reflections upon, "into the woods"

Last December, J was home for Christmas break. It was Tuesday, so we decided to go to $5 movie night after my shift at work. We chose to see Into the Woods, a musical mashup of popular fairytales that retains canonical references (like eye-pecking birds and drastic foot-altering) to the Brothers Grimm. We'd seen the show as a high school play once before, and I knew that it contained some questionable content and lyrics, but I'd seen photo stills online and simply fallen in love with the gorgeous costuming. We surprised ourselves by enjoying the movie - we laughed out loud at Agony - and loving the music. 
Later, I wasn't surprised to see many Christian bloggers bashing the movie for its worldly themes - I had found myself cringing at the finale song, No One Is Alone, which takes place when Little Red Riding Hood questions the morals of killing a giant, since her now-deceased mother taught her murder was wrong (and in response, Cinderella offers some very interesting advice). Even so, it was no surprise that the song promoted self-decided morality - without God as a moral compass, we can only look to our conscience for right and wrong. But the questionable ending song also caught my attention for another reason. To comfort Red, Cinderella, sings "Mother cannot guide you / now you're on your own" and the lyrics later include the lines:

Mother isn't here now Who knows what she'd say? Nothing's quite so clear now... Feel you've lost your way You decide, but you are not alone Believe me, no one is alone

"Mother cannot guide you, now you're on your own," and, "Mother isn't here now, who knows what she'd say?" Someday, if it is God's will for me to have a family, I want my children to know what I would say to them after my passing. When faced with a decision, I don't want them to be like Little Red, feeling lost and confused. I don't want them to have to guess my hypothetical thoughts and opinions. When faced with a moral dilemma, I want them to know exactly what I would tell them. Not because I've left them a book entitled, "What to Do When a Giant Attacks Your Home" or an instruction manual titled, "What to Do In Every Situation (As Told By Your Mother)". It's because I've taught them to turn to the only book that can truly give us guidance. It's because I've encouraged them to have a relationship with One who is fully good and loving and because I've turned them towards the One who will make their decisions clear to them. The only One who will truly never leave them alone. The One who will help them find their way (His way). The One who has left us the best instruction manual ever - His Word and His Holy Spirit to help us understand. 
To my someday children - I pray that when faced with tough decisions, you will turn to God and His Word. That you will be able to enjoy a work of art, but realize its moral fallacies. That you will never truly feel alone, because although I may leave you, though your friends may you, though your loved ones may leave you, there is One who will never leave you alone. Though there may come a day when you will say, "Mother isn't here now", that you will know exactly what I would say.  

don't be deceived

I've been hearing a lot about two movies lately - God's Not Dead and Son of God. I recently read two extremely well-written articles that explained some of the unfortunate fallacies in these movies. I know sharing the link to these articles will not make me popular and may possibly offend some or many of my readers. But because I love you, and I care about you, I feel that it is my duty to warn you. Christians are to be discerning; we should not accept something just because it looks like a good "Christian" film or because it's about Jesus. Don't accept things at face-value, especially when they are not produced by Christians.

If I wanted to be popular and well-liked, I most likely would not re-post the articles. But I want you to know the truth. I don't want you to be deceived. I'm not trying to play the martyr here. I care about you and it hurts me to see anyone deceived.
So please, my sisters in Christ, give these articles a read. It will be worth it.

The "Son of God" Movie is NOT what you think (click link) - should we really go and see a movie about "Jesus" that is produced by New Agers? Is the gospel shared in Son of God the gospel of salvation or a social gospel? Please read.

God's Not Dead Movie Review (click link) - if you lay down the Bible as your defense, you have just laid down your weapon, your sword of the Spirit. You have already lost the battle.

I'm sorry to sound so melodramatic, but it's because at the moment, my heart hurts. It hurts because people are being deceived and don't know it.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1

"Klarabelle"

Christian Movie Review: REAL

Wow... I haven't posted in a while; sorry 'bout that!

How's it going with you all!? Well, I don't have anything particularly amazing to post today, so... here's a movie review! I wrote this months ago and haven't posted it! Yikes! Ok, here it is... 

I was really excited when several of you voted for "Christian movie reviews" on the poll I featured a couple {more like SEVERAL} months ago. Since then I've seen many good Christian movies and hoped to review them, but haven't done it yet! Recently I watched an inspiring Christian movie called Real. I wrote the review right away so I wouldn't forget about it.

First of all, I'm going to introduce you to my rating system. I'll vote the movies out of 5 stars (represented as asterisks) with one star being "Didn't like it, would not recommend" ranging up to the fifth star, "Loved it and would fully recommend it!"

Today's movie review is a Christian film called Real.

What's it about?
The movie starts out with Jesus in Gesthsemene being confronted by Satan. As Satan tempts Jesus, the movie leads into four stories in which Jesus helped the main character by giving that person hope. Jesus uses these stories to counter Satan's accusations.

The four stories feature four different people in modern times (give or take 30 years or so :)), dealing with tough situations. Jesus comes into their lives dressed in modern-day clothes and basically counsels them and gives then hope.

