For the theologically astute, there’s more to Hollywood blockbusters than just eye candy.

Think carefully about the last movie you saw. What drove you to watch it? Was it a passionate love story, an explosive action movie, a nail-biting courtroom drama? Now take a step back. Instead of considering the obvious commercial draws of summer blockbusters, think about what impact the movie had on you and what it had to say about life. Were there underlying themes of redemption and grace? Did the hero learn something profound? Was the ending hopeful or discouraging?
While movie-going still makes some Christians uncomfortable, many popular movies have benefited from biblical themes. In C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the conflict between the lion Aslan and the White Witch mirrors the spiritual battle between Christ and the devil. In Superman Returns, the world turns to a Saviour from another world. In The Matrix, the hero, Neo, discovers an alternate dimension of reality that forces him to re-evaluate everything he sees and does. Despite Hollywood’s superficiality, theological themes can be extracted from many films if we take the time to look more closely at plot and characterization.

Although admittedly some Hollywood movies are sexually explicit, violent or vulgar, rejecting them on moral criteria alone may cause us to miss their greater value. By looking through a “Christian lens,” we may discover that many films contain moments of forgiveness, spiritual searching, hope, self-examination, repentance and redemption.

Of course, there are limits. As Christians, we cannot completely abandon our morals. We must use sound judgement in evaluating films and be careful that we do not fill our minds with harmful influences. Violence or sexual content should never be gratuitous, but must serve a greater purpose. Consider how many Christians endured the extreme violence of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ because they knew how the story would end.

Spider-man 3, released May 4, is an example of how theological themes can surface, even in movies that are largely special effects-driven. The third installment of this action-packed trilogy sees Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) finally gain some balance in his life between saving the world and spending time with Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), his long-time crush. But alas, the balance only lasts for so long.

Peter Parker’s traditional red and blue spider suit has morphed into a sinister, jet-black version that enhances his powers. Under the influence of the new suit, however, Peter becomes agitated, vengeful and egotistical, neglecting the people who care about him the most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons even as he faces two feared super-villains, Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) and Venom (Topher Grace).

At their heart, the Spider-man movies are about the struggle between power and responsibility. Through his trials and mistakes, Peter learns what it means to overcome his own lust for power and put other people’s needs ahead of his own. It’s a genuine struggle that mirrors our own anxieties, hopes and fears. While it’s easy to get caught up in the action, suspense and intrigue, we must also pay close attention to those moments of redemption.

While the entertainment may not be explicitly Christian, movies can give you a marvellous avenue for discussing the ultimate story of redemption and grace. Regardless of what type of movie you prefer-comedy, drama or action-be a discerning viewer. Consider what greater value a movie might hold. Consider those moments that speak of true forgiveness and compassion. Consider the underlying themes of faith and redemption that so closely mirror our experience with God. Then seize the opportunity to start a spiritual conversation with your friends. God has something to say to this generation. His light can still illuminate our minds and hearts, even in the darkness of a movie theatre.

by Cadet Peter Lublink
College for Officer Training

Reprinted from Salvationist, July 2007