Fuller Theological Seminary Digital Commons @ Fuller The SEMI (2001-2010) Fuller Seminary Publications 2-16-2009 The Semi (02-16-2009) Fuller Theological Seminary Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/fts-semi-6 Recommended Citation Fuller Theological Seminary, "The Semi (02-16-2009)" (2009). The SEMI (2001-2010). 274. https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/fts-semi-6/274 This Periodical is brought to you for free and open access by the Fuller Seminary Publications at Digital Commons @ Fuller. It has been accepted for inclusion in The SEMI (2001-2010) by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Fuller. For more information, please contact [email protected]. VINTER 7 • FEBRUARY 16,2009 AMPUS* CREATING DIALOGUE m■ m How to Fill Your Netflix Queue By Cathy Barsotti and Rob Johnston Between January and the end of February one or another critic s list of the “best” films of 2008 rolled out, only to be followed by one award show after another. While we mostly stay away from “best” lists (or humility, dedication and forgiveness. And speaking of any kind of lists for that matter), we thought we’d heroes, Iron M an, directed by Jon Favreau, was our fa­ jump into the fray with some of our favorite films vorite summer superhero movie. of 2008. They’re not in any order as they are all Big dramas on our list include Clint Eastwood’s worth seeing. Now’s the time to join Netflix! Gran Torino. In this R-rated film, it seems that East­ Let us begin by mentioning two films which are on wood’s Dirty Harry persona of the past comes of age in the top of our list: WALL*E, directed by Andrew Stan­ the multicultural world we live in today. While racism, ton and Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle. violence, and strong language are present, so are love, The former is an animated film with both heart and a sacrifice and redemption. Another drama that packs a “message”, while the latter is a gritty film about hope punch is D oubt, directed by John Patrick Shanley. It is a even in the midst of the worst of human conditions. haunting parable about faith and doubt, set in the con­ Both are filmmaking at its best. Another animated film text of a Catholic school where sexual abuse of children on our list that the whole family will enjoy is Dr. Seuss’ is suspected. Whether Sister Aloysius or Father Flynn Horton Hears a Who, directed by Jimmy Hayward and is correct as they struggle to live out their faith is left Steve Martino. While Horton may be an animated in doubt. Lastly, The Curious Case o f Benjamin Button, elephant, he’s a hero who inspires us to compassion, directed by David Fincher, is an amazing look at life in Continued on page 9 SEMI-RELEVANT This issue is inundated with lists of lains with names like ‘Xander Drax,” and Catherine Zeta- films. So, to alleviate this situation, Jones. You need to watch this movie. I will make a list. Being the naysayer Q uote: “History is about to be made and you’re all a part that I am, I present the Best Worst o f it. Not an equal part, o f course, but an important part Movies I’ve Ever Seen. nonetheless. ” W aterw orld B*A*P*S (BlackAfrican Princesses) How could Kevin Costner and My sister loved this movie. It is ridiculous, exploitative $175 million go so wrong? I think and it stars Halle Berry and her friend as entrepreneurs the script was originally for an epi­ trying to open a combination hair salon and soul food sode of Teenage M utant Ninja Turtles. restaurant that stumble upon a rich lifestyle. Genius. As campy and ridiculous as this film is, I have probably Q uote: “Booyah. ” watched it five times. I wish I had gills. Master o f Disguise Q uote: “He doesn’t have a name so death cant find him!” Dana Carvey stars in this critically lambasted (probably The Phantom for good reason) movie that I cannot watch enough times. I love this film. Billy Zane stars in this comic book film It is full of jokes so juvenile that I cannot help but crack about a pistol-brandishing, purple-spandex-wearing vigi­ up, and a plot line that could not be followed by anyone lante who vowed older than 13. Carvey s character’s name is Pistachio Dis- to fight piracy, guisey. Gold. greed, cruelty Q uote: “Am I not turtley enough for the turtle club? Turtle, and injustice. Its turtle, turtle!” the SEMI full of silly fight scenes, swooning — Ben Cassil, Dean of Students R u th V u o n g romance, cool vil- SEMI Editor Managing Editor Carmen Valdés Editor B e n C a s s il [email protected] ADVERTISEMENT Production Editor Scott Arany [email protected] Ads Coordinator Eugene Suen FULLER COPY SERVICES semi-ads@ fuller.edu On Walnut S t next to the Book Store The SEMI is published weekly as a service to the Fuller community by Student Life and Services, 135 N. Oakland, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA 91182. 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Submission Deadline W in te r 9 February 16 PHONE: (626) 584-5368 W in te r 10 February 23 HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm EMAIL: [email protected] P ag e 2 • Winter 7,2009 • the SEMI A Good Story Properly Told: The Medium of Film by Elijah Davidson Ask any filmmaker worth their salt what the most important ingredient for mak­ ing a good movie is, and you are sure to get one answer: a good story. (A quick caveat, for the purpose of the narrative over time. I’m sure it lose almost all of its power if divorced this article, when I refer to “movies” made a great bedtime story; the mov­ from the screen. That which gives or “films,” I am referring only to nar­ ie on the other hand left something Rocky its punch (pun!) is filmic in na­ rative based films.) I agree to a point. to be desired. The Sixth Sense howev­ ture. The movie alters time in a way Good movies do tell good stories, but er, is a story Shyamalan always meant that only films are capable of doing. I would suggest that very good mov­ to tell in film form, and it succeeds In the film’s famous training mon­ ies tell good stories that can only be wonderfully, because the story hinges tage, we see Rocky unable to make it told in film form. on those things which are particular up the Philadelphia Museum of Art For example, the Johnny Cash to film. In this case, the story’s mean­ steps. He continues to train, and as song “One Piece at a Time” tells the ing is primarily visual. W hat you see, the music swells, he makes it to the story of an auto plant worker who or in the case o f The Sixth Sense, what top of the steps where he dances builds a car by stealing one small you think you see, is the story. around joyously. M onths and months piece o f the car at a time from the fac­ Film adaptations are a place where of training are compressed into the tory where he works over the course this principle becomes especially evi­ span of “Gonna Fly Now,” and we of many years. It’s a good story, and a dent. Jane Austin’s Pride and Preju­ exult with the Italian Stallion as he good song, but as it stands, I doubt it dice is a novel rich with the emotion, lifts his arms and leaps in slow mo­ would make much of a movie. character, and the inner world of Eliz­ tion. Rocky’s power comes not from Or, consider M. Night Shymalan’s abeth Bennet. The book is among the one-arm pushups, but from taking Lady In The Water. He originally made most celebrated works of literature in advantage of film’s strengths. up that story as he told it to his chil­ the English language. The novel is a To me, the thing that seems to lift dren each night at bedtime, building good story well told. The 2005 movie a story from decent to transcendent is adaptation of the book form. The medium may or may not ANNOUNCEMENT is the same basic story be the message, but the medium is told well as a film. The Sharing the Gospel, Sharing Ourselves certainly important. As story-tellers filmmakers were wise in any medium, be that paintings or enough to pull from the songs or films or articles or dance or i ¡VI book that which is most sermons, we must be careful to give W * U Li ' w J i v j / ' v ^ Li cinematic and trim the our stories the proper form if we want rest.