Smiley face stuff :)
I really loved this movie. The music fitted well, the acting was terrific, the stories were intriguing and there was never a part in the movie that caused me to be bored or uninterested. The characters seemed real (haha, no pun intended :p) and I felt as if I knew and understood them, even if they'd only been on screen for a few moments. However "Real" also caused me to think, but for a different reason than usual.

To me, "Real" is a great movie, but also served as a reminder that even if a movie is labeled "Christian", one must still be discerning when watching it. There were a few things that concerned me about this movie, which leads me into the next section of the review...

Frowny face stuff :(
One could say that the Jesus you find in the Bible was very "into" salvation. History points to, or looks back at, the cross and the resurrection. The Jesus portrayed in this movie is an excellent counselor (even if one of his analogies involving a pencil and Carbon completely lost me...hey, I'm not a scientist!) but He rarely discusses salvation. This is not neccesarily a negative point, it's just something to note. My take on this movie was that it showed people in unfortunate situations who were visited and given hope and counsel by Jesus, and this hope later led them to the cross. It's different; I've never really seen a movie like this before - maybe that's why I liked it so much. :p

Anyway, that paragraph up there is just a thought, the more concerning matter is that two of the characters marry a non-Christian - in other words, they are unequally yoked (verse reference) and this is not portrayed negatively, even though scripture clearly warns against this. Now I know these stories were based on real people's stories, but all I can say is, in the film the problem of being unequally yoked was solved by the non-Christian going to church. Now going to church is great, but it is not the way of salvation and a non-Christian going to church does not always lead to salvation because church is also fellowship for believers. Therefore my mom also pointed out that a non-Christian might watch it and could possibly get the wrong ideas about salvation. So, this is not exactly an evangelistic movie.  However I think this potentially a great movie for older Christians...

In other words, I loved this movie but I don't recommend it 100%. Here are some more notes...

And it's rated...? 
These people are in some tough situations - a teenage girl gets pregnant, a child is abused, a man discovers his wife having affairs, two men find themselves deep in gambling debts (and one considers suicide) and more. Though this movie is NR, I'm guessing it would receive a PG-13 for content and violence. This is a movie for older teens, to be watched preferably with parents as well. It's a powerful movie that would prompt great discussion afterwards.

Fun stuff
Randomly, I love the line when a science teacher is begging God to spare his mom. "I'll be a creationist!"

Also, Jesus has a pretty epic line, but I won't spoil it for you. :)

An Aside
Though this slightly dark movie centers deeply around hope and redemption, it does pose the deeply challenging question, "Why do good things happen to bad people?" though "Real" doesn't answer it directly, it does leave the viewer with a renewed sense of hope and passion. I would like to put in my own (keep typo-ing it as Ken:)) three cents, though...bad things happen to good people because we aren't really good. We sinned. The "bad things" that happened are a result that sin. Though I haven't read it yet, my mom read a great book by Ken Ham that talks more about this subject, called, "How Could a Loving God...?"

Anyway, back to "Real"...

Conclusion
All in all, this is a wonderful movie. I recommend it if it is watched with a parent, discretion, and a Biblical worldview. (Oh yes, and **** stars. :))

I encourage you to read the Dove review of this movie contains a full synopsis (without being extremely spoiler-filled) and list of violences, language and other "objectionable content".

"Klarabelle

{Slightly Scatterbrained} Thoughts on Les Miserables

*I apologize this has been a bit long in coming... please enjoy!*

Note: minor spoilers / synopses

{from}

You might know I'm a huge fan of Les Misèrables... that's why I was so excited about the movie, which came out on December 25th, 2012 (yep, CHRISTmas Day). Generally I would not go to a movie on Christmas Day, but Les Mis was my family's exception. :) 

Note: I really do adore this musical, though I understand it's not for everyone and I posted a it of a disclaimer here. 

The following is not exactly a review... at least not a review as one would traditionally write. These are basically my "two cents" on Les Mis along with a bit of info about the movie... and, as the title suggests, this "review" is rather... "scatterbrained". Even so, hope you enjoy! 

I. A New Version! 

Les Mis the movie is obviously a different dimension and a different take on the musical than what you would see on Broadway. That being said, many of the main actors are indeed actors, and not Broadway stars (with the notable exception of Colm Wilkinson, the original Jean Valjean, playing the Bishop! Love it!). The actors and actresses were also filmed live (with a hidden piece playing the piano in their ear to help keep them on tune), rather than pre-recorded like other musicals, such as The Phantom of the Opera (2004). They were also able to change the tempo. Being a movie, they are able to whisper and speak softly, which is also quite difference from the belting and strong voices you would hear on the Les Mis tour. :) So if you are used to listen to, say, the Symphonic Recording of Les Mis, or the 25th Anniversary Concert, or something along those lines, this movie will be a change, but a good one. 

