Compiled by Leo Partible
(Week of January 12, 2005)
Reel Faith in Pop Culture is newsletter from FilmPR.com that compiles headlines and resources to
inform the Christian community of the growing impact of Christians in pop culture.
To get the full story click on the link.
For questions or comments about this bi-weekly newsletter please contact Leo Partible at leo@filmpr.com
Also visit his website at www.dpgvisions.com
CONTENTS
QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
*Former President Clinton speaks kindly of President George W. Bush, affirms the best of Conservative and Progressive values
* January 5th "Lost" episode touches on faith, depicts a positive Christian character
HEADLINES:
* Bill Clinton and George W. Bush - the friendship of Bubba and Dubya
*Liberal online magazine Salon.com debunks "Da Vinci Code"
*NBC picks up Christian themed "The Book of Daniel"
*The Polar Express: An Evangelical Film?
*Comic Book publisher Alias introduces line of Christian-themed comic books to the mainstream
* Faith is a Rising Movie Star
*As "Ender's Game" Best-selling sci-fi author Orson Scott Card prepares to take over the writing on Marvel Comics'
Iron Man, homosexual groups angered by his criticism of homosexuality
*Interview with WHO NEEDS A SUPERHERO author H. Michael Brewer
*Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth cast as Lex Luthor and Lois Lane in new "Superman" movie
*AFI hails "The Passion of the Christ" and "Farenheit 9-11" as the landmark films of 2004
*"The Passion of the Christ" and Farenheit 9-11" win the People's Choice Awards
*Blues Prodigy Johnny Lang talks about his Christian faith
*Hollywood Insider pleads for understanding "We're not villains"
*Hollywood banks on the family film
*The Gospel According to Peanuts, Simpsons, Tolkien, Disney, Harry Potter, etc.
*New Star Wars, Batman, Harry Potter, and King Kong lead the pack of most anticipated films of 2005
*The Christian faith of Tony Blair's a new revival in the British Government?
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
*THE REVOLUTIONARY COMMUNICATOR: SEVEN PRINCIPLES JESUS LIVED TO IMPACT,
CONNECT AND LEAD by Erik Lokkesmoe and Jedd Medefind
*WHO NEEDS A SUPERHERO? by H. Michael Brewer (with a Forward by Leo Partible)
QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
*At the opening of the Clinton Library, former President Clinton speaks kindly of President George W. Bush, affirms the best of Conservative and Progressive values:
President Bill Clinton: Conservatism, which at its very best, draws lines that should not be crossed, and progressivism, which at its very best, breaks down barriers that are no longer needed or should never have been erected in the first place" (to President George W. Bush) Mr. President, again I say, I hope that you get to cross over to the promised land of Middle East Peace. We have a good opportunity and we are all praying for you, "I once said to a friend of mine about 3 days before the election, and I heard all the terrible things, I said, you know, am I the only person in the United States of America who likes both George W. Bush and John Kerry? Who believes they're both good people? Who believes they both love our country and they see the world differently?
* January 5th "Lost" episode touches on faith, depicts a positive Christian character:
(Dialogue between two characters -- Charlie and Rose. Throughout the episode, Charlie is feeling guilt. Rose tries to help him through his anguish.)
Charlie: Your husband was in the tail section of the plane.
Rose: Yes, he was. But he'll be back.
Charlie: Do you think he's still alive?
Rose: I know he is.
Charlie: How?
Rose: I just do.
She touches the ring hanging around her neck.
Rose (continues): It's a fine line between denial and faith. It's much better on my side.
She smiles, assured. Charlie breaks down and sobs.
Charlie (pleading): Help me.
Rose comforts him.
Rose: Baby, I'm not the one that can help you.
She puts her arms around Charlie, looks up to the sky and begins to pray.
Rose: Heavenly father, we thank you. We thank you for bringing us together.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
THE REVOLUTIONARY COMMUNICATOR: SEVEN PRINCIPLES JESUS LIVED TO IMPACT,
CONNECT AND LEAD by Erik Lokkesmoe and Jedd Medefind (Relevant Books)
The Revolutionary Communicator explores the revolutionary power and impact of Jesus" approach to communication, presenting seven communication truths that remain relevant 2,000 years later. In a media-dominated era, all readers"from parents to pastors to politicians" are invited on a journey to rediscover the passageways to influence, impact and relate, and to learn how to integrate seven communication truths in their relationships and professions.
