Christian Book Notes

I am republishing this review because the DVD is coMing out this Tuesday and I would like to alert everyone of this fact.

Introduction

I recently saw the movie Courageous and, while I did not intend to write about it, I decided I had to share with others what transpired afterward.  This is not going to be review (I haven’t been asked to review the book yet) of the movie.  Rather, it is going to be more of a reaction piece.  You can check out the 2 1/2 minute movie trailer below. For more information about the movie, you can check out the official website.  You can like their fan page on Facebook.

My Thoughts

I had heard nothing but great things from men like Randy Alcorn and others. I figured it would be a decent movie as I have enjoyed the movies that have come from the Kendrick brothers. I was not prepared for the giant leap in writing, production, acting, as well as the over all experience.

I legitimately experienced a wide-range of emotions sitting in the theater. I laughed–hysterically a number of times, I cried–three times that I can remember, and I white-knuckled my arm rests–too many times throughout. There were a few times that I could “predict” what was going to happen next, but there were more times I was stunned by what took place from scene to scene. You can tell that the Kendrick Brothers are maturing as writers and directors with each film.

The action started from the very beginning of the movie and continued through to the end. There were so many layers to the story that I believe watching it two or three times will not be too much.

What Transpired After

I called one of my close friends and asked if he wanted to see the 10:00 showing Sunday night. He is not a believer so I let him know that it was an overtly Christian movie but evidently has a very positive message and challenge for men. My friend is not yet married nor is he a father, but he longs to one day be both. Regardless, we went to the movie together not really knowing what to expect.

When we left the movie, we both commented that it was a really great movie and he said that I ought to warn him when I take him to a movie that makes him cry. We decided to go to Denny’s for a late-night snack (a tradition that dates back some 17 years for us) and some conversation.

The movie opened the door to some excellent conversation between the two of us. Though it was not about the gospel, it was about what it meant to be a man, a father, and a husband. Two hours later, we left (it was 2:45 AM). The next day (or should I say, later that day) we texted one another multiple times still talking about the impact of the movie. On my friend’s Facebook page, he wrote, “Every man Christian or not probably would do well to watch Courageous.”

Keep in mind, he is not a believer. In fact, he is one of the more anti-Christian’s I know (and yes, we are still very good friends).

Recommendation

I share all of this to let you know that this movie will have an impact on just about every man that watches it. If you are a pastor, I would recommend taking the men in your church to see this movie. If you are a youth pastor, I would recommend taking the fathers of the youth under your ministry. If you are a man, a father, or want to be a father, you need to go see this movie. Take your wife (if applicable) and make it a date night. You will not be sorry.

Introduction

I had never heard of Immaculata Catholic College for women, now Immaculata University (co-ed) until watching this movie.  So, too, I had never of Cathy Rush, pioneering women’s basketball coach in the 1970′s (I am a baseball fan!) until this movie.  Now, I have become very familiar with the stories of both because of this movie.  You can find out more about the movie and watch a few scenes here.

Since I normally do not review movies, I highly recommend you read Bob Hoose’s review of the movie over at Plugged in Online.  That is, after you read mine!

Trailer/Summary

Review

I enjoyed the movie on many levels.  First, I enjoy sports and sports-themed movies.  Having never heard of this story, I found that I was fascinated at the historicity of what took place in the movie (more on that in a moment).  The characters were believable and helped the viewer to relate with them in their respective situations.  I found that I was cheering on the girls and hoping no more would walk out on the practices.

The theme of working together as a team is the strongest element of the movie.  Even though life is a mess for off of basketball court, the girls, and the coach are able to rally around one another and come together for an improbable run at the end of the season.

There are some criticisms though none of which ruined the movie for me.  First, some of the historical inaccuracies, undoubtedly added as theatrical license, were glaring.  For example, the truth that it took Coach Rush 3 years to win it all or the final score of that first Finals game not being what it was portrayed to be (they won by 4 not 2).  Even here though the movie accomplishes its purpose.  I had to dig around a bit for that information and in so doing learned quite a bit more about the program’s history.  That is what a good movie about a historical event (sports or not) ought to do.  Mission accomplished.

There is one final criticism I had which is a theological point.  After all, I am Christian Book Notes!  As the team is sitting in the airport, the assistant coach, a nun, and the head coach have an interesting exchange.  The head coach “confesses” to the asst. coach that she is not Catholic.  Instead, she is a Baptist.  The asst. coach then looks at her incredulously and asks if she “believes” to which the coach says yes.  ”Well, then,” the asst. coach responded, “we are sisters.”

