movie reviews from a christian perspective

Oscars 2024 — Who Should Win (Part Two)

Oscars 2024 — who should win (part one).

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Oscars 2023 — Who Should Win (Part Two)

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• Blog: Movies

Plugged In Movie Awards: 2021: Best Christian Movies

• February 25, 2021

Nominations for our final Plugged In Movie Awards category lands … well, right below these few introductory sentences. It was a pretty interesting year for Christian movies, and our slate of worthy nominees feels more diverse than in some past years: From comedies to dramas, from events that took place more than 100 years ago to events that could’ve taken place yesterday, Christian moviemakers gave us a little bit of everything.

Some of these movies could be pretty challenging, too, so so be sure to check out our full reviews before you decide to watch. But if you  have  watched, we invite you to participate, too! Vote on  Facebook  or  Instagram , or in the comments section right here. Let us know which of these movies struck a chord with you.

Then, while we’re counting your votes,  Plugged In  will be doing its own awards deliberations—right on our very own  Plugged In Show ! You can listen to us argue over the nominees, and announce our own winners, on March 19. (Movie blurbs were written by Paul Asay, Emily Clark, Adam Holz, Bob Hoose and Kristin Smith.)

Fatima (PG-13): In 1917, three children ran into a strange woman as they herded sheep—a woman who says she came from heaven. So begins the strange, miraculous story of Fatima, which faithfully chronicles the events of Our Lady of Fatima—events the Catholic Church have more or less legitimized. This deeply Catholic story isn’t just about those apparently miraculous events, though: It’s about holding firm to faith in the midst of doubt and persecution, and it’s about following God—even when it means that we, or those around us, might suffer because of it. While the film does include some violent moments, Fatima revolves around its deep sense of faith and invites us to believe in miracles.

I Still Believe (PG):  When Christian singer Jeremy Camp’s soon-to-be wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, everyone around her prayed for her to be healed— and that prayer was answered . Melissa was miraculously cured. They got married and were excited to share their story with the masses and bring glory to God. But God hadn’t finished revealing His plan for them. On their honeymoon, Melissa’s cancer returned. And sadly, there wasn’t a miraculous cure this time around. I Still Believe tells Melissa and Jeremy’s powerful and difficult story. It shows that even when we lay it all down at the feet of the Lord, we still might not get the answer we hope for. But I also shows us how this couple maintained their faith in God through all of it.

Selfie Dad (PG): Ben Marcus’ midlife crisis is coming at him from nearly every direction. Things aren’t great at home with his wife or kids. Work’s no picnic either. And he’s pretty much shelved his youthful dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. On top of that, Ben’s faith—he attends church with his family each week—is mostly a superficial show, too. That’s when his son introduces him to the video platform UToo. Suddenly, Ben has an idea: Maybe he can be a stand-up comic after all. Sure enough, Ben’s new video channel soon takes off. Now likes, sponsors and money are coming at him from nearly every direction. There’s just one problem: He’s sacrificing almost everything in his life that matters to make it happen. Soon, Ben (played by Christian comedian Michael Jr.) will have some choices to make about whether he cares more about fame and fortune, or faith and family in a dramedy designed to remind dads, especially, what matters most in life.  

Switched (Not Rated): Cassandra Evans is the target of repetitive bullying from the school’s most popular girl, Katie Sharp. But Cassandra is sick and tired of being made fun of. She’s ready for a change, especially after Katie posts an embarrassing video of her that goes viral. Cassandra tries to practice what her mom is always telling her: Lead with love. But that’s a  little  hard when the person you’re supposed to be loving is so horrible. So, Cassandra asks God to allow Katie to experience what it’s like to live even one day in her shoes. The next morning, she and Katie get a surprise: They’ve switched minds. Now, the girls will have to live their daily routines as the other person. And, perhaps along the way they will both learn what it’s like to love your most unlovely neighbor as yourself.

When We Last Spoke (Not Rated): In 1967, in the small town of Fireside, two young girls, Evangeline and Juliet, were left with their grandparents while their mother essentially ran away and their father was killed in the Vietnam war. Although their mother promised to return, she never did. And while Evangeline and Juliet thrived for some time with their loving grandparents, the pain of abandonment eventually crept in. As days turned to years, it became obvious that it would take more than good memories to heal deep wounds. This Christian flick features a bit of light, sexual content, some mild war scenes and the use of one profanity. But what comes across far more powerfully is its messages about love, family and the power of forgiveness.

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

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34 Responses

-Definitely interested in seeing I still believe…

-Finally I can vote for something since the little I saw in 2020 I still believe definitely moved me the most. Even though Jeremy Camp’s music has never done much for me the movie about him is absolutely fantastic and I’m so glad my mom decided to buy it for the family on DVD. Going out to the movies as a family was never as much of a regular thing as it is for some who watch literally hundreds of movies in the theater, but in any given year we would see between 15 and 20 movies on the big screen, but unfortunately since the theaters in Bakersfield have been shut down since March the last movie we saw together in a theater was call of the wild on February 29th. We wanted to see I still believe but we were forced to buy it on DVD and watch it at home instead.

-Definitely Switched!

-“I Still Believe” for sure!!

-I’m gonna have to vote for I Still Believe.

-Switched all the way.

-SWITCHED all the way! Loved this film.

-Switched!!!!

-I Still Believe.

-Do you have names for the awards? If not here goes: The award you give is a Pluggy The people’s award is a Pluggit Clean. Clever. Fun. Memorable. !! [email protected]

-Switched!!!

-Switched has my vote!

-I have not seen any of these, but I know I was super excited for I Still Believe back when it came out. That being said, I think I’ll abstain this round.

-Switched!!

-Definitely I still believe!! So moving!!

-Switched – My daughter & I watched it today and loved it!

-100% Switched!!! Great message, especially for kids, teens and young adults!!

-I Still Believe

– I pick: Switched.

-I vote for Switched, I found it to entertaining, relative, and great message of how to lead with love!!

-I Still Believe all the way!

-My preference is for Switched for it’s great message and the unique way it used a common trope for the LORD.

