John Hobbes: Denzel Washington,
Jonesy: John Goodman,
Lt. Stanton: Donald Sutherland,
Gretta Milano: Embeth Davidtz,
Lou: James Gandolfini,
Edgar Reese: Elias Koteas.

Directed by Gregory Hoblit.
Written by Nicholas Kazan.
Running time: 120 minutes.
Rated R (for violence and language).

FALLEN THEOLOGY
Subject: The theological inaccuracy of Hollywood films.
Date: Sun, 03 Sep 2000
From: Barry Shrapnel

Hi, I found your site yesterday, and I think it is wonderful. I have a keen interest in how Hollywood can use its own theology in films, but make it appear as if it was Bibical. There is a danger in this as the general public will not know what the Bible really says. A good example is "End of Days," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. While very strong on the idea that one's salvation comes from faith in God, the film makes serious errors in the use of Revelation, especially in the filmmaker's use of the number of the beast, 666. (A priest says that, in dreams people see numbers upside down. He says John dreamed 666, so it is really 999 or 1999, and 1999 is the date for the 1000 years: "When the thousand years have ended, Satan will be loosed from his prison" (Rev 20:7). Of course, the writer has pulled this passage out of context and used it for the plot. As I said in my review of that film: "The premise of the film is based on a passage in Revelation which states, 'When the thousand years have ended, Satan will be released from his prison. . . ' (Rev 20:7).

The film has been called a theological disaster because two key elements of the plot do not relate to Christian theology. These are: first, that Satan will have to impregnate a female between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight on New Years Eve in order to bring about the apocalypse; and, secondly, that if Satan doesn't get the girl during this time, he will go back to hell. Nowhere in Revelation or the Bible are these two ideas mentioned. Also, according to the Bible, the 2nd coming has to happen before Satan is released from his prison."

I have also written a long analysis of the film "Fallen," starring Denzel Wahington. I look at the Bibical background of the film and the sources of the philosophy and the demon in the film. I found some very interesting information on the identity of the demon, Azazel. I have enclosed an attachment which has excerpts of my review. As you know, the narrator of "Fallen" is the demon. I have analyzed the film from that viewpoint. My review is rather long, (3500) words, as I also discuss the themes in the film which deal with the nature of evil. Would you be interested in seeing the review, and/or having me edit it? The review for "Fallen"was first posted on the Hollywood Bitchslap movie review site, and they require that any of the reviews written for them, if appearing on another site, have a link to Hollywood Bitchslap. Thank you for looking at my submission, Barry Shrapnel

Response: Bad theology? I am glad for the public conversation and opportunity these films present. Both affirm the great cosmic battle now going on. Send what you will. I'll be happy to look it over. -David

WON'T BE DISAPPIONTED
March 29, 1999. I find it interesting that someone commented on how this movie shows how Satan plans to succeed. It might help to notice that something is mysteriously absent from the main character-- the idea of calling upon God for help. This movie is a perfect presentation of what it means to take on the powers of Satan with human authority. To me it says loud and clear, "Don't try it!" See the movie-- you won't be disappointed.

THE VARIOUS FACES OF EVIL
Feb 27, 1999. I think this movie served a purpose...a good one. It showed a man who is confronted with something purely evil and virtually indestructible, something unknown in the extreme. Yet he does not give in to fear. He faces this evil...he accepts that it is here...calls it by it's name and engages in battle with it. Despite the outcome(which I won't disclose :) he was willing to sacrifice all to destroy this beast. I think the film makers were right to make this film. It brings to light the various faces that evil can wear and that we should not ignore them.

SATAN IS OUT TO DESTROY US
Feb 8 1999, I am not sure how one would rate such a film. I almost walked out because it was so disgusting, but I stayed because I was so amazed at how bodly Satan revealed his scheme to destroy mankind using the art of film making to brag to the world that he expected to succeed. (Even Satan is deceived by his own lies.) The saddest part of this movie is that most of the audience viewed it as entertainment and did not have one clue that Satan was out to destroy them, too. MJ1925@aol.com

GREAT MOVIE
Feb 2 1999, I thought it was a great movie-I just hoped the demon would die. It was rather scary to see how the evil one worked through a crowd so quickly. But that is how sin is.