I am such a deviant!

I recently watched two movies, one to preview for my youngest, and the other to see of the advance hype was warranted.

The Spiderwick Chronicles had some "jump" scenes and probably is not a good film for younger kids, especially those prone to fear monsters in the shadows. But it's a good (though not accurate) adaptation of the five-book Chronicles series. My youngest (11.5) has read all five books (I read the first two yesterday--they're that easy to read. And they are very entertaining because they incorporate a lot of creatures from fantasy literature. It dawmed on me as I read the books, and leafed through the companion field guide (a "faithful" reproduction of Arthur Spiderwick's compilation, which serves as the focal point for the books and the movie) that this film would be an excellent springboard to talk about spiritual things. We Christ-followers focus so much on what we see--while doing lip service to the super-natural--that it helps to be reminded that throughout human history, there have always been stories about unseen, magical, mystical creatures all around us. So where did the stories all come from? Did one person one day come up with them and manage, just manage to dupe a bunch of people? Or can it be possible that, as WB Yeats said in The Celtic Twilight, there are unseen people all around us, some ugly, some mischievous and some beautiful.

The other movie I watched was The Dark Knight. It was a good movie, but I didn't think it lived up to the hype (contrary to the irrational ravings of practically every other person on the planet). Not as tight as the first movie, it ran much so long because the director wanted to work with two villains, not just the Joker. Frankly, the movie should have ended when newly-appointed Commissioner Gordon visits Harvey Dent/Two-Face in the hospital. That would have been set up a sequel perfectly! Bale's voice-over as Batman got a bit old. It's not like he's wearing anything over his mouth that would alter his voice! Did I enjoy the movie, yes. Was the acting good? Yes. Was Health Ledger's portrayal of the Joker noteworthy? Yes. Does all this--or should it--automatically warrant the hype about an Oscar for Ledger? No. And it definitely should have carried an R rating!

I liked Hancock much better.