Author Dwight Bain comments, "Today I had a chance to do a radio interview Erik Lokkesmoe and Judd Medefind, authors of "The Revolutionary Communicator" on WTLN in Orlando, FL. They outlined the 7 key principles to achieve a dramatic level of commection in communication, both at work and in personal relationships. While they were talking about how to get better results in daily communications, I noticed that my co-host and I were both busy writing down their insights as fast as they shared them. Their principles were effective and easy to put into use immedietely to get better results in your day to day interactions with others. This book quickly gets in your face about taking personal responsibility to make positive changes, and it will likely step on your toes in places, but it's worth checking out if you want to learn to connect to others with boldness and strength."
Order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com
WHO NEEDS A SUPERHERO? by H. Michael Brewer (with a Forward by Leo Partible) (Baker Books)
Christian audiences need a resource that will help them understand the Biblical themes presented in the comic book inspired films and television shows such as The Incredibles, The Matrix, Spider-Man, The X-Men, Smallville, Buffy The Slayer, Blade, The Hulk, Daredevil, Unbreakable, Hellboy, The Punisher, The Road to Perdition, Ghost World, From Hell, American Splendor, and the upcoming Elektra, Batman Begins, The Fantastic Four, Star Wars Episode 3: The Revenge of the Sith, and the new Superman film.
Order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com
HEADLINES:
Bill Clinton and George W. Bush - the friendship of Bubba and Dubya (MSNBC/Newsweek):
For two men at opposite ends of the political spectrum, the relationship between the 43rd and 42nd presidents has grown surprisingly warm and personal over the last six months. Clinton endorsed Bush's approach to the tsunami catastrophe, defending him against criticism about his initial response as well as raising cash alongside the president's father. Friends and aides say the two men enjoy each other's company and, as fellow pros, respect each other's political talents. The rapid thaw started with the unveiling of Clinton's official portrait in the White House in June, when Bush told his speechwriters he wanted to deliver something "very praiseworthy, warm, funny and short." During Clinton's recent health crisis, Bush called twice to share what one of the former president's aides called "good, funny conversations." And in November, at the opening of Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Ark., both the President and his father delivered praise that Clinton reveled in. Clinton even pulled aside Karl Rove, the architect of Bush's election success, to congratulate him.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6803476/site/newsweek/
Liberal online magazine Salon.com debunks 'Da Vinci Code':
For (Dan) Brown's part, it's to his advantage to insist that the farrago of lies and misrepresentations used to prop up the conspiracy theory in "The Da Vinci Code" (and, originally, in "Holy Blood, Holy Grail") is part of the historical record or at least in general circulation. Perhaps that's why Brown, who has avoided talking to the press about the accuracy of his book since "The Da Vinci Code" became a hit and drew fire from historians, granted a lengthy interview to the makers of "Unlocking Da Vinci's Code: The Full Story." The documentary recently aired on the National Geographic Channel and earned the 5-year-old cable network its highest rating ever.
http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2004/12/29/da_vinci_code/
NBC picks up Christian themed 'The Book of Danie' (Hollywood Reporter):
NBC is opening "Book of Daniel." The network has given a cast-contingent pickup to a darkly comedic one-hour drama pilot about an Episcopalian minister and father. He finds himself conversing with a hip, modern Jesus who helps navigate family problems, church politics and even his nagging reliance on prescription painkillers
http://entertainment.tv.yahoo.com/entnews/va/20050103/110474694900.html
The Polar Express ' An Evangelical Film? (Slate):
Paul Lauer, who is a key player in the film's marketing apparatus, sees The Polar Express as a parable for the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. Lauer's firm, Motive Entertainment, is best known for coordinating the faith-based marketing of The Passion of the Christ. Motive helped spread early word of mouth about the film by holding screenings for church groups and talking the movie up to religious leaders. When The Passion took in a stunning $370 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film in history, Lauer and his cohorts got a lot of the credit. Earlier this year, Motive was hired by Warner Bros. to promote The Polar Express to Christians.
