Monday, November 30, 2009
film reviews: topp twins, earth whisperers, blessed, up, an education
The assignment: 500 words, monthly, offering a Christian perspective on contemporary film, paid, for Touchstone (Methodist) denominational magazine. Here are (some more of: Four holidays, Doubt, Gran Torino, Pink Panther 2 already posted here) my 2009 reviews for the year to date.
The Topp Twins. Untouchable Girls. This is a joyous movie, a healthy yodel to life well lived. Centre stage are Jools and Lynda Topp, filmed in concert, singing their songs, reminiscing among friends, telling the stories that have made them one of New Zealand’s most recognisable entertainers … for more
Earth Whisperers/Papatuanuku. Confession time. Watching Earth Whisperers/Papatuanuku increased my global footprint … for more, including film church discussion guide
Blessed. “Blessed” is a gritty exploration of parenting today … for more
Up. Get down to Up. Take your children. Then ask your neighbour’s grandchildren. Whatever you do, do not forget your church leadership team … for more
An education. “An education” is a movie about a moment. It captures a life coming of age, a decade poised on the threshold of sex, drugs and rock and roll and the intellectual struggle between the school classroom and the university of life. The result is a movie so satisfying it is easy to lose sight of what is essentially a sordid tale … for more
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“Up” is my surprise of the year. Hubby and I don’t often go to the movies, but were given some tickets that were expiring in 10 days. “Up” was the only thing which vaguely interested us both, so we down graded our Cinemilounge tickets and took the kids with us. This is a movies which has more layers than my 8 or 5 year old got. Exploring issues: of plans dashed, falling from grace; hope and loss; dislocation and loving relationships. I loved loved loved it, and enjoyed being surprised by God in watching it. I am planning to use it as part of my marriage preparation package.
Comment by KSW — November 30, 2009 @ 11:13 pm
Yeah, it was Up that cemented our call to aussie next year. I was wavering, unwilling to face the pain of telling church, friends, family. Then went to Up and realised the need for adventure.
Love to hear more on how you plan to use in marriage preparation,
steve
Comment by steve — December 3, 2009 @ 9:06 am
Haven’t really put any shape around – and since I don’t have any weddings booked for this “wedding season” won’t do it for a while… But what I was thinking was sending the couple away with the home work of watching the movie together – and getting them to think about making dreams together, and supporting one another when dreams are dashed etc (grief, teamwork etc). One of the thing I loved about the cinematography, was the first “chapter” – telling a story from age 8 to 80 in ten minutes. The advantage for this is if the couple comes back saying “we didn’t make the time to watch the movie” then the three of us can watch the first 10 minutes and embark on the discussion from there.
Comment by KSW — December 3, 2009 @ 10:02 pm