II. Say what? What's this all about, anyway?

In brief synopsis, Les Mis is the story of a convict, Jean Valjean, who upon being released on parole, is shown kindness by one man and one man alone... a Bishop who gives him a place to stay and food to eat. Valjean repays the bishop by stealing the man's valuable silver. When Valjean is discovered and brought back, the bishop lies, saying that he gave Valjean the silver. "I have saved your soul for God," he tells Valjean (or rather...sings). Valjean decides to start a new life, changing his name and breaking parole. The movie follows Valjean in his journey to follow the Lord and to show God's love to others. But this journey is not easy... a police inspector called Javert doggedly hunts him throughout the story. More about 'im later. :) 

III. TMI!!!

Part of Valjean's story includes his mercy and love towards a young woman called Fantine (who sings the well-known song, "I Dreamed a Dream" and who is portrayed as Anne Hathaway in the movie). Fantine has made some unfortunate choices in order to send money to her daughter Cosette, who she had out of wedlock and is currently living at an inn with a pair of... um, interesting innkeepers (though Fantine is made to believe they are good people). Fantine's love for her daughter is refreshing and touching, and Valjean's care for Fantine is also sweet and beautiful. Fantine's story is redeeming, but, um, the movie is rated PG-13 for a reason. :p Fantine's choices are portrayed in the song "Lovely Ladies", which has an inappropriate part. You can read more about this in the PluggedinOnline review here. 

When Valjean goes to fetch Cosette from the evil innkeepers she is living with, the innkeepers and those staying at the end sing "Master of the House", a part of Les Mis that I really abhor. Some people find it amusing, but the Thenadiers (the innkeepers) as comedic relief doesn't really work for me. To me, it's laughing or chuckling at evil because the Thenadiers are evil. But I'll try not to be too longwinded here and simply say: I'm excited for Les Mis on DVD, because I will be planning to fastforward some scenes.

As I mentioned, I know this movie is not appropriate for everyone; if you have not experienced Les Mis before, I would strongly suggest talking to your parents about it and preferably see it with your parents (or guardians) as well! :) 

IV. Suddenly

A few new scenes and small changes were made to Les Mis the movie to make some things more clear, and to make the musical more like the book. Also, a new song was added: one called "Suddenly". It's a completely lovely song Valjean sings about Cosette, an orphan who he adopts as his own. The song makes me think of my family because I'm adopted and I have always adored Valjean and Cosette's relationship.

{from}

V. Javert

Though the actors seem quite accepted, Russell Crowe seems to be getting a lot of complaints. Poor guy. I thought he (and everyone else!) did a wonderful job, so I thought I'd write a word about his performance. Though he's definitely not Philip Quast, I think he did an excellent job, considering his profession is not that of a Broadway star! He's an excellent actor. Plus, I really love the orchestration at the beginning of Stars is amazing! I loved how the orchestra has changed a bit to help reinforce this new dimension of Les Mis. 

VI. Conclusion

Ok, these are my scattered thoughts... In conclusion, I adored Les Mis. Obviously there are a few parts I wish could've been omitted, but overall this is a beautiful and redeeming story of God's love... how an act of kindness can change a life. 

"To love another person is to see the face of God!" - Les Misèrables

What did you think?

"Klaraelle" 

P.S. "Scatterbrained"... ok, that word looks super weird. I've looked at it too much! 

P.P.S. Talia at Girlz of God has written a pretty epic review of Les Mis... check it out here! :) 

Thoughts on The Hobbit

As titled, these are my thoughts on The Hobbit movie... in three+ parts.

Part I: In which I explain that I am indeed aware that I recently posted about this same subject...
I know, I know... I JUST posted about The Hobbit. So I apologize for two similar posts in the near vicinity of each other... I just thought I'd share my thoughts on the movie before I became busy and forgot to do it.

I really enjoyed The Hobbit... BUT... it was pretty violent (hence, the PG-13 rating). Also, the movie contained many extra scenes as well as characters that were not in the book. Though I'm not a Tolkien purist (that I know of, at least), I have been rereading and enjoying the book recently was looking forward to seeing a movie that stuck fairly close to the said book...

Part II, a fairly detailed mini-review containing lots of spoilers. *SPOILER ALERT! PROCEED NO FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HEAR SPOILERS FOR THE HOBBIT*

A Comparison: Some parts of the movie seemed as if they came straight from the book and were just as fun and lighthearted. Other parts, however, seemed like rehashes of the best scenes from the last movies (people falling off cliffs and getting pulled back up; orcs on wargs; the same music playing when Gandalf says something wise (that was actually kind of cool, though), people falling and getting caught by eagles, etc.).

Other parts, however (like the "Pale Orc"), almost seemed like creative fanfic. The Hobbit as a book was successful without the newly added parts, so why add twists and extra characters to a storyline that is already a classic? Also, the addition of the mysterious stone (whose name escapes me) seems like a new rendition of the Ring, even though The Hobbit tells the story of the Ring, and how it came to Bilbo... NOTE: I did a little more research into the "differences between the book and movie" and discovered added aspects like the "pale orc" are actually some of Tolkien's creations mentioned in the appendix. However, these were my initial thoughts as a teenage girl who enjoys literature, has read The Hobbit and enjoys Lord of the Rings but is not one of those people who speaks Elvish, has read the books more than 10 times and has memorized the appendixes. ;)

Epicness (or not): When I read both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings one summer, the latter seemed much more lighthearted and fun than the latter. The Hobbit is, as the copy of the book that I read announces on its cover, "the enchanting prelude". I don't think The Hobbit movie needs to match Lord of the Rings in violence, darkness or intensity. Bilbo's adventure about helping dwarves reclaim their homeland does not need to be made on the same scale as the story of saving Middle-Earth. I personally think that The Hobbit would not me less epic if it contained less violence and darkness than its trilogy counterpart. And occasionally, I think that perhaps there is just as much epicness - perhaps even more - to be had in the little things in life (things that hobbits would appreciate) than in grand and violent battles.