http://slate.msn.com/id/2111391/
Comic Book publisher Alias introduces line of Christian-themed comic books to the mainstream:
Community Comics is a studio creating Christian-themed comics. Alias offered us the best of both worlds... not only were they able to market our crossover product effectively to the direct market, they were savvy enough to connect with a Christian store distributor to offer our titles in that market as well. We couldn't be happier.
http://www.newsarama.com/pages/Other_Publishers/Alias.htm
Faith is a Rising Movie Star (Seattle Times):
Even though "The Passion" was passed over by the Golden Globes, its breakout box-office success was an important affirmation in the marketplace, said William Blizek, editor of the journal Religion and Film at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. One immediate beneficiary of Gibson's groundbreaking effort was the television evangelist T.D. Jakes, who promoted the movie "Woman, Thou Art Loosed," based on his best-selling book, in private showings for pastors across the country.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2002137461_relfilms01m.html
As "Ender's Game" Best-selling sci-fi author Orson Scott Card prepares to take over the writing on Marvel Comics' Iron Man, homosexual groups angered by his criticism of homosexuality:
A little while ago, Marvel announced that Orson Scott Card, Hugo Award-winning writer of such works as ENDER'S GAME, would begin writing ULTIMATE IRON MAN. This announcement has pleased many but infuriated others' namely some gay and lesbian comic book fans, who feel that Card's opinions regarding homosexuality make him a questionable choice for the title at best and a dangerous one at worst. Many of these fans have threatened to boycott the title, while others plan to go one step further and boycott all of the company's output until Card is removed from the book. Still others are not certain whether the issue is worth taking such action over, or whether it's indeed an "issue" at all.
http://www2.cinescape.com/0/editorial.asp?aff_id=0&this_cat=Comics&action=page&obj_id=43259
Interview with WHO NEEDS A SUPERHERO author H. Michael Brewer:
Most readers, he said, don't immediately see the virtues of a superhero but "that doesn't mean they're not absorbing some values, both good and bad, from whatever entertainment they're taking part in," (Michael) Brewer said. "One could watch 'The Lord of the Rings' movies, all 20 hours of it, and never know that Tolkien was Christian and writing from that viewpoint. But they could still come away with a profound sense that there are things that are right and wrong, that victory doesn't come cheaply and that you have to take a stand."
http://www.rep-am.com/story.php?id=14535
Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth cast as Lex Luthor and Lois Lane in new "Superman" movie (E Online):
Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth, who costar as the swinging 1960s popsters in the Darin biopic Beyond the Sea, are lined up to play master criminal Lex Luthor and intrepid reporter Lois Lane, respectively, in the upcoming Man of Steel movie. The two will share the screen with newcomer Brandon Routh, tapped last fall as the Last Son of Krypton.
http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,15659,00.html?tnews
Note: You can hear Leo Partible's comments about the Christian undertones in Superman on a "Christians in Hollywood" segment of NPR at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1126769
AFI hails "The Passion of the Christ" and "Farenheit 9-11: as the landmark films of 2004 (BBC):
The American Film Institute (AFI) hailed Mel Gibson's biblical epic and Michael Moore's political documentary as inspiring national debate. It claimed both film-makers "tossed Hollywood convention out the window".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/4117339.stm
"The Passion of the Christ" and Farenheit 9-11" win the "People's Choice Awards":
Two controversial films that defied the odds to earn millions at the box office joined a familiar green ogre to take top honours at the 31st Annual People's Choice Awards last night. The Michael Moore film Fahrenheit 9/11, which took a critical look at U.S. President George W. Bush's actions after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, won the Favourite Movie award, while Mel Gibson's explicit The Passion of the Christ won in the Favourite Drama category.
http://www.thestar.com/
Blues Prodigy Johnny Lang talks about his Christian faith:
"A few years ago, I became a Christian," says (Johnny) Lang. "It's just an experience that absolutely nothing can parallel. It's a long story; I'll just say it was the most wonderful thing that happened to me and continues to be the most wonderful thing that has happened to me."
