Thursday, February 18, 2010

Christianity Today's Critics' Choice Awards for 2009

Just published yesterday was the annual Critics' Choice Awards for 2009. These are the ten most excellent films as voted by the CT Critics. Interestingly, their top two films may well win Oscars for Best Picture and Best Animated Picture. I have seen 6 of these 10 and three of my favorites of 2009 are in this list (Avatar, Star Trek and Up). Four of the movies also showed up on their Most Redeeming Movies of 2009 list, but there are also some notable mentions that are worth considering for future viewing.

2 comments:

  1. I am a little confused...Christianity Today's favorite film is Avatar? This move uses Our Lord's name in vain no less that 7 times! People are going to watch this movie based on your opinion....7 times is says G-D and you vote it a favorite? Not to mention the other profanities....this is from screenit.com At least 10 "s" words, 1 slang term using male genitals ("d*ck"), 5 hells, 4 asses, 4 damns, 3 craps, 1 S.O.B., 7 uses of "G-damn," 2 of "Jesus" and 1 use each of "For Christ's sakes," "My God," "Oh God" and Oh my God." Now tell me again why it would be a favorite of a Christian anything?

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  2. I am reporting that Avatar is a favorite of the CT Critics. Moreover, if you read my review it is one of my favorites of 2009 also.

    You do not rate a movie by the number of swear words. My favorite movie of 2008, and one of the best, was "Gone Baby Gone". If you counted the number of cursings it would total well over 100 I am sure. But if you look at the moral questions raised and interact with them, you will find it is deep and ethical. Likewise, you should look below the superficial focus on words to the content of Avatar. It has a number of themes to explore. Moreover, if you have seen it in 3-D it is quite an experience. I stand by my opinion: it is one of the best movies of this last year.

    Ultimately, as I look at movies I see if resonates with my Christian beliefs or not. I see if come closer to God as I ponder the film. This does not require an absence (or presence) of swearing. It does require content that sparks connections with the divine in my spirit.

    For an even more in-depth review from a Christian pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, check out this link: http://cinemagogue.com/2010/02/12/avatar-attacks/. But be warned, you will be even more annoyed if you do read it.

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