Words By: Troy Wong

Summer Movies

As I sit here to write this month's column, I'm pretty dry. Now, if I were a recovering alcoholic that'd be a good thing, but I'm not, so it's a bad thing. My spirit feels over stimulated and yet dull at the very same time. Kinda like the previews for Speed Racer the movie.

PanicRev is taking steps to move toward becoming a church. That's a good thing. My kids and wife are excited about their faith. That's a good thing. The ministry that I'm called to is in a season of abundance. That's a good thing. My parents are healthy. That's a good thing. Yet I'm still dry. Not a good thing. I've been in the Lord long enough to know that these seasons come and they go. I'll just wait until it passes (Psalm 46).

So what do I write about this month? I'll share with you my opinions on some movies I think are worth seeing in that they might stimulate your faith. In no particular order other than this is the order that I saw them. . .

1) Saints and Soldiers . I'm having a dejaVu moment right now and am wondering if I've written about this one already. Oh well, let's roll with it. First off, let me tell you, this movie was produced by Mormons, and the main character in the movie is a Mormon. If that's a problem for you, go to the next movie. If it's not, read on. Mormonism is not promoted in the movie, in fact there's only one subtle clue that the main character is a Mormon: He says he's from Snowflake, Arizona a town with a high concentration of Mormons. Other than that this movie crosses over to the Christian faith very easily. How easily does it cross over? I thought it was produced by and portrayed a main character who was a Christian. It wasn't until I did some digging into the movie on the internet that I found this stuff out. Plus, it's an indy film – I like that. We rented it at Blockbuster.

2) Bella . Another indy. Here's a story of a broken man who lives out his faith in a complex world. He just tries hard to do what Christ would. It also shows the power of a solid family and the wreckage of a broken family. It's definitely worth the $5 to rent it.

3) Amazing Grace . The story of William Wilberforce – he spent a lifetime ending slavery in Great Britain. I read a biography on Wilberforce before seeing the movie, big mistake/act of genius all at the same time. Big mistake: films don't compare to books, how can you condense a man's life story into 90 minutes? You can't. Also, Wilberforce's pastor, John Newton, who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace is kinda this weird, haunted by past sins janitor guy – not at all like the real Newton (I read his biography also). Genius: The movie moves fast. The book filled in the details. I know I got more out of the movie than my family. My wife & kids who didn't read the book loved the movie and were stimulated to give their lives to great causes.

4) Prince Caspian . Summer block buster. Good battles. Mouse is funny. There is definitely Christian symbolism in it and it's fun to discuss after the film. Cost me $50 to take my family, but the battles are worth seeing on the big screen.

Read you Bible, stay in fellowship, pray, share your faith. That's what I'll be doing till the dryness is over.

Blessings,
Troy