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• 16 Blocks  (PG-13)
• 2012  (PG-13)
• 21  (PG-13)
• 27 Dresses  (PG-13)
• The 5th Quarter  (PG-13)
• 9  (PG-13)
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• Act of Valor (R)
• The Adjustment Bureau  (PG-13)
• The Adventures of Tintin (PG)
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• Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London  (PG)
• Akeelah and the Bee  (PG)
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• Alice in Wonderland  (PG)
• Amazing Grace  (PG)
• The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13)
• Amish Grace
• Amelia  (PG-13)
• American Bible Challenge
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• American Sniper (R)
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• Anonymous (PG-13)
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• Are We There Yet?  (PG)
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• A Shine of Rainbows  (PG)
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• Avatar  (PG-13)
• Avengers: Age of Ultron (PG-13)
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• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG-13)
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• Billy: The Early Years  (PG)
• Billy: The Early Years  (DVD Review)
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• The Bourne Supremacy  (PG-13)
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• The Boy in The Striped Pajamas  (PG-13)
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• The Bucket List  (PG-13)
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• Captian Phillips (PG-13)
• Changeling (R)
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• Cheaper by the Dozen (PG)
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• The Chorus (PG-13)
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• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (PG)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (PG)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG)
• Cinderella (PG)
• Cinderella Man (PG-13)
• City of Ember (PG)
• Clancy (NR)
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG)
• Cold Mountain ( R)
• College Road Trip (G)
• Constantine (R)
• Contagion (PG-13)
• Country Strong (PG-13)
• Courageous (PG-13)
• Cowboys & Aliens (PG-13)
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13)
• Curious George (G)
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• The Dark Knight (PG-13)
• The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13)
• The Day The Earth Stood Still (PG-13)
• Dear John (PG-13)
• Defiance (R)
• Despicable Me (PG)
• The Devil Wears Prada (PG-13)
• The Dilemma (PG-13)
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• Dolphin Tale (PG)
• Do You Believe? (PG-13)
• Dreamer (PG)
• Drillbit Taylor (PG-13)
• Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (PG)
• The Dukes of Hazzard (PG-13)
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• The Express (PG)
• Evan Almighty (PG)
• Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (PG-13)
• Facing the Giants (PG)
• Far from the Madding Crowd (PG-13)
• Fast & Furious (PG-13)
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• The Final Season (PG)
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• Fireproof (PG)
• Firewall (PG-13)
• First Daughter (PG)
• Flash of Genius (PG-13)
• Flicka (PG)
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• Freedom Writers (PG-13)
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• Glory Road (PG)
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• Gravity (PG-13)
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• The Greatest Game Ever Played (PG)
• The Green Hornet (PG-13)
• The Green Lantern (PG-13)
• Grown Ups (PG-13)
• Hannah Montana: The Movie (G)
• Hairspray (PG)
• Hangman's Curse (PG-13)
• Happy Feet Two (PG)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (PG-13)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (PG-13)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (PG)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (PG-13)
• Hearts in the Atlantis (PG-13)
• Heaven Is For Real (PG)
• The Help (PG-13)
• Henry Poole is Here (PG)
• Herbie Fully Loaded (G)
• Hereafter (PG-13)
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• High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G)
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13)
• Home Run (PG-13)
• Hope Springs (PG-13)
• Horton Hears a Who (G)
• Hotel for Dogs (PG)
• Hotel Transylvania (PG)
• How to Train Your Dragon (PG)
• How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG)
• The Hundred-Foot Journey (PG)
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13)
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (PG-13)
• I AM (PG-13)
• I Am David (PG)
• I Am Number Four (PG-13)
• I Am Sam (PG-13)
• Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG)
• I Love You, Man (R)
• Imagine That (PG)
• The Imposter
• Inception (PG-13)
• The Incredible Hulk (PG-13)
• The Incredibles (PG)
• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
• In Good Company (PG-13)
• Inside Man (R)
• Inside Out (PG)
• Insurgent (PG-13)
• The International (R)
• Into the Woods (PG)
• It's a Meaningful Life
• The Invention of Lying (PG-13)
• Invictus (PG-13)
• I, Robot (PG-13)
• Iron Man 2 (PG-13)
• Iron Man 3 (PG-13)
• John Carter (PG-13)
• Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience (G)
• Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)
• Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (PG)
• Joyful Noise (PG-13)
• Julie & Julia (PG-13)
• Jumping the Broom (PG-13)
• Juno (PG-13)
• Jurassic World (PG-13)
• The Karate Kid (PG)
• Kicking and Screaming (PG)
• King Arthur (PG-13)
• King Kong (PG-13)
• Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (G)
• The Kite Runner (PG-13)
• Knight and Day (PG-13)
• Knowing (PG-13)
• Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)
• Lakeview Terrace (PG-13)
• Land of the Lost (PG-13)
• Larryboy & The Angry Eyebrows (Video)
• Last Holiday (PG-13)
• The Last Samurai (R)
• The Last Song (PG)
• Last Vegas (PG-13)
• Laws of Attraction (PG-13)
• Leap Year (PG)
• Left Behind: The World at War (PG-13)
• Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde (PG-13)
• The Legend of Johnny Lingo (G)
• Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (PG)
• Les Miserables (PG-13)
• Letters to God (PG)
• Life of Pi (PG)
• Limitless (PG-13)
• Lincoln (PG-13)
• Little Red Wagon (PG)
• Live Free or Die Hard (PG-13)
• Lone Survivor (R)
• The Longshots (PG)
• Looney Tunes: Back in Action (PG)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (PG-13)
• Love Happens (PG-13)
• The Lucky One (PG-13)
• Luther (PG-13)
• Madagascar (PG)
• Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
• Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)
• Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13)
• Maleficent (PG)
• The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG-13)
• Marley & Me (PG)
• Mao's Last Dancer (PG)
• Mars Needs Moms (PG)
• Marvel's The Avengers (PG-13)
• Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (PG-13)
• Material Girls (PG)
• The Matrix Reloaded (R)
• The Matrix Revolutions (R)
• McFarland, USA (PG)
• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (PG-13)
• Megamind (PG)
• Men in Black 2 (PG-13)
• The Mighty Macs (G)
• Million Dollar Arm (PG)
• Minions (PG)
• Minority Report (PG-13)
• Miracle (PG)
• Mirror, Mirror (PG)
• Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (PG-13)
• Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (PG-13)
• Miss Potter (PG)
• Mom's Night Out (PG)
• Monster House (PG)
• Monsters, Inc. (G)
• Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)
• The Monuments Men (PG-13)
• Morning Glory (PG-13)
• Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
• Mr. Holmes (PG)
• Mr. Woodcock (PG-13)
• Mud (PG-13)
• The Muppets (PG)
• Muppets Most Wanted (PG)
• Nancy Drew (PG)
• The Nanny Diaries (PG-13)
• National Treasure (PG)
• National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG)
• The Nativity Story (PG)
• Need for Speed (PG-13)
• New in Town (PG)
• The New World (PG-13)
• New Year's Eve (PG-13)
• New York Minute (PG)
• Nicholas Nickleby (PG)
• Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (PG-13)
• Night at the Museum (PG)
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• Noah (PG-13)
• No Greater Love (NR)
• Non-Stop (PG-13)
• No Reservations (PG)
• Not Easily Broken (PG-13)
• Not Today (PG-13)
• The Notebook (PG-13)
• Obsessed (PG-13)
• Ocean's Eleven (PG-13)
• October Baby (PG-13)
• The Odd Life of Timothy Green (PG)
• Old Dogs (PG)
• Oliver Twist (PG-13)
• One Night with the King (PG)
• Open Season (PG)
• The Others (PG-13)
• The Other Woman (PG-13)
• Over the Hedge (PG)
• Oz, The Great and Powerful (PG)
• Panic Room (R)
• ParaNorman (PG)
• Parental Guidance (PG)
• The Passion of The Christ (R)
• Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
• Penguins of Madagascar (PG)
• People Like Us (PG-13)
• Percy Jackson & The Olympians (PG)
• The Perfect Game (PG)
• The Perfect Man (PG)
• The Phantom of the Opera (PG-13)
• Phone Booth (R)
• Piglet's Big Movie (G)
• The Pink Panther (PG)
• The Pink Panther 2 (PG)
• The Pirates! Band of Misfits (PG)
• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (PG-13)
• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (PG-13)
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13)
• The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G)
• Planet 51 (PG)
• The Polar Express (G)
• Post Grad (PG-13)
• The Prestige (PG-13)
• The Princess and the Frog (G)
• Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (PG)
• The Producers (PG-13)
• Public Enemies (R)
• The Pursuit of Happyness (PG-13)
• Puss in Boots (PG)
• Quantum of Solace (PG-13)
• Race to Witch Mountain (PG)
• Racing Stripes (PG)
• Ragamuffin (PG-13)
• Raise Your Voice (PG)
• Raising Helen (PG-13)
• Ratatouille (G)
• The Reaping (R)
• Red (PG-13)
• Red Dawn (PG-13)
• Red Eye (PG-13)
• Red Tails (PG-13)
• Religulous (R)
• Resurrecting the Champ (PG-13)
• Rejoice and Shout (PG)
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13)
• Robots (PG)
• The Rocker (PG-13)
• Rock of Ages (PG-13)
• Rocky Balboa: The Heart of a Champion (PG)
• Runaway Jury (PG-13)
• Rush Hour 2 (PG-13)
• Sahara (PG-13)
• Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (PG-13)
• Salt (PG-13)
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• Sarah's Choice (NR)
• Saving Mr. Banks (PG-13)
• Scooby-Doo (PG)
• Seabiscuit (PG-13)
• The Search for Santa Paws (PG)
• Secondhand Lions (PG)
• Secretariat (PG)
• The Secret Life of Bees (PG-13)
• The Seeker: The Dark is Rising (PG)
• Selma (PG-13)
• Seven Days in Utopia (G)
• Sex and the City (R)
• Shall We Dance? (PG-13)
• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (PG-13)
• She's the Man (PG-13)
• Shorts (PG)
• Shrek the Third (PG)
• Signs (PG-13)
• Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (PG)
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (PG)
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG)
• Skyfall (PG-13)
• Sleepover (PG)
• The Smurfs (PG)
• Snitch (PG-13)
• Snow Dogs (PG)
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Last Updated: December 21, 2023