Stuff I liked: The Hobbit did have some wonderful moments. My favorite was when Bilbo could've killed Gollum, but he chose to show him mercy, probably remembering Gandalf's words from earlier in the movie...

Bilbo: I have never used a sword in my life.

Gandalf: And I hope you never have to. But if you do, remember this: true courage is about not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one.

Bilbo allowing Gollum to live was a beautiful scene, and one much needed amidst the dramatic and bloody battle scenes and skirmishes.

Bilbo also attempts to leave the expedition several times, feeling unwanted, unneeded and out of place. He repeatedly misses his home, as he does in the book. But he chooses to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland because he comes to understand that they need a home, just like he does. However, the end gets super cliche-ish when Thorin, who has grumped about having Bilbo along, finally acknowledges that Bilbo was needed.

Part III: A conclusion (of sorts)
As I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy the movie. But, I wish the movie would've stuck closer to the book. I think if it had done so, it would be more original and be able to stand on its own two furry hobbit feet, instead of relying on re-hashes of moments from Lord of the Rings to fulfill its recipe of "epicness".

Also, I thought the violence was rather overdone. As I was watching the movie, though I did not know it, havoc and heartbreak were raging in Connecticut as parents and siblings grieved the loss of their children / siblings. Though I'm not saying violent movies are the cause of violence in our society today, I just found it almost ironic, and a little sickening, that I could be watching violence for fun, or entertainment, when real people, real, living, breathing and feeling people, were suffering because of violence. Granted, the violence in The Hobbit is good against evil, done the classic way - handsome [dwarf] men against creepy and evil villains. The violence done in the school in Connecticut was not good against evil, it was and evil act being done against the helpless. I guess it's just my humble opinion that maybe a little more lighthearted charm could've sparked a smile in a dark and depraved world, instead of minutes upon minutes of battle scenes that seemed more numerous, extraneous, and lengthier than those in Lord of the Rings.

More thoughts and the actual conclusion: The Hobbit had some great moments. I also enjoyed the introduction, seeing Frodo and Bilbo as they were before Frodo went on his own unexpected adventure. But I don't think The Hobbit will have the same place in my heart as The Lord of the Rings. I will admit that I'm excited for the next two Hobbit movies and will probably get some hobbit action figures and merchandise. But I am not as excited or supportive of this movie as I might've been, had it been a little more... hobbit-like.

And now, it's your turn to talk! Did you see the movie? What did you think? Please share your thoughts!

Also, please do not forget to pray for the families in Connecticut!

And, in case I don't post before then... have a merry CHRISTmas as you celebrate Jesus' birth! May this time be filled with love, joy and celebration as you focus on Him.

"Klarabelle"

The Hobbit and a Middle-Earth-Related Confession

I figured I would not be a proper fan if I did not make the obligatory hobbit post. So here we go...

Part I: I freak out
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hobbit comes out tomorrow... and yes, I am pretty excited. Yes, I will now publicly confess that I have not been a devoted Hobbit fan... I failed to watch ANY the production videos. *gasp and point* Can I blame it on being in high school!? (Probably not, there are plenty of hobbit-loving high school students who have managed to devote at least a few hours of their time to watching the production videos. Oops).

I will probably be more excited for Bilbo's adventure once I see it... Lordwilling, am hoping to go tomorrow with my mom. (No midnight showing for me...) Hopefully I can post a review afterwards, if you girls would be interested in that?

Okay, I've stopped hyperventilating out of excitement now. I think.

Part II: I talk a little bit about the movie 
The movie that is coming out tomorrow (Lordwilling) is apparently part 1 of the 3 parts of The Hobbit movie, which is based on the book of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story is that of a hobbit named Bilbo. (What is a hobbit? A creature resembling a human, but a very small human and one with hairy feet and a good disposition, according to this source. However, I disagree with their statement about hobbits being "imaginary"...). Bilbo a fairly normal hobbit - he does not take part in adventures. He is enjoying life in the town of Hobbiton when a wizard named Gandalf shows up at his home. Then, thirteen dwarves show up as well, practically eating Bilbo out of house and home and inviting him to be a "burglar" on their adventure, Bilbo ends up accepting, and does something that, as I mentioned earlier, is not usually done amongst hobbits. Bilbo sets off on an adventure. (That was a lame synopsis. If you want a better one, type "The Hobbit movie" into your search engine, and you will probably find something better).

Part III: The disclaimer of sorts 
I'm aware that some Christians have chosen not to read Tolkien's books about Middle-Earth, or watch the movies - whether it's because of the violence (in the movies) or the magic, or the fact that there is a "good wizard" in the book, or something else. I completely understand.

