With an Eye Ahead: The Top Eleven Films of 2005
by Dr. Marc T. Newman
February 1, 2005
(AgapePress) - For those who are looking forward to a year of outreach and ministry through movies, the "top ten" lists that examine the previous year are certainly valuable. Most of the films that debuted last year are now available on DVD and contain great illustrations that can be brought into the Sunday school classroom, Bible Study session, or the sanctuary.But if we want to make the most of movies as a resource to introduce people to the Gospel or as a means to spark meaningful discussions of moral and transcendent issues, then a look ahead to the coming year is vital. It is when movies first arrive that the buzz is high -- providing the best environment in which to engage our culture.
While many films still lack a firm release date -- and those dates are always subject to change as studios jockey for position -- the following films represent the Top Eleven Films of 2005 based on perceived ministry potential and audience draw. Why eleven and not ten? Because MovieMinistry strives to give you more!
(EDITOR'S NOTE: In most cases, these films have not yet been made available for preview, so these recommendations are based on what we know about the films, or can glean from past performance, plot synopses, or trailers. Highlighting these films does not represent an endorsement of these films -- just an acknowledgement that they appear to contain some potent material.)
MovieMinistry's Top Eleven Films to Watch For in 2005
Constantine (February 18) -- No need to guess about the content here as I have already seen this film. This is not a historical epic about the emperor, but the tale of John Constantine -- demon hunter. Gifted from birth with the ability to see the unseen world, both angelic and demonic, his parents fear he is insane and have him institutionalized. Driven to despair, he attempts suicide, making him (if you buy the film's theology) unfit for heaven. In an attempt to win favor with God, Constantine dedicates his life to "deporting" demons back to hell. If you are looking for a movie that will drive you to discussions about the meaning of, and penalty for, sin, humankind's experience of alienation, the reality of the spirit world, the discussion of works and its relationship to redemption and salvation -- this is your movie. I am not arguing that the film is filled with good theology; some of it is clearly off the mark. But you are unlikely to find many films this year that will put these issues this unapologetically on the line. For those who can overcome some spiritual horror elements, violence, and occasional profanity -- there will be a lot of talk at the coffee shop.
Because of Winn Dixie (February 18) -- For those who want to discuss the softer side of redemption in mid-February, Walden Media (famous for its faithful book adaptations) and 20th Century Fox bring the Newberry Medal award-winning book to life. It is the story of a young girl, Opal, abandoned at an early age by her mother, who manages to bring healing to the damaged residents of a small Floridian town with the help of her adopted dog -- Winn Dixie. The film is sure to contain elements that can lead to a discussion of friendship evangelism, and the need to seek out the lost rather than waiting for them to recognize their problems and bring themselves to church. Opal's father is a pastor -- so this film is also likely to be one of those rare movies with a realistic, yet positive, view of clergy.
Sin City (April 1) -- A dark film whose edgy visual look will grant it nearly instant cult-film status, it is based on comic-book legend Frank Miller's work -- he is the man responsible for the return of Batman. This film will be on every teen and college student's radar before the release date. Just a look at the trailer indicates that this film will be a hard PG-13 at best, if not an R, and that the subject matter will center on the degradation that is Sin City. Look for characters trying different ways to redeem themselves from misspent lives, while others fall in deeper. One of the key topics to discuss for those willing to view this film will be the way our culture has embraced the "coolness" of sin -- evident in the ascendancy of first-person shooter games, stripper chic, and the media attention lavished on thugs -- and that's not just in the fictional Sin City; it is an established feature on the campuses of America. Using the fictional to disarm, while confronting the facts, is a device as old as Nathan and David.
Kingdom of Heaven (May 6) -- Yes, Orlando Bloom is back in a period piece. Kingdom of Heaven takes place during the Crusades of the 12th century. Directed by Ridley Scott -- who helmed Blade Runner and Gladiator -- this promises to be a spectacle. Expect opportunities to explore the mistakes the Christian Church has made in the past, but also capitalize on the virtues embodied (at least in theory) in knighthood: protecting the weak, speaking the truth, and honoring your promises. Warfare is frequently used in Scripture as an analogy to the Christian life because of its emphasis on faithfulness, perseverance, and obedience. As a result, films about war can be a testing ground for discussion of these issues in the battles we daily face.
Star Wars: Episode Three: The Revenge of the Sith (May 19) -- At $1.5 billion and counting, Star Wars is the most successful film franchise in history. While plot twists will surely abound, the original Star Wars film (now titled Star Wars: Episode Four: A New Hope) has already revealed its ultimate ending. Still, opportunities exist for discussions about the seductive nature of sin, how to respond when it appears that evil is winning, and the power of institutionalized evil. Expect more dualistic Manichaean spirituality from George Lucas. Though the theology is dangerous if adopted, these films do provide a great forum for discussing the recurrent nature of non-Christian spiritual ideas, and might drive some to have a look at St. Augustine's earlier life, when he embraced Manichaeism, and examine the reasons he gave for its rejection.