Luke Gilkerson  has a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies and an MA in Religion. He is the author of Your Brain on Porn and  The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality . Luke and his wife Trisha blog at IntoxicatedOnLife.com

Are you looking for Christian movie reviews? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of helpful websites where you can find reviews on all the latest movies from a Christian perspective. They include content advisories, worldview analysis, and even discussion questions for your family so you can thoughtfully consume media.

List of Review Websites

MovieGuide is an organization founded by Dr. Ted Baehr. Its mission is “to redeem the values of the entertainment industry, according to biblical principles, by influencing industry executives and artists.” They do this through reviews, as well as many other efforts to inform Christians and influence Hollywood.

PluggedIn is a Focus on the Family publication designed to help equip parents, youth leaders, ministers, and teens with the essential tools that will enable them to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment.

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment is part of ChristianAnswers.com, a site dedicated to answering all kinds of questions about Christianity. The “Spotlight on Entertainment” features quick content summaries and ratings, as well as extensive plot overviews and content analysis. This is a great option for Christian parents looking for in-depth review content.

CBN Movies is the movie website of the Christian Broadcasting Network. More than just movie reviews, this site features exclusive interviews, and entertainment news as well.

CrossWalk Movies

CrossWalk Movies is a movie review service of CrossWalk.com. Find reviews on all the latest movies, all written from a Christian perspective.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is not a Christian organization. Nonetheless, they’ve done a lot of work to help families make informed decisions about media. Each movie review has a grading system for different types of content, making it easy for parents to make informed decisions.

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‘Hostiles’ Movie Review from a Christian Perspective

Hostiles is a film that is currently playing in theaters. At times the movie seems to have a strong, faith-filled worldview. However, the film also contains much violence and language. How should Christians react to movies with mixed messages? Read this Hostiles movie review from a Christian perspective!

Hostiles consultant Dr. Jolely Proudfit said it best [1]: the new film — staring Christian Bale, Wes Studi, and Rosamund Pike — is a “brutally beautiful movie.” Beautiful in that the cinematography and themes of transformation, friendship, and human longing is cast in epic scenery of sublime splendor; brutal in that is shows humanity at its worst: prejudiced, violent, and depraved. I’d summarize Hostiles as one of the best philosophical — dare I say, theological — western-themed movies ever made.

The movie begins with a quote from British author and former New Mexico resident, D.H Lawrence: “The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted.” And over two hours, Hostiles shows how Lawrence’s quote takes shape, delivering a mythic tale of despair and transformation within an American context. Hostiles’ story arch falls within the genre of journey narrative, telling a tale of humanity on a sojourn of discovery, fighting against self, foe, and friends.

Hostiles follows a battered military captain Joseph Blocker (played by Christian Bale in an award winning performance) as he is forced to escort a rival, dying Cheyenne chief (Yellow Hawk played by Wes Studi) and his family to their homeland in Montana. Blocker takes some friends on the journey, Corporal Henry Woodsen (played by Jonathan Majors), and other appointed military men. Along the way Blockcer picks up a widow (Rosamund Pike), criminals (Ben Foster), and extra military men to keep the escort moving towards its final destination. During the sojourn the group meets a band of wayward Comanche’s, soiled military men, and hostile white landowners [2].

Throughout the movie I was struck by the various ethical and theological themes manifest in the movie. As an example of the ethical: vocation, friendship, land ownership, human rights, conflict, family structures, and violence. And the theological: faith, evil, and God’s providence are all touched upon. With quotes as “If I did not have faith, what would I have,” “God is blind,” and the “Lord’s rough ways,” signal probing religious motifs within the film — not to mention the backdrop of Bible reading and Gospel singing.