My family enjoys the Lord of the Rings movies (as well as the books). There is definitely a lot of redeeming quality in them. The Lord of the Rings tells of an epic struggle between good and evil, including some really neat themes, quotes, and all that good stuff. And, it's an amazing story.

But, I understand if you have chosen not to participate in Middle-Earth affairs. Or, if you are just plain not interested. I enjoy literature and share some of my opinions / likes / dislikes on this bloggo... feel free to ignore me! teehee

Part IV: I should really finish up this post
Anyway, I completely got sidetracked there. Let's just say, I'm excited about The Hobbit. If you are too, share your thoughts below! If you aren't, then, uhh... share your thoughts, too! : )

Have a blessed day!
"Klarabelle"

P.S. An appeal for help (not related to hobbits...) 
Help! Blogger won't let me put any more photos onto my blog (that's why there aren't any cute hobbit pics on this post)! It says my memory is full. Help!!!?>>

UNTIL TOMORROW!!!
(A Tale of Two Cities musical song used in reference to hobbits... ahh... never mind. : )) Have a great day!

A Hypothetical Suzanne Collins

* I wrote this several months ago but have delayed posting it. Since The Hunger Games is coming out on DVD tomorrow, I thought today would be the perfect time to publish it. Read on at your own peril; we are entitled to our own opinions but if you would like to read mine, continue on. If not, then feel free not to read any more. If you do choose to read this, please comment {politely} with your thoughts, and - Lordwilling - I will reply to you. If you want to discuss this further, let me know. Thanks! :) * 

A sequel to one of my most popular blog posts...

Over the summer, I interviewed some of my friends.  I haven't interviewed very many of them yet, but I hope to continue so as to make my information more accurate.

"Hi, can I ask you some quick questions about something?"
"Sure!"
"Did you read The Hunger Games?"
"Yes I did!"
"Why?"
"Uhhh...because everyone else was reading them!"
"Why do you think Suzanne Collins wrote The Hunger Games?"
"To make money?"

Most people, when asked why they think Suzanne collins wrote The Hunger Games, reply with answers like, "to make money", "because she was a writer" and sometimes "because she thought the future might be like that".  Very few people come up with the reasons like, "She wrote it to make the world a better place."  "She wrote it to teach teens about morality."  "She wrote it to show the horrors of war."  Only when people are pushed to nailing down a reason to justify why they read this book do they start pulling out such answers.  I know it's very unpopular to compare Twilight with The Hunger Games, but I just want to say: I never heard anyone say, "Oh, I'm reading the Twilight novels to encourage my stand on purity.  I am so encouraged by the fact that Edward and Bella chose not to have sex.  Reading the books inspired me to keep my purity and I'm a better person because I read those books."  Honestly, answers like, "Twilight encourages abstinence" only come out when people are pushed to justify themselves.  (And for the record, there are plenty of other Christian books that discuss abstinence without the use of vampires).

Let's say Suzanne Collins looked at our world and saw a bunch of desensitized lovers of violence.  So she decided to write a series of books that was graphic and horrific enough to shock us out of our shells and pull the blindfold from our eyes.  Because society is so messed up, she had to write something quite tough to read in order to convict us.  She didn't write the book for pure violence's sake, nor did she write it to desensitize us.  Let's theorize and say that desensitizing us was the exact opposite of what she wanted to - instead of making us numb to violence, she wanted to disturb us to the point that we woke up and realized we live in a disturbed society.

Well, that's a noble calling, even if its a controversial way of going about to fix it.

So, has it worked?  Are all these Christians that are standing against the Hunger Games really standing against a noble cause?

I'm actually surprised some of the HG momentum has died down.  The night of the midnight showing and the weekend afterward, almost everyone was talking about the books / movies.  When I went to see October Baby, lines of families (including small children) were in line, and each said, "Tickets to Hunger Games, please."   Maybe the HG obsession has died down because, unlike the preteens in love with twilight, people who like the HG are mature enough NOT to lose their heart over a novel.  Or maybe HG affects people in a different way than twilight affected young girl's hearts.

People are obsessed with the books / movies...  not just the games themselves, but the characters, posting about Peeta or Gale on FaceBook, blogs, etc.  There are fan pages and fan groups and even HG Bible studies (to me, those words should not even be in the same sentence).  I even read an article where someone, in all seriousness, compared Peeta to Jesus.  Whaaa...?  For me, that's going a little too far.  Are people really focusing on what our hypothetical Suzanne Collins wants us to focus on?

I think one of our main  problems is today that people are not thinking. So many teens, Christians and non-Christians alike read books without considering the consequences. When we read something and let it go into our minds, it will affect us in some way or another.

I really liked what Danielle Elizabeth Tumminio said on CNN's belief blog. (I'm not saying I approve of any of her other articles oropinions, I'm just citing her because I agree with her in this case)

"[P]erhaps the great irony revealed by the film is that we are not meant to see it.  We're not intended to watch its violence, because this story, as Gale says, is meant to be protested.  Which means, ironically, "The Hunger Games' " greatest triumph would be an empty theater and streets full of people demanding the kinds of changes needed in Katniss' world and in our own.  What if we did this?  What if we didn't watch?  I like to imagine that only then would the odds be in Katniss' favor.  And in ours."  