http://www.cleveland.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/entertainment/1105093808143460.xml
Hollywood Insider pleads for understanding "We're not villains" (USA Today):
But wait. If they're so conservative, why did every studio in town pass on Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ? Is it because they're all liberal Jews controlling the media, or because they thought the film would bomb? Ask them today if they would have financed Passion knowing then what they know now, and you'll see enough green lights to make Hollywood look like a Christmas tree. It pains me that our nation is so divided. So, during the next four years, I'm going to try to better understand the so-called Christian Right that views Hollywood as the enemy. Much like in my marriage, I'm going to focus on our similarities, because I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that if we try, we can find common ground. God, I sound like such a liberal.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2004-12-12-levitan-edit_x.htm
Hollywood banks on the family film (USA Today):
Hollywood, whose concept of family entertainment has evolved from tearjerkers such as National Velvet to costly adventure films such as National Treasure, is taking notice. Several wholesome family films are in theaters or are in development, including the documentary Paper Clips, about schoolchildren learning about the Holocaust, and the poignant boy-adventure saga I Am David " both in limited release" and the dog-buddy film Because of Winn-Dixie, which is due in February. To some, the timing smacks of knee-jerk Hollywood response to the cultural divide illustrated in red and blue states. To others, the movies are efforts to cash in on the Christian-infused success of The Passion of the Christ. But studios say they're not pandering to conservatives; they're simply responding to market forces. And in a nation still squeamish over wardrobe malfunctions and violence, studios are willing to bet that quiet, wholesome entertainment films like Nino will attract multi-generational audiences, especially preteens and the 40-plus crowd, the industry's fastest-growing demographic.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/2004-12-27-pop-main_x.htm
The Gospel According to Peanuts, Simpsons, Tolkien, Disney, Harry Potter, etc. (Christianity Today):
On my desk, in addition to The Gospel According to Tony Soprano, are The Gospel According to Harry Potter, The Gospel According to The Simpsons, The Gospel According to Disney, The Gospel According to Tolkien, and The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss' a canon-within-a-canon of recent religious explorations of popular culture. Nearby is the coffee-table book The Gospel According to ESPN: Saints, Saviors, and Sinners' a cornucopia of photographs, charts, and essays on American athletes produced by ESPN itself. (Alas, restricting myself to nonfiction meant that I
had to pass over Christopher Moore's 2003 novel Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal.)
http://www.christianitytoday.com/bc/2005/001/5.16.html
New Star Wars, Batman, Harry Potter, and King Kong lead the pack of most anticipated films of 2005 (CNN):
Of course, there's no way to know, sight unseen, which films will prove to be box office winners. A year ago, for instance, who would have predicted that "The Passion of the Christ" would gross $370 million domestically, nearly matching "Spider-Man 2's" $373 million? Nonetheless, looking ahead at 2005 suggests there are enough high-profile films in the pipeline to keep Hollywood in good spirits. Here's a quick look at 10 prime releases arriving later this year for which there are very high hopes. Opening dates, of course, are always subject to change.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/05/film.year.reut/index.html
The Christian faith of Tony Blairs' a new revival in the British Government? (The Telegraph):
Tony Blair, meanwhile, is the first Prime Minister since Gladstone who keeps a copy of the Bible beside his bed. When he is abroad on a Sunday, he insists that his civil servants find a church where he can worship. In London, he is more interested in St Thomas Aquinas's just war theory than in waiting lists at St Thomas' hospital. Until now, the "God thing", as less devout Cabinet ministers call it in private, has been most evident in Mr Blair's foreign policy decisions. To him, international affairs are a battle between good and evil. Although President Bush was criticised for his description of
the war on terrorism as a "crusade", it was in fact the Prime Minister who used the word first, in a Newsweek article about the Balkan war. His certainty about military action against Saddam Hussein derives from his analysis that the war was right in the eyes of God. His determination to "sort out" Africa is driven by the view that Christians must help the poor.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk > click here