A Scene from ‘Hostiles’, courtesy of Grisbi Productions

To a certain extent the movie had a touch of New Mexico resident and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Cormac McCarthy, in it: violence, philosophy, and theology wrapped in engaging dialogue of brutal wonderment. And when you juxtaposition the two books highlighted in Hostiles, Julius Creaser and the Bible, the audience is up for journey of mind, body, and soul. And though I won’t spoil the ending, the film leads one to ask: why give one book over the other?

Filmed in New Mexico and Colorado — the scenery was magnificent, acting as a character in the movie. There’s several travel scenes — humans and horses traveling across beautiful landscape — positioning the geography in a broader perspective within the human predicament, placing humanity in its proper context as participants in the drama of nature.

And though I think Hostiles is primarily a white man’s movie — telling the story of Blocker, it did provide insight into the world of a particular Native American family, showing strength, bonding, and love, with the Cheyenne family acting as a contrast to the wayward band of Comanche’s led by actor David Midthunder [3]. And though the dialogue was sparse for the Native American actors, the facial expressions, body movements, and eyes spoke volumes.

I could unpack the various symbolic aspects of the film as well — particularly the ending: train, doors, books, and family, but to do so would spoil the movie. And more than read about Hostiles , I hope you see it.

Concerning seeing the movie, I was honored to attend a prescreening of Hostiles with friend and radio personality Stevo Jeter of Star 88 FM. Invited by the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Jeter and I drove to Santa Fe to watch the movie and hear from actor Wes Studi (Cherokee) and two Native American consultants, Dr. Jolely Proudfit (Luiseño/Payomkowishum) and Chris Eyre (Cheyenne and Arapaho) [4]; and as much as I was impressed by the movie, the answers given during the Q&A section by the panel was just as engaging.

Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike in ‘Hostiles’, courtesy of Grisbi Productions

When asked how he prepared for the film, Wes Studi stated that he carefully read the script to become familiar with the character. But the most difficult part of his preparation was learning a new language — Cheyenne. When asked how much time he spends crafting his role, Studi replied, “I spend as much time as needed. For me honing a role is not so much about preparation, but about the performance.”

When asked about how his co-actors liked New Mexico, Studi stated that they “love the land, the food, and the people.” And when asked about some of the areas Hostiles was filmed in New Mexico, Studi pointed out Ghost Ranch, Santa Fe, and the New Mexico mountains. And by way of providing a summary to Hostiles , Studi stated that it is a “universal story,” showing the “uselessness of conflict.” Adding, “we need to find other solutions to our conflicts.”

Chris Eyre added more insight into the broader vision of the movie. “For me,” Eyre began, “ Hostiles tells a timeless story about the diversity of the human family… and stories change the world.” Eyre stated, “when I look into the eyes — Native, White, or Black — I feel something.” After being asked by Stevo Jeter about the Biblical and philosophical overtones of Hostiles , Eyre responded, “This is what makes the movie a classic—it poses questions and creates further contemplation.”

Dr. Jolely Proudfit added to the dialogue throughout the Q & A. One area I was impressed was with how she handled the ending. When asked why the Native boy was not returned to the Cheyenne tribe, Proudfit suggested that the boy was with his family — the only family he knew, and he was with a man that understood his language, something important in Native culture. Proudfit stressed that Blocker was now part of the broader Cheyenne family, initiated through a bond with Yellow Hawk. Furthermore, “the movie is about the human family,” Proudfit reminded us. Proudfit also referenced the role of Native women in the film, stating that though they didn’t say much, the women’s gestures and interaction with the group spoke to the powerful role Native women play in various tribes. Summarizing, Proudfit said Hostiles “shows the beauty and brutality of the human family,” asking “why are we hostile to one another?”

There’s much more that could be said about the movie and panel discussion — from who pulled the first trigger in the opening scene, to how white women were portrayed, and what constitutes a family—but in doing so I’d ruin the movie for those who haven’t seen it. And as stated, I hope you see it — coming to terms with your own thoughts and interpretations, having conversations with others about the movie’s impact.

Speaking of conversation, after Stevo chatted with Studi, we left on our forty-five minute drive home, talking, analyzing, and discussing the movie’s impact the entire time. And the next morning we spent another half hour on Star 88 FM doing the same. It all goes to show that Hostiles does pose, challenge, and creates conversation, affording viewers an artistic and thought-provoking journey that, as Stevo told me, may be the best journey he’s taken in a Western genre movie.

What do you think? Have you watched the movie, or would you rather avoid it? Please let us know in the comments below! We love hearing your thoughts on popular entertainment!