I would encourage you to read and consider the full article here.

WORLD magazine reports Suzanne Collins saying, "[TV reality shows are] often set up as games, and, like sporting events, there's an interest in seeing who wins... Sometimes they have very talented people performing.  Then there's the voyeuristic thrill - watching people being humiliated, or brought to tears, or suffering physically - which I find very disturbing.  There's also a potential for desensitizing the audience, so that when they see a real tragedy playing out on, say, the news, it doesn't have the impact it should."

Think about it.

If you're an HG fan, do you think more about the characters, or about whatever point Suzanne Collins may or may not have been trying to make through the writing of her books?

In my humble opinion, we should not obsess over anything, even a good thing that is not the Bible.  Anything "good" that becomes an obsession is no longer good, honorable and noble.  In my mind, a warning flag pops up when anything is immensely popular, when people struggle to justify their motives for joining in, and when churches start trying to do Bible studies using secular novels.  You can't take "the world" and the "righteousness", marry them, and tell them to get along.  The world and God are enemies.  James 4:4 says, "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?  Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4)  Jesus' bride isn't the secular world, it is the church.  But what happens if the church looks just like the world?

You already know what I think about The Hunger Games.  I could debate you, throw Bible verses at you, walk into your house and burn your HG books, but ultimately it's up to you.  I encourage you to come to the Bible with all personal presuppositions put away, and see what God has to say.

"Klarabelle"

Why I Am Not Reading / Watching the Hunger Games

*takes deep breath*

I've planned to post this for a while for several reasons...

- to dispell the myth that I am a Hunger Games hater

- to explain why I stand where I stand

- to share my opinions

If you are a Hunger Games fan and think you will be offended with what I am going to say, I do not want this to become in any way a separation in our friendship!  You may choose not to read on and that is your choice.  :)  I'm cool with that.

I try not to attack other people's books and I try to respect my friend's opinions.  However I'm getting a lot of questions about why I am not reading / "don't like" the Hunger Games, so it's only polite for me to explain.

First of all, I'm not allowed to read them.  A bunch of my friends told me it was a good series, and one said it wasn't graphic.  So I showed the book to my mom.  She did a LOT of research and decided that I shouldn't read it.  Here are her reasons:

1. It is graphic and violent.  Although violence has become part of our world as a result of sin, that doesn't mean we need to surround ourselves with it or read about it.  There's enough violence in history, if you want to read violence!  I know some people say the author portrays war as evil, but there are plenty of books that will do that for you, in a Christian and less violent manner.  A lot of people tried to justify reading Twilight because Bella doesn't have sex with Edward but there are plenty of other books that are Christian, pro-life, and support abstinence.  Also, seeing a lot of violence will de-sensitize us to violence.  That means in the future, to give you the same thrill of violence later, it will have to be worse.  It will have to be gorier.  It will have to be bloodier.  It could be a challenge to make it PG-13.

2. This is probably the weirdest point of all, but, this book / movie is VERY popular.  I'm sorry to say this, but it's the next Harry Potter or the next Twilight.  Now I know there's some of you who decided to read those books, but I did not read those books either.  Books that are immensely popular are not necessarily bad, but it's something to look out for.  Often, books that people become obsessed with, are not Christian.  Obsessions are never good, since we're supposed to have no other gods except our God.  I'm not saying that just because you like the Hunger Games that it is your idol, but it's with anything we "like", it's something to look out for.

3. Book series / movie series don't get happier.  They get darker and darker as it progresses.  There are people who tried to justify reading Twilight, but I know at least one person who is not so enamored with it anymore.  The Hunger Games movies will only get darker.  If you have any problem with the amount of violence in them now, it will only get worse.

4.  I have not read the books but have heard they do not have the redeeming ending, like Lord of the Rings.  In other words, I watch Lord of the Rings despite the violence, because it overall has good truths and good points to it...and to me, it ends beautifully (although sadly!).  I'm not saying every book should have a happy ending (Don't worry, I've watched plenty of depressing WWII movies...) but honestly, our lives can have happy endings, because instead of being punished for our sins and getting what we deserve, we are offered eternal life in heaven with Jesus.  Just a thought there, moving on...

6. You write what you read.  What I read / watch deeply influences my writing, and I don't really want my writing to become violent (I'm already having enough trouble with that as it is) or disturbing.  

7. Once images are in your mind, they won't leave!  I am disturbed enough by orcs eating orcs in Lord of the Rings.  I don't need to see more people killing other people.  

8. The worldview isn't Christian.  There are some non-Christian books that still have good points, or good morals and make them worthy to read.  But if the worldview isn't Christian, then the book series really won't help me in my spiritual life or my life in general.

I've chosen not to watch this movie or read this book.  Do any of you remember The Golden Compass?  Christians and Catholics decided to boycott the movie, because the author was definitely not attempting to promote God and was in fact doing the complete opposite (saying, "My books are all about killing God" in an interview).  Guess what?  There has been no sequel for The Golden Compass.  I lived in England at the time, and I'm not even sure if the movie came to the American theater there.  I remember hearing a lady on the news doing a short report on the movie and saying how Christians were choosing to boycott it.  Showing, or not showing our support, is a huge witness, or not a witness, to the world.  Just something to think about.