Cinderella Man (June 3) -- The Academy Award-winning trinity of director Ron Howard and actors Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger join to tell the story of depression-era boxer Jim Braddock. Stung by a string of defeats, Braddock stages the ultimate comeback, giving himself to the people as an object of hope during a turbulent time. Sports have historically been fertile ground ripe with spiritual metaphor -- and boxing is specifically mentioned in Scripture as an analogy for the discipline of the faith. Expect to find material that portrays the importance of family, and the need for a father. Also, how a good man seeking to do what is right finds his reward.
Batman Begins (June 17) -- Batman is at once one of the darkest and yet most sympathetic superheroes in the comics. Possessed of no superhuman powers, he must rely on his intellect, his detective skills, training, and technology to fight crime. Unfortunately, the first time around the Batman films were over the top, and failed to express the true nature of the books or the character. This time, helmed by the cutting-edge director of Memento, Christopher Nolan, the film promises both action and reflection. Ideas that are percolating in this film include: a discussion of what happens when sin festers, the desire for justice, and the sin of revenge. There also is a section of the trailer that speaks of the power of devotion to transform. Expect a much more serious film that will spark some deep conversations.
War of the Worlds (June 29) -- Steven Spielberg will light up the Fourth of July weekend with this remake of the H.G. Wells classic tale of alien invasion. War of the Worlds will be one of the big summer movies, but the details are currently under wraps. The story is told from the perspective of one family trying to survive, so look for teaching opportunities around uniting to fight a common enemy, and explorations of the complexities of family dynamics. Wells was not a fan of the institutional church -- so the possibility exists for slams on Christian clergy. Even this kind of treatment, should it appear, opens doors to discuss the way the world views Christians in general, and Christian leaders in particular. We shouldn't shy away from these films, but should use them as chances to engage.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (November 18) -- This will be the fourth adaptation of J.K. Rawlings' tales of Harry Potter and the Hogwarts School of Wizardry. It is most notable for its ability to create friction in the Christian community over the place of magic in fiction. For an excellent summary of the arguments on all sides, please see Biola professor Dr. Todd Lewis' article "The Holy 'Harry Potter' Wars." For those willing to use this film, there certainly will be themes of friendship, the clash of good over evil, fame, and the difficulties of being "different." Harry has been invited to take part in a three-school competition that is anything but safe. And the competition is complicated by Lord Voldemort -- Harry's mortal enemy -- who is seeking to return to this world to put an end to Harry once and for all.
Walk the Line (November 18) -- The story of Johnny Cash, an icon of the country music scene and influential across many musical genre. There is little advance word on this film, but Cash's life included struggles with success, including amphetamine addiction and arrest, divorce, and finally a conversion to Christianity. Let's hope that the filmmaker has the courage to depict all of Cash's life, and not just the sordid parts. The film should be filled with themes of success, pride, sin and failure, discovering meaning in life, and (let us pray) conversion. If not, it would be a good idea for Christians to read up on Cash's life so that they can fill in the blanks after the credits roll.
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (December 9) -- The most anticipated film in the Christian community since The Passion of the Christ -- The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe will likely be the best wide-demographic tool for discussing the Gospel most of us will likely see on screen in our lifetimes. Because the film is adapted from C.S. Lewis' series of children's books, beloved by generations of readers, it is unlikely to receive the backlash heaped upon The Passion. All of the people involved in the production of this film have pledged that they have faithfully adapted the work -- all the way down to the depiction of the Stone Table sacrifice. While the secular distributors will likely concentrate on themes of family, unity, and the triumph of good over evil, Christians can draw on the redemptive elements of the film to introduce Christ's sacrifice for His enemies (us) in just the way Lewis was, himself, drawn in -- through the inviting myths of his youth that found their factual embodiment in the person of Jesus.
As the year unfolds, and smaller -- yet provocative -- films come to the fore, MovieMinistry will be there to provide evaluation and direction for their use. But it is the big box-office films that command my attention early in the year. These are films that generate anticipation, and therefore serve as a barometer of what interests a sizable segment of our culture. Many of the themes are addressed by the Scriptures, and if we are wise in reading the audience for these films, we will discover there the audience for the claims of our Savior. And then we can choose our words carefully, season them with salt, and begin to discover new ways to have an answer for every one.
Marc T. Newman, PhD (marc@movieministry.com) is the president of MovieMinistry.com -- an organization that provides sermon and teaching illustrations from popular film, and helps the Church use movies to reach out to others and connect with people.