One Response

This brutally hard nouveau Western challenges every thoughtful “Christianized” viewer to wrestle, ethically and morally, with how utterly difficult it is even for duty-bound believers, like the Bible-toting, war-weary Captain Joseph Blocker or the massacre-surviving widow, Mrs. Rosalee Quaid, to hold on to a stubbornly steadfast faith in the promise of universal Christian decency and an end to the daunting cruelty, suffering, greed and savagery that so many human beings seem addicted to back then. But by story’s end, any simple belief in some kumbya salvation wrought by a Creator God of Pure Love becomes all but impossible to trust in and cling to; and the viewer is left to ponder, over and over, the three most perplexing, thought-provoking lines in this movie: 1.”Yes, I do, Mrs Quaid (believe in God, that is). But He’s been blind to what’s been going on out here for a long time.” 2.”We’ll never get used to the Lord’s rough ways.” 3.”If I did not have faith, what would I have?” In the end, I was left feeling that something made the brooding protagonist, U.S. Cavalry Captain Joe Blocker, morally preferable to all the other less reflective, ruthless killers – or traumatized fellow combat veterans – so populous in the wild and chaotic world that was the frontier West near the end of the 19th century. And that something was that the formidable warrior/captain was seriously trying to not get into killing any more than what his official job of countering Indian violence required of him. Symbolically, this monumental effort encapsulates the moral struggle of this movie – and much of the history of this country and, perhaps, of our entire Judeo-Christian civilization. Capt. Joe repeatedly tried to explain this spiritual struggle to the convicted “war criminal,” fellow Indian fighter and Cavalryman, Wills, whom he was transporting for hanging in a U.S. Fort along the way. He said to Wills, with transcendent confidence and finality, “I was just doin’ my job.” Clearly, Capt. Joe was implying that Wills got into killing way beyond the requirements of just getting the job done and the mission accomplished. But then Wills counters in an attempt to justify his own sadistic spree killing and slaughter of “non-combatant women and children” as a righteous act of personal revenge for KIA “fallen heroes.” Once again, contemplative Captain Blocker rejects this nihilist’s sophistry and focuses on Scripture and successfully completing his military mission with as little killing and violence as possible. But violence and killing just keep on coming on. Till the very end, when only three are left. And suddenly the survivors all head back East, presumably to a more settled, civilized setting where violence, warfare and killing is not such a pressing part of every day life. Where he is no longer sworn to intervene, protect, disarm and arrest, and otherwise take charge of any violent situation. Like he had to do in the “Wild West.” Tough job. Very tough job. Too much mean for me. Way too much mean. And having to battle and put down dreadful, homicidal combatants, most of whom were simply desperately warring against being conquered and dispossessed by uninvited migrants from Europe would have been too much moral ambiguity for me. Even if they were primitive “Nature Spirit worshipers” who wished to forever remain illiterate “hunter-gatherers,” I don’t know how I could reconcile my Christian faith with that arrogant, oppressive military objective. I think I would have headed back East very early on – pension or no. Now our own society is sending soldiers into foreign lands awash with bands of suicidal/homicidal combatants from a culture and civilization that is very different from ours, especially in terms of religion and morality. Many veterans are returning to a much less violent “peacetime” setting here at home in America. And they are coming back mentally and emotionally traumatized by combat, scarred and haunted by too much killing, death and violence. We must give them all the help we can to restore and strengthen their Christian faith in themselves and God’s plan for humanity. And we must help them reconcile their war experiences and what they did during combat with a “soldierly” version of Christian morality that tells gripping realistic stories of brave American soldiers who have survived the savagery of war and found a way to stubbornly hold on to a “stoic Christian faith.” I’m glad that some writers are beginning to try to get us to contemplate the ineffable import of death and what it means if you have been forced to be terribly violent in your life. Especially in service to society. And that brings me to a challenging suggestion. By all means view “Hostiles.” Then for a mind-boggling juxtaposition, view “Submergence.” Another outstanding cinematic effort to morally illuminate and come to grips with the daunting moral issues that always seem to resonate in experiencing human warfare and confronting a heightened risk of death. There actually ARE Rules of War nowadays! And, of course, every “modern” religion and society ought to recognize and endorse them. But, as “Submergence” makes clear, many do not! Yes, spying is entirely “illegal.” But elaborate, protracted torture, deprivation and murder – and the suicidal mass killing of civilian non-combatants – is worse. Much, much worse. No more warring Comanches or Apaches. Now it’s Jihadis, Taliban, and Al Queda. I pray that Christianity will not be “exterminated.” But Christianity must retain its Love of Peace and Belief in the Worth of all Human Beings. A tough task to reconcile one with the other. So, as Captain Blocker said to Chief Yellow Hawk as the old warrior prepared to die, “Don’t look back, my friend. Go in a good way…”

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http://www.christiananswers.net Christian Spotlight, a ministry of ChristianAnswers.Net, not only provides movie reviews but also reviews on games kids often like to play these days. Included on this website are movie reviews, guide to games, articles, Christian Film News, a list of movies for counseling use, an online store, and a directory of ChristianAnswers.net web site resources.

ChristianCinema.com

http://www.christiancinema.com

ChristianCinema.com produces and distributes Christian motion pictures, but they also provide movie and book reviews. These reviews will help viewers to decide on which film or book is suitable for individual or family viewing. All reviews come from a Christian perspective.

Cinema Faith

https://cinemafaith.com

movie reviews and commentary through a Christian lens

Crosswalk.com

http://www.crosswalk.com/

http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/movies/

Crosswalk.com provides reviews of movies, DVDs, music, books, arts, and humor. To view their reviews, click the Culture link on the home page.

HollywoodJesus.com

http://www.hollywoodjesus.com

HollywoodJesus.com provides reviews from a spiritual point of view. They review movies, DVDs, music, books, comics, TV programs, games, sports, and more.

Kids in Mind

https://kids-in-mind.com/

Movie Glimpse

http://www.movieglimpse.com/

Movie Glimpse connects the movies that touch your heart with spiritual insights and deeper truths that are revealed in them. Reviews they make are very informative and enriching. This review sight however will not warn you on what not to watch and what is not edifying about the movies.

http://www.movieguide.org/

Movieguide is dedicated to redeeming the values of the entertainment industry according to biblical principles. Ted Baehr educates the public about the influence of the entertainment media and about how to train their families to become media-wise so they can choose the good and reject the bad. Movieguide includes news from the entertainment industry, insightful articles on trends and beliefs, and interviews with top filmmakers and actors.

Parent Previews

http://parentpreviews.com

Parent Previews help parents understand the movie rating system, promote family films, and make media entertainment an easier choice for children and families. They provide a more holistic view of media through articles and access to scholarly studies about the effects of media on families and society.

Parents Television Council (PTC)

http://www.parentstv.org

PTC monitors prime time television shows and reviews many PG and G rated movies. They log all content that could be considered questionable by parents, and they give traffic light ratings according to the amount of s.x, violence, and profanity incorporated into the series or film. Aside from TV show and movie reviews, they also have articles, studies, and contact information for the sponsors of programs and the networks themselves so parents and concerned viewers can contact the person responsible for any inappropriate scene in the show.

Plugged In Online

http://www.pluggedin.com/

Plugged In Online dive in deeply into specific content, detailed information, and meaning behind popular movies, videos, TV episodes, songs, and games. Through their reviews, articles and discussions, they spark intellectual thought that helps in the spiritual growth of each Christian or individual.

http://www.screenit.com

Screen It! provides unbiased, easy to use, yet heavily detailed and complete look at popular entertainment that kids from ages one to seventeen might see, rent, or buy. They create movie reviews with detailed scene description covering 15 points of subject matter and a convenient rating system (extreme, heavy, moderate, mild, minor, none). Each review displays the title, year of movie release, main actors/actresses and the movie/video's MPAA rating followed by their exclusive content table.

The CAP Movie Ministry

http://www.capalert.com

CAP's movie ministry provides fair reviews on Christian and non-Christian movies from a Christian perspective. They have more than 1500 film analyses for parents, grandparents, pastors, youth leaders and more.

The Dove Foundation

http://www.dove.org

Reviews at Dove Foundation website are based on traditional Judeo-Christian values. There is a content chart and description that gauge six criteria: Sex, Language, Violence, Drug and alcohol use, and Nudity. Movies approved by Dove have a Dove Family-Approved Seal, or also known as the "good housekeeping seal for family entertainment."

World Christian Missionary Resources

Oppenheimer

Reviewed by: Alexander Malsan CONTRIBUTOR

Secular Humanist worldview promoted

World War Two

American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, theoretical physicist and his role in developing atomic bombs

Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project

Films with heavy subject matter

Result was a weapon that destroyed thousands of people

Both the U.S. AND the Nazis where rushing to develop atomic bombs during WWII, can you imagine what would have happened if the Nazis had succeeded before America. Which nightmare would you prefer to pick?