Anyway, I'm sorry if I stated everything bluntly and offended you.  I hope our friendship is stronger than a difference of opinions concerning a book / movie.  I love my friends and am not trying to hit them on the head for liking these books.  But before I go, there's just one question I'd like to ask you...

Does it pass the Philippians 4:8 test?

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

~ Klarabelle

My Review Of: October Baby

October Baby

My rating: 5 stars all the way!!!

Synopsis: (from the website, http://octoberbabymovie.net/themovie)    
As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college.  Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah - unscripted - collapses in front of the stunned audience.

After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah's difficult birth.  This revelation is nothing compared to what she learns from her parents: she was actually adopted...after a failed abortion attempt.

Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah turns for support to Jason, her oldest friend.  Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, Hannah joins his group of friends on a Spring Break road trip, embarking on a journey to discover her hidden past...and find hope for her unknown future.

In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah finds that life can be so much more than what you have planned.

My Thoughts

This is an extremely well done movie.  There were few, if any, "cheesy" parts, and from the beginning, I could feel myself drawn into Hannah's story (story line = engaging).  It was not a very predictable movie which always kept me wondering what would happen next.  The acting is spectacular - all of the actors and actresses did a very believable job.  The movie is rated PG-13, but mostly for content, there was nothing graphic or disturbing.

I think the movie was made to be sensitive to mothers who have had abortions, and not portray them as "the bad guys".  When I heard that there was a new pro-life movie coming out, I thought it might have more to do with the sadness and horror of abortion.  And while that is in the movie too, there is also a message of forgiveness.

When the movie ended, I was so thankful that this movie has been made.  It is such a beautiful movie with one of the greatest themes of all: every life is beautiful.  God is clearly part of this story.  My favourite part of the movie might just be when Hannah talks to a priest about forgiveness.  Earlier in the movie she wonders if the truth really will make her free...  but because of what Christ did for her, she learns that forgiveness has the power of freedom.

I was thinking of all the things I could write in this review, but none of them are really coming to me right now.  Really, just go and see this movie.  There are will probably be moments when you are laughing and there are moments when you'll want to cry, but I pray you will leave the movie theater touched and changed by the many good points and messages in October Baby.  By the way, make sure you stay for the beginning credits - don't leave right after the movie ends.

One thing that bothered me was the constant dialogue of "real parents".  Hannah's adoptive parents are her family and are her "real parents".  Her birthmother is her biological mother but doesn't have to be labeled her "real mother".  As an adoptee, I'm just sayin'.


It's also kind of strange that Hannah's parents never told her that she was adopted, until her myriad of health problems forced them to reveal this fact as she was a freshman in college.  But, her father later explains they were going through tough times themselves and just didn't know how to explain to her, as she was growing up.


Jason is, of course, the romantic interest of the movie.  He is a faithful friend to Hannah.  When the two have to share a hotel room together, he sleeps on the floor.  (Hannah eventually leaves, feeling uncomfortable).  I think this has been put in the movie to show the value of abstinence and modest, and the fact that it is possible to like someone and still remain pure, even in a very awkward situation.


***Spoiler section***
Throughout the movie, Hannah is in conflict with her parents, especially her father.  However, ***spoiler*** this does end happily in a restored relationship that adds a lot of meaning to the movie.  ***spoiler***  After Hannah's dad realises he has overreacted and misunderstood about Jason, he calls Jason and gives him permission to date Hannah.  
*** End ***


I would say more, but I'm trying not to give away too much of the plot.  

October Baby is a movie that you shouldn't miss!  This is one of my new favourite movies, and I hope all of my girlfriends get a chance to see it!

If you already saw it, what did you think?

If you've already seen and loved it, please promote the movie and tell others about it!  As always, Christian movies need our support, especially on opening weekend and when it's in the theaters.  I would love to see more powerful Christian movies like these in the theaters.

"Klarabelle"

October Baby

Hey everyone!

I tried to post this earlier, but the computer got stuck and I ended up having to cancel the post.  So, Take 2!

You may've seen the adds or heard about the latest pro-life movie, October Baby.  I have read the WORLD magazine review of it and it sounds like the movie will be very good.  I haven't seen it yet but am planning, Lordwilling, to go tomorrow with my mom.  

The teaser from the website, http://octoberbabymovie.net/ readers:

As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah—unscripted—collapses in front of the stunned audience.

After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah's difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to what she then learns from her parents: she was actually adopted … after a failed abortion attempt.

Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah turns for support to Jason, her oldest friend. Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, Hannah joins his group of friends on a Spring Break road trip, embarking on a journey to discover her hidden past … and find hope for her unknown future.

In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah finds that life can be so much more than what you have planned.