My problem is that the belief was implied and never made explicit.  My problem was that the Reformation that took place in 1517 is completely ignored.  I am not saying that a Catholic and a Baptist cannot be spiritual sisters.  What I am saying is that there are still many significant differences that most certainly divide Catholicism and Protestantism.  Again, this does not wreck the movie for me.

What helps the movie, in my estimation, are the subtle, and some not so subtle, quips throughout the movie.  For example, the line stating that the basketball team is making winning a habit or the “carpenter” in which the asst. coach is “married” to take some thought to laugh at but in the end were hilarious to me.

Recommendation

This movie opens on the day this review is being published.  If you are looking for an enjoyable family movie, or even a date night with your girlfriend or wife, you will both enjoy watching this movie.  It is clean and wholesome with a message that is enjoyable.  Who knows, you may learn something new along the way as I did.  For more information on show times, check out the website here.  I enjoyed this movie and I know you will as well.

Introduction

This is not a book review per se.  I have watched the movie below and I ask that you watch it as well.  Sadly, the rhetoric that has been all over the Internet has shown the hatred so many have for Christians as well as those who are truly pro-life (as opposed to be only pro-life “personally”).  I am not asking for heated rhetoric and will not tolerate any here.  I do ask those who are Christian who do view this movie to share the movie with your friends through your various social media connections.  If you decide to engage in conversation regarding this 33 minute documentary, I ask that you remain respectful of other opinions and when/if fighting for the gospel, please remember the grace and mercy shown to you by Christ when you were an unrepentant sinner.  You can also check out their efforts for those who are Pro-Choice here.

Quotes

Many have weighed in on this movie.  Below are few choice quotes from those who have seen the movie.

• “I confess, I have committed 7 murders! GOD forgive me, I will never NEVER AGAIN trivialize abortion. NEVER again will I agree with the lie.”
• “From someone that been Pro-choice this video changed my view on life completely.” Jerry
• “Today I watched the movie for the second time and the gravity of what I did 14 years ago brought me to sobs.” Penny Hunter
• “I’ve had multiple abortions and I’ve heard abortion compared to the Holocaust before. But, I’ve never understood why…This video has been popping up all over Facebook. I finally clicked on the link. I am a history buff with a passion for WW2. My attention was immediately grabbed. As soon as the switch to abortion began I wanted to stop watching, but I couldn’t. Part of me needed to keep watching. I don’t know what to do with this information, but I think it is changing the way I view these things. I might need to watch it again. That’s something I never thought I’d say.” Candice
• “This movie has changed my heart! I stopped after the movie and just repented [to] God for my forgiveness.” Jamee

“180” has been commended by John Piper, Kay Arthur, Joni Eareckson Tada, Kirk Cameron, Francis Chan, and a host of other high profile leaders. Mark Hall (Casting Crown’s lead singer) said, “This short documentary has totally rocked my world this week. PLEASE check it out…I dare you to watch 180.”

My Thoughts

My initial thought is that this is a compelling documentary.  The parallels made throughout the movie are valid and true.  There is no other issue that I can think of that ratchets up the rhetoric as does the issue of abortion.  Ray Comfort, of Way of the Master fame, is in his element doing street interviews and evangelism.  Watching this video will certainly equip the Christian and those who are pro-life to have a calm and calculated conversation with those who are pro-choice (see, pro-abortion).

My critic’s thought is that we do not know how many men and women Ray interviewed to put together this documentary.  That is important to remember because I do not want people to go away thinking that 180 is the silver bullet in the abortion debate.  Rather, it is a logical conversation that shows the inconsistencies in our thoughts and if you (or I) were to take a hard look at our own thought life, we would find that we, too, have inconsistencies.  Ultimately, this is a gospel issue and Ray painstakingly shows that throughout this video as it builds to its crescendo.

I recommend that regardless of where you fall on the issue of abortion, you watch this video.  Pastors, think about showing it to your congregation.  Youth pastors, you will definitely want to show it to your youth after showing it to their parents.

More Information

If you want more information you can visit the webpage, 180Movie.com, where there is a host of information as well as a forum for conversation.  You can like the Fan Page on Facebook.  You can follow on Twitter as well.