The availability of atomic weapons changed the world

“Genius is no guarantee of wisdom .”

What is the Biblical perspective on war? Answer

War in the Bible

Why does God allow innocent people to suffer?

What about the issue of suffering ? Doesn’t this prove that there is no God and that we are on our own? Answer

ORIGIN OF BAD THINGS —Why are they in our world if a good God created us? Answer

Is the portrayal of anti-Communists in this film fair and accurate, or distorted?

Definitely not a feel-good movie

D r. J. Robbert Oppenheimer ( Cillian Murphy ) is one of the most revered scientists in the history of theoretical physics. The narrative for the film “Oppenheimer” takes place in four different settings: his time working as a professor at Cambridge University, his time as the manager of the Manhattan Project (the project that led to the creation of both the hydrogen bomb and the atomic bomb). And both a closed and open session with members of Congress.

Within these various settings, we witness the rise and fall of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man whom the world would later name the “father of the atomic bomb.” We watch as Oppenheimer struggles with himself in what may occur with the atomic bomb (as it is being created in Los Alamos) and what DOES occur as a result of not only releasing one, but two atomic bombs on Japan. We watch his claim to fame after spending three years in Los Alamos creating these weapons of destruction and his sudden fall from grace among the public during the Second Red Scare (a time in our history where individuals with left-wing political beliefs were persecuted and ostracized for having Socialist and Communist associations with the Communist Party USA, regardless of whether these accusations were true or not).

“Oppenheimer” serves as a stern, grim reminder of the cost of greatness, the cost of war, and the emotional inner turmoil that comes from unleashing the most destructive and powerful weapon on the planet.

“Oppenheimer,” as I stated, is far from a feel-good film. Anyone who is versed in even a little U.S. history, knows exactly what the implications of the Manhattan Project were. As a result of the Manhattan Project, just like an atomic bomb itself, the fallout led to a new variety of issues in the United States and abroad, such as the regulation of atomic weapons, both their creation and use.

The film “Oppenheimer” brings a complex, yet conflicting message that addresses the age old question “Does the end justify the means?” If you were ask to some historians, many would state that, yes, the bombings were necessary in an effort to quell the fighting by the Japanese and bring an end to World War II. However, as famous physicist Niels Bohr, states in the film, “A bomb falls on the just and the unjust.” While the bombings did lead to the end of WWII and Japan’s surrender, it came at a heavy cost: the loss of over 129,000-226,000 individuals, most of them Japanese civilians. The film, “Oppenheimer,” beautifully dives into both sides of the discussion, while critically examining the thoughts and actions of everyone involved in the Manhattan Project, not just Dr. Oppenheimer himself.

To put it simply, “Oppenheimer” has elements of a cinematic masterpiece. The film, coming in at a whopping 3 hours in length never felts overly lengthy to me, nor does it feel underwhelmingly short. Within the 3 hours, the level of tension and anxiety almost never lightens up. As I sat there, trying to take as many notes as I could, I felt the level of gravitas surrounding the film. Director Christopher is without a doubt one of the most prolific and skilled directors and producers in Hollywood. His films alway carry heavy, yet difficult messages to examine. Nolan takes such a clear approach to this film. He is not trying to preach a message we don’t already know or understand. He is clearly trying to make his audience realize that even the father of the atomic bomb did not take the creation of the bomb lightly. He does this, as previously mentioned, through the careful examination of the four most significant moments of Dr. Oppenheimer’s life.

Let me be clear from the start: “Oppenheimer” is not a film for the faint of heart, and it is certainly NOT for young audiences (this includes teens). There is some intense violence in the film (though some, like the results of the bombings, are never shown), as well as some INCREDIBLY unnecessary graphic nudity and sexual content throughout the entire film (I mean really Nolan? Don’t cheapen yourself with this kind of content in your films. You’re better than this).

On a performance note, Cillian Murphy , who plays Oppenheimer, gives the performance of his career. Every line he gives is carefully delivered, and he brings depth and humanistic understanding of Dr. Oppenheimer. Robert Downey Jr. also puts in a brilliant performance as Dr. Leopold Strauss, as does Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves, the director of the Manhattan project. Additionally some commendable performances come from Emily Blunt as Katherine Oppenheimer and Kenneth Branagh as Niels Bohr.

On a final note, the visuals and camerawork in this film are spot on. As I stated, the film almost never lightens up in its 3 hour run, and this is in part due to the jaw-dropping visuals of the film, whether this is during Dr. Oppenheimer’s dreams or during the testing of the bomb, every visual is carefully crafted to receive the maximum amount of shock and awe.

Content of Concern

Nudity: Extreme. There is some serious, graphic nudity in the film, not just once but FIVE times! The first scene includes a woman displaying full frontal nudity for an extended sequence (her genitals are not shown) while engaging in intercourse with another naked individual. In another scene, these two characters are seen again, engaging in intercourse in front of someone who accidentally walks in. In the third instance, these individuals are, again, fully naked, sitting in chairs having a discussion with each other. In one final scene, a character is seen sitting naked on a chair. In a dream sequence, Oppenheimer is naked, once again, in front of members of Congress.

Sexual Content: As previously mentioned, two characters are engaging in graphic sexual intercourse on two different instances. Oppenheimer was known as a “womanizer” during his lifetime, and he engages in an affair while married to someone else. He begins to describe to his wife how wonderful his intercourse was to his mistress. This affair is mentioned in Oppenheimer’s testimony to Congress.

Adultery and fornication in the Bible

Sexual lust outside of marriage —Why does God strongly warn us about it?

Purity —Should I save sex for marriage?

Violence: Someone is seen committing suicide by drowning. There are multiple discussions about the destruction and aftermath of a possible atomic bomb, including discussions on which of the Japanese cities to target. In some dream sequences, Oppenheimer imagines the atomic bomb melting the skins off of people. In another sequence, Oppenheimer is seen walking on the burnt carcasses of individuals. There is another moment when people are discussing the horrific aftermath of the atomic bomb (this is after it’s been used). Someone throws a glass at another person. We witness a couple dummy tests of the bomb, as well as the first test of the atomic bomb at Los Alamos. There are some suggestions about torturing individuals. President Truman mentions to Oppenheimer that only he will be remembered for the deaths of the people of Hiroshima and Nagaski, not Oppenheimer and his team. We witness the test of the atomic bomb.