It is wonderful that a pro-life movie has come to theaters!  Apparently opening weekend is a crucial time for the success a movie.  I know I might sound like a salesperson, but I am urging you to go and support this movie, especially with the competition of The Hunger Games also coming out at the same time.  It may be tempting to see it in the dollar theater, or to netflix it later, but if we show movie theaters that we support and enjoy Christian movies, that raises the chance that they will show another one.  

The movie is rated PG-13, so you'll probably want to go with your parents and talk to them about it.  Abortion is not a happy subject, but life is beautiful, and as October Baby points out, "every life is precious".

Spread the word!  There are blog banners and Facebook profile pictures and all that good stuff.

"Klarabelle"

Hakuna Matata...Wait, WHAT!?!?!?

Movies are great, aren't they?

A good movie might make you laugh until your stomach hurts, cry in the middle of a movie theater, or, scare you spitless. (Okay. I'll take this moment to point out...I don't like being scared during movies. :p)

Today, my friend and I headed off to "Lion King" in 3D. "These are some expensive glasses!" I laughed. We went, for one reason, to get the 3D glasses so we could be, uh, official nerds. So, to fulfill the "nerdy home schooler" part of me, here's my review of "Lion King" in 3-D.

The Movie in General...
"Lion King" is an exciting mix of singing, fun characters, the bad guys (DUN DUN DUN...), action and a little romance. Since I hadn't seen the movie for several years I couldn't remember everything that happened, so I was able to enjoy it as if I'd only seen it once or twice. I didn't lose interest in the storyline and found myself laughing and nearly crying in different scenes.


First of all, let's get the 3-D affects out of the way...
I really enjoyed the 3D effects although there weren't very many things that really popped out, and I can't remember any animal turds or bugs flying into our face. But when that little meerkat dude and the warthog started singing, I thought, "What in the world!?"


The Worldview...
The little animals were singing, "Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase / Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze / It means no worries for the rest of your days!" I whispered to my friend, "What world do they live in!?"


I contained myself but was inwardly freaking out about the worldivew of this song. There were a bunch of cute preschoolers sitting several rows behind us...and they were learning that they should leave their pasts behind, and live a life of NO WORRIES? What kind of planet would those poor kids grow up in? Were they going to run around for the rest of their life searching for this alleged "problem-free philsophy"!?


That's why I was relieved when an adult Simba told the spastic monkey Rafiki, "I know what I have to do. But going back will mean facing my past. I've been running from it for so long." Whew! That was a relief. I'd seen "Lion King" when I was a kid, but worldviews didn't pop out at me when I was nine years old. They're more subtle, and sneak into your mind... if you're careful, you won't notice, even if you're a teenager or an adult. Timon is half right when he tells us to, "put your past behind you." But we can't put our past behind us until we've made our wrongs right. Until we've forgiven those who have wronged us.


More About the Worldview... (Ze Application!)
Rafiki tells Simba his father lives in him. As Simba looks into his reflection, Mufasa's spirit? ghost? appears. "Simba," he says, "you have forgotten me." "No!" Simba says. "How could I?" This made me think of God...it made me think of how we can go to church and read our Bibles, and yet, God still comes to us and says, "You have forgotten Me." We say, "How could I? *insert excuses here*." "You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. [I interpret this as, "You are more than a carefree teenager...or however old Simba's supposed to be] You must take your place in the Circle of Life." Okay, that's not exactly what God would tell us, but what can I say? I'm quoting a Disney movie where cartoons are talking to each other. Anyway, I think God might say something like, "You have forgotten who I Am and so forgotten who you are. You are my child. Look to the cross and there you will find who you are. Look to me and you will know what you are to become." "Remember who you are," Mufasa continues. "You are my son, the one true king. Remember..." God is our King. Are you His child? Don't forget! Remember!


Other Good Stuffs...
A slightly rebellious Simba learns many important lessons, despite a detour that encourages him to live a carefree life (like I said, what world is that!?). He grows up to face his past and embrace his destiny as king of...the other animals, I guess. When Simba disobeys his father, Mufasa shows his disappointment, but also his love. King Mufasa teaches his young son and the audience that, "There's more to being a king than getting your way all the time." There's more to life than struggling to get your way, even if it means rebelling against your parents or other authorities. Or against God. Mufasa's wisdom pays off - he's loved by most of his people, unlike Scar. Even though Simba and Nyala think Zazu is a bore, they go back to help him when the hyenas have him pinned down.


The End
I really enjoyed seeing "Lion King" today. You might think I'm kind of freaking out about the whole "worldview" thing. But I really like "Lion King" and I'm not trying to say, "HEY! Don't go see that movie!" No, I'm no saying that all. I'm just saying be careful! It's good to be discerning when you read books and movies, especially if they are from a secular source. As it turns out, "Lion King" is a great movie and it doesn't seem to be putting across bad morals - in fact, just the opposite! I do think, however, discussions and consideration about movies aren't bad at all. :)


If you see "Lion King" in 3D - enjoy!

P.S. On a side note, my family is now watching a documentary on, "The Crash of 29." I just realised ("realise" spelt British) that it's NOT about a CAR crash, it's about the stock market crash...wow...)

Please share your thoughts on, "Lion King" if you saw it!

Can't think of an epic signature today,
"Klarabelle"