Movie Reviews and Christian Articles

Sermon Illustrations - Movie Reviews and Christian Articles

The Church at Sundance

by Marc T. Newman, Ph.D.

The whole idea behind edgy, independent film is that by prying themselves from the commercial grip of major studios, filmmakers finally have the freedom to tell the truth. Sometimes this works. Last year’s The Redemption of General Butt Naked and Higher Ground were intense explorations of spiritual life. Both films were challenging in different ways, but managed to maintain a respect for their religious subject matter. This year, Sundance again returns to tackle spiritual matter in documentaries and feature films. While no single look at Sundance can do the entire festival justice – there are, after all, only so many hours in a day one can watch movies – my hope is that my nearly twenty screenings will provide at least a representative sampling.

The Tooth Fairy (2010)

The Tooth Fairy is a simple comedy about belief -- in yourself and in others. There is good sermon illustration on discouragement and encouragement. Look at the FilmTalk Small Group Bible Study for more discussion areas.

Movie's Sermon General's Warning:
The Tooth Fairy contains some hockey violence and mild language.

Theater Release Date: Jan 1, 2010 Genera: Comedy Rating: PG

The Twilight Saga - New Moon (2009)

New Moon continues the Twilight Saga of vampire Edward and human Bella -- star-crossed lovers who separate when Edward fears for Bella's safety. Designed for young women, the film is filled with yearning, sighing, near-kisses, and romantic confusion with a bit of vampire and werewolf violence to jolt guys awake. As a film, it's not much, but youth pastors, in particular, ignore this phenomenon to their peril. If nothing else, the saga's popularity speaks to young women's desire for love, romance, protection, and self-sacrifice -- something in direct contrast with a pop culture addicted to easy sexuality, hooking up, a "whatever" sense of false confidence, and emphasis on self. Discussing why the books and films are so popular (even those who haven't read them know about them) could open up an otherwise potentially disinterested group to spiritual discussion. But there is danger here too.

Movie's Sermon General's Warning:
The Twilight Saga: New Moon contains vampire and werewolf violence, capitalizes on yearning teen sensuality, and has a disturbing take on how spiritual truths are discerned. Our FilmTalk card is not meant to be an endorsement of this film, but, since millions are seeing it, we created this tool to aid discussion.

Theater Release Date: Nov 11, 2009 Genera: Romance Rating: PG-13

Paranormal Activity (2009)

Paranormal Activity takes the supernatural realm seriously. It is not a ghost story, it is the story of a woman who is stalked by a demon. It is worth asking people who have seen this film, if they were scared. If so, what scared them? Do they acknowledge that there is a spiritual realm beyond what they can see? Why did the main character seek out help from a psychic, from a Ouija board, and from his own bravado and physical strength, but ignored any supernatural help from God? Movies such as Paranormal Activity provide Christians with an opportunity to discuss the reality of the spiritual realm, and explain that God is sovereign over both the seen and unseen world. There is a real spiritual battle raging, and it is important to know which side you are on. Neutrality is not an option. If these are the kinds of discussions you would like to be having after a movie. Check out MovieMinistry's FilmTalk Small Group Bible Studies. They contain scene set-ups, questions about the movie and related Bible passages to drive after-film discussions straight to the Scriptures.

Movie's Sermon General's Warning:

Theater Release Date: Oct 10, 2009 Genera: Horror Rating: R