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Post by Josh on Nov 13, 2010 15:04:57 GMT -8
So on Friday night I got to see a special pastor's screening of the movie version of C.S. Lewis's the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which is coming out next month.
I had mixed feelings about it. There were many changes to the original plot- some decent innovations or understandable simplifications, but also some disappointing omissions and hurrying through some great scenes.
It was well filmed for the most part. The main actors were solid, especially Eustace.
If anyone's interested, I can give them more details.
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Post by christopher on Nov 13, 2010 19:15:10 GMT -8
Special pastor's screening? Oh brother.  What could there possibly be about a Hollywood production that would need or warrant a "special pastors' screening". So, is it spiritually safe for us sheep to go see? ;D |
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Michael
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Post by Michael on Nov 13, 2010 20:43:22 GMT -8
Ha! We just watched The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with the older boys tonight. I was hoping Dawn Treader would be more true to the book, as I felt Prince Caspian was a bit of a disappointment. Is it worth seeing on the big screen? Or should we wait for video? We'll at least wait till it's at the more affordable "seconds" theaters, since we don't get pastor privileges.  |
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Post by Josh on Nov 13, 2010 21:35:29 GMT -8
Special pastor's screening? Oh brother. What could there possibly be about a Hollywood production that would need or warrant a "special pastors' screening". So, is it spiritually safe for us sheep to go see? ;D Well, they know that a big facet to the success of movies with spiritual themes is getting support from churches. Pastoral endorsements apparently are a big factor in getting people to show up in support of movies like this. Apparently they think I've got a lot of pull with my "congregants" But, actually, it was cool because I got to contribute some opinions (the movie isn't completely finalized I guess). |
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Post by christopher on Nov 13, 2010 22:44:58 GMT -8
Ha, even better. So Hollywood can summons an army of clergy to do it's marketing for it. I love it.  |
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Post by Josh on Nov 14, 2010 9:19:50 GMT -8
I don't really see it that way.
Unless a market for family-friendly and pro-faith films is encouraged and maintained, there isn't going to be one.
And I'm very encouraged by the rise of quality films along these lines. It used to be that Christians could only make second rate films- now because of concerted effort there has been a series of either excellent or at least good films that reinforce a Christian perspective.
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Post by Josh on Nov 14, 2010 9:22:39 GMT -8
BTW, as I believe they say in the "lord save us from our followers" DVD, there really isn't a "monolithic" Hollywood. Hollywood is just a reflection of what the culture wants. It doesn't have any agenda other than making money. It is rarely driving the culture wars. It's just an easy target for Christians.
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Post by christopher on Nov 14, 2010 17:49:17 GMT -8
Who said there was a monolithic Hollywood? I use the term to as quick way to refer to the movie industry the same way I would use "Corporate America" to refer to big business or "the Church" to refer the sum total of gathering believers in the world. Don't read more into what I said than what I said. I don't disagree with that. But what does that have to do with special "pastor's screenings" if not to encourage a free movie plug from the pulpit? If you're OK with that, fine, take the free screening. But let's see it for what it is....a marketing campaign for the movie to make a profit . Let's not try to turn it into a worthy cause for the culture. Maybe it's my rebellious nature, but I generally balk at being used as a marketing tool for anyone. And it especially rubs against my grain to think of the Church being used in this way. Jesus would roll over in His grave (if He was in there ;D). Of course the irony is, the same pastors that you hear railing the "evil culture corrupting Hollywood empire" one week are probably the same ones that are attending these special "pastor's screenings" the next. (and no, I don't mean you  ) |
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Michael
Intermediate Member
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Post by Michael on Nov 15, 2010 14:04:13 GMT -8
I know what you're saying, Chris, and I tend to be skeptical as well. But why can't it be a "marketing campaign for the movie to make a profit" AND a "worthy cause for the culture?" Besides, Josh got to see a movie for free, and that's the least we can allow for an unpaid pastor. I think if Josh was going into it with his eyes wide open (and I'm sure he did), then no harm was done. I mean, at least he's not being paid to advertise the movie from the pulpit: In fact, the whole marketing scheme could backfire, since Josh could easily come back from the movie and tell us, "THIS MOVIE STINKS ON ICE! I WOULDN'T WISH IT ON MY WORST ENEMY!" Ahh, the free market. It cuts both ways. ;D So back to my original question, Josh: Is it worth seeing on the big screen? Or should we wait to rent the DVD? Or, not see it at all? |
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Post by Josh on Nov 15, 2010 14:38:21 GMT -8
I'm torn because for personally practical reasons I don't think it's ever worth the money to see a movie in the theater at full price.
And this ain't no Lord of the Rings- which I was certainly willing to pay full price for.
But it's worth seeing, in my opinion, if you're a fan of Narnia/ C.S. Lewis and I definitely want Justus to experience it despite some flaws.
Also, I want it to be successful because I want them to make the rest of the movies! And success basically translates these days to how well a movie does on opening weekend.
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Post by christopher on Nov 15, 2010 20:04:57 GMT -8
Yeah, Mike, I know I’m probably sounding like I got a major beef here, but I really don’t. It’s more of a rolly-eyed kind of thing . To Hollywood, nothing’s sacred in the shameless pursuit of ticket sales, and to much of the Church, Hollywood is evil...until there’s a free movie in the deal. ;D Well, this prophet messiah guy I once read about said something about serving two masters. |
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Post by Josh on Nov 15, 2010 22:18:29 GMT -8
The eye rolling is mutual  |
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