Vulgar Language: F***ing (7-10), Sh*tty (1), Sh*t (2), Scr*w you (1), “Cr*p,” “Smart a**” (1), A**-hole. Someone makes a crude reference to male anatomy. A female character mentions to someone that the fallout of an atomic bomb will affect male anatomy more than female as the male has “anatomy that is exposed.”

Profanity: J*sus (2), Chr*st (1), D*mn (1), D*mnit (2), “G*d d*mn,” “Go to H*ll” (1), “What the h*ll (1)

Drugs: Someone is seen addicted to painkillers, which causes her to drown herself in her tub.

Alcohol: There are multiple scenes where characters are seen drinking alcohol.

Other: There are references to the fact that members of Oppenheimer’s family are part of the Communist Party of America (it is even rumored in the film that Oppenheimer was part of the party, but these are only rumors. He even criticizes his brother for being a member of the Party). People are seen throwing up. Kitty and Oppenheimer are seen as neglectful parents in the film: the children are often seen crying, and Kitty and Oppenheimer even pass off their children to some friends to be taken care of for several months.

A huge portion of the film is devoted to showing the audience how conflicted many scientists were during the Manhattan Project, including Oppenheimer. In fact, Oppenheimer quotes to himself on two occasions, “Now I am becoming Death. The destroyer of all worlds” (a line from the Hindu sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita).

Initially after the detonation of the atomic bomb on the two cities, Oppenheimer is praised for all his hard work and the success of the bombs. But as quick as Oppenheimer is praised, he is quickly admonished by members of Congress and the public during the Second Red Scare.

This moment reminded me of the following Scriptures which discuss the lunacy of living in the world and the dangers of fame…

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” — 1 John 2:15-16

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” — Mark 8:36

In essence it is important to remember that as Christians we should be very cautious about seeking fame and fortune, for both of them are frail and fleeting moments, and in the end do not matter to God. What will matter on the day of Judgment will be where are hearts are for the Lord and our witness to the world.

Closing Thoughts

Like Dr. Oppenheimer and the members of the Manhattan Project, I feel conflicted when it comes to the film “Oppenheimer.” On one hand, the film is cinematically brilliant from start to finish: the camera work, the performances, the tone, the setting, and the pacing of the film (in spite of its 3 hour length, in my opinion).

On the OTHER hand, this film is littered with vulgar dialog, profanity and extremely graphic sexual content and nudity (even two days after having seen the film, the obscenely graphic imagery still plays in my head).

Due to the above mentioned content (all of which could have been left out of the film), I strongly discourage anyone from viewing “Oppenheimer” (please note the stars do NOT warrant a recommendation either. They are based on cinematic quality ONLY). As I mentioned previously, this film is NOT for children, teens or Christians in general. You are better off reading a history book on this matter instead.

• Nudity: Extreme
• Sex: Very Heavy
• Vulgar/Crude language: Very Heavy
• Profane language: Moderately Heavy
• Violence: Moderate
• Drugs/Alcohol: Moderate
• Wokeism: Mild
• Occult: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers .

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.

‘Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s War on Democracy’ Review: A Scary Look at the Potential Soldiers of a Second Trump Reign

The followers of Christian Nationalism want a theocracy. Stephen Ujlaki and Christopher Jacob Jones's chilling film suggests that another Trump presidency could help them get it.

By Owen Gleiberman

Owen Gleiberman

Chief Film Critic

• ‘Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s War on Democracy’ Review: A Scary Look at the Potential Soldiers of a Second Trump Reign 2 days ago
• Remembering Louis Gossett Jr. in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’: His Timeless Acting Elevated the Movie Drill Sergeant Into a Mythic Figure 5 days ago
• ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ Review: A Godzilla Spectacle Minus One Thing: A Reason to Exist 7 days ago

In 2017, Trump, once he took the reins of power, was constrained — by the other branches of government, and by the rule of law. He didn’t become the explicitly, committedly anti-democratic figure he is now until the 2020 election, when his declaration that he was actually the winner, and that Joe Biden had stolen the election, became the new cornerstone of his ideology. In the intervening period, Trump has been setting himself up to rule the United States as an authoritarian leader, and that meshes perfectly with the goals of Christian Nationalism, a movement that’s built around the dream of transforming America into a theocracy: a Christian nation ruled by a higher power than the Constitution — that is, by the will of God, as interpreted by his white Christian followers.

The alliance between Trump and Christian Nationalism is a profound one. Progressives tend to be focused, to the point of obsession, on the hypocrisy of the alliance — the idea that men and women who are supposedly devoted to the teachings of Jesus Christ could rally behind a sinner and law-breaker like Trump, who seems the incarnation of everything they should be against. The documentary fills in their longstanding justification: that Trump is seen as a modern-day version of King Cyrus, a pagan who God used as a tool to help the people. According to this mode of opportunistic logic, Trump doesn’t need to be a pious Christian; his very recklessness makes him part of a grander design. The Christian Nationalists view Trump much as his disgruntled base of working-class nihilist supporters have always viewed him — as a kind of holy wrecking ball.    

But, of course, that’s just the rationalization. “Bad Faith” captures the intricacy with which Trump, like certain Republicans before him, has struck a deal with the Christian Right that benefits both parties. In exchange for their support in 2016, he agreed to back a slate of judicial appointees to their liking, and to come over to their side on abortion. Trump’s victory in 2016, like Reagan’s in 1980, was sealed by the support of the Christian Right. But what he’s promising them this time is the very destruction of the American system that they have long sought.   

The most chilling aspect of “Bad Faith” is that, in tracing the roots of the Christian Right, the movie colors in how the dream of theocracy has been the movement’s underlying motivation from almost the start. In 1980, when the so-called Moral Majority came into existence, its leader, Jerry Falwell, got all the attention. (A corrupt quirk of the movement is that as televangelists like Falwell, Pat Robertson, and, later on, Joel Osteen became rich and famous, their wealth was presented as evidence that God had chosen them to lead.) But Falwell, despite the headlines he grabbed, wasn’t the visionary organizer of the Moral Majority.

That was Paul Weyrich, the owlish conservative religious activist who founded the hugely influential Council for National Policy, which spearheaded the structural fusion of Christianity and right-wing politics. He’s the one who went to Falwell and Robertson and collated their lists of supporters into a Christian political machine that could become larger than the sum of its parts. The machine encompassed a network of 72,000 preachers, it employed sophisticated methods of micro-targeting, and its impetus was to transform Evangelical Christianity into a movement that was fundamentally political. The G.O.P. became “God’s own party,” and the election of Reagan was the Evangelicals’ first victory. We see a clip of Reagan saying how he plans to “make America great again,” which is the tip of the iceberg of how much the Trump playbook got from him.

