Christianity on the Big Screen - Jeffrey Overstreet

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Christianity on the Big Screen

A collection of 11 posts

First Reformed (2018)

On Movies & Media

First Reformed (2018)

The most invigorating subject of discussion at the movies this year is also a difficult and, for me, frustrating film.

Praising Paul, Apostle of Christ

On Movies & Media

Praising Paul, Apostle of Christ

Justin Chang and Steven Greydanus are impressed with "Paul, Apostle of Christ."

Movie's Not Christian — and Vox's Not Dead

On Movies & Media

Movie's Not Christian — and Vox's Not Dead

God's Not Dead, but he sure is misrepresented! Here's Alissa Wilkinson on just how misguided this series of films really is.

On Movies & Media

Concussion: another Christian football movie?

Facing the Giants, When the Game Stands Tall, Woodlawn ... ...Concussion? I've been hopeful about Concussion. It's a film about a problem that I care about very deeply. But I certainly didn't anticipate what I recently read about it in The New Yorker. Ian Crouch

Woodlawn: A step in the right direction?

On Movies & Media

Woodlawn: A step in the right direction?

So I've already received one note from a fan of so-called "Christian movies" who pointed to some positive reviews of Woodlawn in the mainstream press, and who then implied that this negates my protests about the Christian movie industry. (The Rotten Tomatoes "score" — which

War Room (2015): A guest commentary by Anonymous

War Room (2015): A guest commentary by Anonymous

The following post-viewing commentary on War Room was submitted by a Looking Closer reader and a Christian friend whose passion for excellence in the arts is an inspiration to many. And he has an incisive sense of humor. You've been warned. I'm honoring this friend'

The "Most Christian" Movie of the Year?

In Selma — and I'm pretty sure about this — there is more gospel quoted, more gospel celebrated, more gospel embraced and openly lived out than in any so-called "Christian movie" released in 2014. (Except the one that was, you know, a Jesus movie.)

On Movies & Media

Will Unbroken inspire you to "hate your enemies"?

How many movies that promise to "inspire" you actually inspire you? I don't mean "Do they make you feel good?" Inspiration changes people. It motivates them. It spurs them into action. In my experience at the movies, 9 out of 10 that promise they

Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014): Or, "Moses and Errin'"

Dear Ridley Scott, My name is Aaron. I'm the brother of Moses. In the Holy Scriptures, when Moses balks at God's call for him to go and free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, claiming a lack of eloquence, God gets aggravated and assigns me to travel

Calvary (2014): A Looking Closer Film Forum

Calvary (2014): A Looking Closer Film Forum

"I don't think it will be winning any awards from the Christian world. ... It takes place in a universe very like ours."

Left Behind (2014): A Looking Closer Film Forum

Left Behind (2014): A Looking Closer Film Forum

This post will be updated over the next few days, so check back as this thrilling — dare I say rapturous? — cinematic occasion unfolds!