new found faith in purer things and a true relationship. What adds to this imagery is the cluster of doves that fill the sky (the dove symbolizing purity and God's promise to us- Noah's ark). Although the message is good, the beginning of the movie seems to have a lasting impression on the viewer, with it's acceptance of the 'womanizing' lifestyle. A bolder and more profound ending would better illustrate the good qualities of this movie.
-Vivian G.

REVIEW
Subject: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Review
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: sara

I've seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon twice now, and I'm still thinking about the deeper meanings behind the movie. I'm still in awe of the beauty seen in every detail of the choreography and every camera angle, particularly the scene where Li Mu Bai fights with Jen among the trees. The most striking of the movies many things is that in order to find yourself, you most first lose yourself. Jen is confused; she wants too many things; she doesn't know what is right. She wants to follow Jade Fox, she wants to follow Li Mu Bai; she wants to be with Lo, she doesn't want to be with him. She wants to be happy and thinks with the Green Destiny in her hand, she will be. Yet even with the sword, Jen is defeated by Li Mu Bai. Her pride prevents her from becoming his disciple, and she is kidnapped by Jade Fox, and Li Mu Bai dies. It is with his death, that Jen realizes how irresponsible she has been, and she travel to Wudan mountain where she jumps of a high bridge. In the legend Lo has told her, jumping with a faithful heart makes your wish come true even if you get lost in the process. By jumping, Jen is giving herself up, to wherever her greatest wish will take her. As Christians, we are Jen: clinging on to the world, thinking it can make us happy, and our pride prevents us from accepting salvation. We are lost lambs, found by Jesus and given purpose. When Jen jumps, she is giving up her life, her security, her pride, so that she can find her true self.
>From Sara
saralitatica@hotmail.com

A GOOD MOVIE
Subject: A_Knights_Tale
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001
From: Jess

William Thatcher grew up as a peasant and was sold when he was a young boy because his father couldn't take care of him. Later on, William goes on to compete in jousting tournaments, with the help of his friends, even though he is not of noble birth. After he goes on to win all of the jousting tournaments in france for the girl of his dreams. Meanwhile his nemesis, who is also in love with the same girl, uncovers that he is not of noble birth and William is stripped of everything. He is put in the town square to be made fun of but at the last moment, the prince who owed a favor to William, shows up and gives him back his dignity and grace by knighting him so he can keep on jousting. In the end, William wins the jousting tournament and gets the girl so it was a happy ending. This was the "big" moment in the movie. It is the scene where the main character has lost everything he has and gets it back in a single second, by the power of grace. I was surprised by the all of the christian parallels in this movie. Not only in the "grace" scene, but also when William is put in the stocks it parallels it to when Christ was on the cross. Overall, I thought this was a very well done movie. It had good acting, good music, and a good story line.

CAN ANYONE FIGURE OUT THE SECRET?
Subject: Blair_Witch_2
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001
From: Aylas

hey i have watched this movie over and over again and read all about thease words on the grave and the door and crap but i cant figure the secret out, who has, what is it am i just dumb.any way, i havent even seen the words i have the door rug grave crap and all but what do they all mean what is it and is it really that freaky

C.S. LEWIS AND TOLKIEN
Subject: Lord of the Rings
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001
From: Jae

Dear Sir, Your article, while insightful in some ways, shows very clearly that you are unfamiliar with both Tolkien's life, and have apparently not read his works with a significant amount of care. Just a couple of examples of your misinformation would be the facts that Tolkien was one of the major influences in C.S. Lewis' conversion to Christianity., and Tolkien's statement that the lack of a Christ figure in his mythology was out of respect as he thought a Christ figure in his writing would be sacrilegious. Your knowledge of film is undoubtedly extensive, but more research may be appropriate for writing outside that realm.

NRA GIVES MOSES BAD IMAGE
Subject: List Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001
From: Jrausch

Thanks for the "list of 105" movies that reflect Christian values. The one that I think that you really should have removed from your list is the Ten Commandments. Pick up a copy of the NRA's "voice" and see what the hatred and the venom that pours from it does to the image of Moses. Heston has definitely given true Christians a bad name.

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