Randall Balmer, the Ivy League historian of American religion who wrote the book “Bad Faith,” is interviewed in the documentary, and he makes a fascinating point: that there’s a mythology that the Christian Right was first galvanized, in 1973, by Roe v. Wade — but that, in fact, that’s not true. Jerry Falwell didn’t deliver his first anti-abortion sermon until 1978. According to Balmer, the moment that galvanized the Christian Right was the 1971 lower-court ruling on school desegregation that held that any institution that engages in racial discrimination or segregation is not, by definition, a charitable institution, and therefore has no claim to tax-exempt status.

This had an incendiary effect. Churches like Jerry Falwell’s were not integrated and didn’t want to be; yet they also wanted their tax-exempt status. It was this law that touched off the anti-government underpinnings of the Christian Right, much as the sieges of Ruby Ridge and Waco became the seeds of the alt-right. And it sealed the notion that Christian Nationalism and White Nationalism were joined at the hip, a union that went back to the historical fusion of the two in the Ku Klux Klan’s brand of Christian terrorism.

“Bad Faith” makes a powerful case that Christian Nationalism is built on a lie: the shibboleth that America was originally established as a “Christian nation.” It’s true to say that the Founders drew on the moral traditions of Judeo-Christian culture. Yet the freedom of religion in the First Amendment was put there precisely as a guard against religious tyranny. It was, at the time, a radical idea: that the people would determine how — and what God — they wanted to worship. In truth, Christian Nationalism undermines not only the freedoms enshrined by the Constitution but the very concept of free will that’s at the heart of Christian theology. You can’t choose to be a follower of Christ if that belief is imposed on you.

Reviewed online, April 2, 2024. Running time: 88 MIN.

• Production: A Heretical Reason Productions, Panarea production. Producers: Stephen Ujlaki, Chris Jones. Executive producers: Peter D. Graves, John Ptak, Mike Steed, Todd Stiefel.
• Crew: Directors: Stephen Ujlaki, Chris Jones. Screenplay: Stephen Ujlaki, Chris Jones, Alec Baer. Camera: Bill Yates, Pilar Timpane, Trevor May. Editor: Alec Baer, Chris Jones. Music: Lili Haydn, Jeremy Grody.
• With: Peter Coyote, Elizabeth Neumann, Randall Balmer, Ken Peters, Eboo Patel, Katherine Stewart, Samuel Perry, Russell Moore, Rev. William Barber II, Linda Gordon, Jim Wallis, Lisa Sharon Harper, Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, Anne Nelson, Brent Allpress, John Marty.

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Based on the novel by #1 NYTimes bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, "Someone Like You" is an achingly beautiful love story. After the tragic loss of his best friend, a grieving young archit... Read all Based on the novel by #1 NYTimes bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, "Someone Like You" is an achingly beautiful love story. After the tragic loss of his best friend, a grieving young architect launches a search for her secret twin sister. Based on the novel by #1 NYTimes bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, "Someone Like You" is an achingly beautiful love story. After the tragic loss of his best friend, a grieving young architect launches a search for her secret twin sister.

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‘Steve! (Martin)’ review: The wild and crazy (and private) guy shares his story

• By Peter Rainer Contributor

March 29, 2024

Morgan Neville’s excellent documentary “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces” reminds me of how unreasonably happy Steve Martin made me feel when I first caught his act in the mid-1970s. At a time when so much stand-up comedy was acridly political, he turned high-style goofiness into an art form.

The film is split into two stylistically very different 90-minute sections, entitled “Then” and “Now.” The first section, often accompanied by his wry commentary, relies heavily on archival footage of Martin’s life and career up to around 1980. That’s when he stopped doing stand-up and segued full time into making movies.

The second section is largely filmed vérité-style in the present day, with Martin talking about his projects and friendships and regrets. Martin Short, his co-star in their hit TV series “Only Murders in the Building,” often joins in, maybe a tad too excessively. They mostly try to crack each other up. Above all, Martin talks about the contentment he has finally achieved with his wife and young daughter after so many years feeling anxious and lost. He says he has found the life he never thought he would have.

Why We Wrote This

Steve Martin is known for turning high-style goofiness into an art form, the Monitor’s film critic writes. A new documentary offers the notoriously private entertainer an opportunity to consider what it takes for a funnyman to find happiness.

As the “Then” section demonstrates, Martin’s ascent to the highest reaches of comedy was a long haul. Growing up in California’s Orange County, he could never please his father, whose own dreams of acting success were dashed by having to support a family. There’s a telling anecdote in which Martin’s father attends the premiere of “The Jerk,” his son’s first hit movie, and afterward tells him, “You’re no Charlie Chaplin.”

Martin worked as a kid at Disneyland and learned how to create funny balloon animals and do magic tricks. What he realized was that people loved it when the tricks didn’t work. This became the inciting idea for his comic persona: an arrogant comedian who thinks he’s funny and isn’t. While struggling to make it in the comedy clubs, he majored in philosophy in college. Instead of pondering whether God exists, he was intent on discovering how to get laughs. His offstage demeanor was as analytical as his onstage character was screwball.

This temperamental split is not uncommon among show business performers, particularly comics, who tend to be a rather morose bunch when not in the spotlight. What’s different about Martin is that at the height of his stand-up fame, when he was selling out stadiums and racking up platinum comedy albums, he recognized that, in his words, “there was nothing more to develop.” He had created a dead end. Only in the past few years, touring with Short onstage, has he once again ventured in front of a live audience.

Notoriously private, Martin says he decided to participate in this documentary because he thought it might help him to understand himself. That’s a rather heavy burden to place on a filmmaker, but Neville keeps things loose in the second half, never over-psychoanalyzing or playing up the happy-sad clown trope.

My one issue with the film, which also features input from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and Tina Fey, is that it skimps on Martin’s vast artistic achievements. “Pennies From Heaven,” which, against all expectations, he made after “The Jerk,” is one of the darkest, and greatest, musicals ever made. (It flopped commercially.) The Cyrano update, “Roxanne,” which he wrote, is a masterpiece that shows off Martin as perhaps the finest physical comic since Buster Keaton. He has written first-rate plays, novels, memoirs, comic essays. He’s even a top-flight banjo player. He’s probably the most wildly versatile comic artist we’ve ever had. Out of an overweening sense of modesty, perhaps, this won’t really come across to the uninitiated.

“How did this happen?” a frankly bemused Martin asks himself near the end as he surveys the astonishing trajectory of his life. Neville’s documentary comes perhaps the closest anyone will ever get to answering that question, but inevitably, the wellsprings of Martin’s genius remain a mystery.

Peter Rainer is the Monitor’s film critic. “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces” is available on Apple TV+. It is rated TV-MA, for mature audiences.

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