…why I didn’t include Peter T. Chattaway’s review of Thunderbirds in today’s Christianity Today Film Forum, well… it’s because I’m sloppy and forgetful, and because this week’s forum took twice as long to assemble due to a suddenly flurry of new review-activity online. So, I enthusiastically do hereby present unto you the link… (more…) Read more
[This article was originally published at Christianity Today on June 1, 2004.] When I was in the sixth grade, some of our school library books had words crossed out with black markers—words that teachers thought would harm children who read them. Even Mark Twain received this treatment. To me, it seemed somehow unholy to stain the pages of someone’s story in that way, to delete words the author had chosen. Those black bars were an eyesore, and they distracted me... Read more
First of all, thank you for one of the summer’s most enjoyable movies. The Bourne Supremacy is just the right size and shape. Spider-Man 2 runs a little long, considering the comic-book simplicity of its plot. Your film ends at just the right moment. I laughed, I cheered, I clung to my seat in order to keep from being thrown through the windshield of Bourne’s car, and I applauded at your brilliant choice of bringing back that great Moby song... Read more
Bono’s back, ready to attend both the Democratic and the Republican conventions, asking why in the world the Africa crisis is not listed as a subject for discussion at either one. (more…) Read more
Star Wars fans, put all sharp objects out of reach. You don’t want to hurt yourself or anybody else after you see this… the new ending for Return of the Jedi. (more…) Read more
I’m back from a weekend of 103-degree heat in Portland, Oregon, where I did just what I said I was going to do (sans the beer-drinking) with friends and family… I lounged, I read, I sipped coffee, I ate UNBELIEVABLY SCRUMPTIOUS desserts at Papa Haydn’s (something you should add to your DO BEFORE I DIE list), I saw Anchorman again and laughed even harder, and I enjoyed some brief but deep sleep in a small air-conditioned hotel room at the... Read more
It’s Friday. I don’t feel like talking about Catwoman. In fact, I plan to spend the weekend lounging around and having cold beers and rich desserts with friends… obeying God’s harsh order to rest on the Sabbath. So, rather than griping about the news or the movies, let’s hear from someone gifted in raising spirits: (more…) Read more
UPDATE: My review is now posted at CT Movies. Well, there’s the easy route: you can write a review of Catwoman by finding the most readily available derogatory metaphor relating to cats. “It’s the pick of the litter box…” for example. Or, (more…) Read more
On Changes Come, Over the Rhine sounds like a band playing their last concert, pouring every last ounce of energy and passion into making these songs as brilliant as they can be. The result is a performance so intense, soulful, soaring, and astonishing that it will make everyone hope this is actually not the end, but the beginning. (more…) Read more
In the last month I’ve: read up on the life of Dana Gioia, perused his poetry, shouted “Amen!” over and over again while reading his book Can Poetry Matter?, and interviewed him twice. I’ve got to say that he’s becoming one of my heroes. He’s about as qualified an individual as you’ll find on the planet to head up the National Endowment for the Arts. He’s doing a fine job. (more…) Read more
Looking Closer
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