Roman Catholic Info

Over the weekend, I took my family to watch Spiderman 3. There was a lot of excitement for my 5 year old son, who had been in anticipation for the movie since the trailer began appearing in Yahoo more about 6 months ago. I must say that the movie had several Christian themed lessons to impart and we were discussing some of the lessons during dinner last night. Here are the lessons we learnt from the characters.

• Peter Parker - a person who lives a simple life and is faithful to one woman whom he wishes to marry. He is always fighting evil and doing good. He is seduced by the aura of invincibility brought on by the need for revenge. Eventually he returns to his good self. Forgives Flint Marko joyfully, although Marko doesn't ask for forgiveness.
• Mary Jane Watson - a woman who loves only one man and feels ashamed and guilty when she allows herself to be seduced inadvertently by her friend. She remains loyal to Peter Parker. Definitely something that is sorely lacking nowadays when we tend to be easily tempted to conclude a relationship when there are problems.
• Gwen Stacy - enamored by Peter Parker's intelligence. Sensible girl who knows she's a pawn in Parker's game to hurt MJ and walks out on Parker.
• Aunt May - disappointed that Spiderman had killed Sandman and not enthused by Parker's excitement that uncle Ben's killer has been killed. She understood that one death cannot rectify another's. Parker learns from this and eventually turns over a new leaf.
• Flint Marko- good hearted man who took the wrong turn in life. Shows remorse for killing uncle Ben and seeks understanding (not forgiveness) from Parker.
• Harry Osborn - seeks to avenge his father's death by killing Peter Parker. Eventually finds it in his heart to love Parker once again.

One issue that the movie doesn't remedy is Sandman's continued life of crime in order to save his daughter's life. A child watching this movie will require guidance from adults that the means to justify an end is important and that a method that's wrong cannot justify the end, even if it's a life being saved.

Although several critics have given the movie a below par rating, we found it a thrill.

The movie "300", has been successful at the box office. Time Magazine had a good write-up on the makings of this movie, which is very much digital. Apparently the only real things in the movie are the humans. Time also has an analysis of why the movie has been a raving success, especially among the young:

• the marketing of the movie that began last year with a sustained pre-launch program
• the historical link to the movie Hercules
• the mimicry of the scenes of the movie to that of the comic book
• the political and religious metaphors - the Iranians and not too pleased with the implications of the movie to Persian tyranny
• the look of the movie
• the women and
• the men

Besides these secular reasons for the success of the movie, Stan Williams has analysed the moral premise of the movie on his blog, The Moral Premise:

1. Vainglory in service of self leads to enslavement; but Humility in service of others leads to freedom.
2. Moral compromise, even if politically expedient, leads to enslavement and dread; but
   Executing justice, even if politically suicidal, leads to liberty, and hope.

Catch the movie if you haven't already.

Robert Redford's Sundance Films Festival appears to be a permissive and perversive environment for movies that test and extend the boundaries of chastity and decorum. Most recently "Zoo" has been receiving exalting reviews from the secular society.

We know too of the disdainful attitude of Hollywodd towards Christian theme movies. Most of us would assume that the tide against Christian movies changed after Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ". However a recent survey by Movieguide, indicated that Christian theme movies have been grossing more revenues compared to the depraved, sexually explicit movies churned out regularly by Hollywood. Most movie goers prefer movies with strong Christian lessons. Surprising indeed if we just listen to the mainstream reviews and box office releases that seemingly brag the opening day successes of the decadent movies. This attitude towards Christian movies started before "Passion of the Christ" and it took a Christian movie review guide to reveal the statistics.
Sylvester Stallone too has come out in the open claiming his reversion to Catholicism that he abandoned when he achieved super stardom. He has been on record stating that "Rocky Balboa" is a Christian themed movie. Now he has also stated that "Rambo IV" which will be released soon is a Christian themed movie as well. Hopefully he is not feigning his piety in order to improve his movies' earnings. We thank God that one more soul has returned to the true path and remain.

All Christians should be familiar with this hymn, Amazing Grace. As a born Catholic, I was familiar with the song but didn't mean much to me, until my late wife who was a convert to Catholicism took to this hymn in an endearing way. It was her favourite hymn. She would impulsively select this hymn during prayer meets. After she had passed away, I decided to inscribe the first verse of this hymn on her tombstone as a method to witnessing to God's saving power. Everyone who knew my wife would attest to the impact God had on her life towards the end.

Now there's a movie with this title and it's about the man who composed this hymn, William Wilberforce. Dr. Stan Williams reviews this movie from a Christian perspective on the Moral Premise.

Stan Williams reviews the movie Babel from a Catholic perspective.

The cast of this movie is multinational and the famous ones are Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. The premise of the movie is that it's not the multitude of languages on Earth that precludes understanding among people but the lack of listening. This is the common thread in all failed relationships.

Here are some profound messages from the movie:

1. Although as humans  we don't communicate very well, "we all share the same spiritual spine" - Alejandro Inarritu
2. When values crumble nothing makes sense anymore; when a link is broken, it's not just the link that breaks but the whole chain.
3. Modernity, money, and technology are no warrantor of connection and love. Better to be poor on the edge of the wilderness -- and listen.

And Stan's Moral Premise of the movie: Not listening leads to  becoming profoundly lost and confused; but Listening leads to deep connection and understanding.

Recently, news reports have been circulating announcing that Sylvester Stallone has returned to the Christian faith. Stallone relates how Hollywood success seduced him to abandon his faith several decades ago.
There may be promotional messages that the latest Rocky movie infuses Christian faith lessons, but make no mistake - it's not! Since the success at the box office of The Passion of The Christ, many movie produces try to skim off the former's success by claiming to have produced a Christian movie when it is merely a secular view although they may contain some Christian virtues.
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movie christian

Will Smith is at it yet again. He happens to be one of my favourite actors for a couple of reasons:

1. His long-term marriage to his wife - I always pray that his marriage will last. It was disheartening to learn that Eddie Murphy will be divorcing his wife of many years.
2. His portrayal of a myriad of characters - alien fighter (ID4 & MIB), Mohammad Ali, love consultant (Hitch). Although I found him annoying as the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, I've enjoyed his acting skills and the freshness he brings to his characters.

This time as the medical salesman-turned-stockbroker in "Pursuit of Happyness", which is based on a true story. Read the review by the USCCB.