In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of his popular book, Godawa examines the place of redemption in film, the tricks screenwriters use t...
read full description
reviews
Nov 07, 2011
Jared
rated it: 
I love movies. They are part of the language of our culture and generation. I believe that many in my generation absorb their beliefs and worldview from the movies they watch without even knowing it. I also believe that our entertainment in general (but movies specifically) shape our values as a culture as much as it reflects our values as a culture.
This is why, if I were so gifted, I would be making movies today. Movies that put the themes of the Gospel, of fall and redemption, of substitutiona More...
This is why, if I were so gifted, I would be making movies today. Movies that put the themes of the Gospel, of fall and redemption, of substitutiona More...
Nov 07, 2011
Phil
rated it: 
Wow... Finishing this book is like losing my movie-going innocence. I see how naively I drank in everything from the theaters without considering the message behind the movie. We're talking complete stupidity here--I was able to get through the Truman Show without realizing it was an allegory.
Anyway, I have read a couple of Christian-based movie critiques now, (see also The Culturally Savvy Christian: A Manifesto for Deepening Faith and Enriching Popular Culture in an Age of Christianity-Lite More...
Anyway, I have read a couple of Christian-based movie critiques now, (see also The Culturally Savvy Christian: A Manifesto for Deepening Faith and Enriching Popular Culture in an Age of Christianity-Lite More...
Nov 07, 2011
Dale
rated it:
Godawa evaluates movies from an explicitly Reformed perspective. He traces his thinking theologically to Schaeffer, Rookmaaker (and more recently to Ken Gentry) in how to see the worldview behind the art.
This is probably the best book that I have read on how to watch movies with your eyes wide open.
Godawa does an excellent job laying out the two ditches that exist:
1. Cultural Glutton:
* Watches every movie that interests him without conside More...
This is probably the best book that I have read on how to watch movies with your eyes wide open.
Godawa does an excellent job laying out the two ditches that exist:
1. Cultural Glutton:
* Watches every movie that interests him without conside More...
Jun 04, 2008
Paul
rated it:
Do you like to watch movies?
Do you watch them like a zombie, turning offer your filter so that anything and everything can flow freely and untouched into your mind?
Do you think movies are "harmless" and the producer, screenwriter, etc., isn't expressing a worldview?
Are you a target market? A goldmine? Or will you be discerning even in what you watch?
All people can relate to the above. But what about the Christian? Are you a cultural glutt More...
Do you watch them like a zombie, turning offer your filter so that anything and everything can flow freely and untouched into your mind?
Do you think movies are "harmless" and the producer, screenwriter, etc., isn't expressing a worldview?
Are you a target market? A goldmine? Or will you be discerning even in what you watch?
All people can relate to the above. But what about the Christian? Are you a cultural glutt More...
Aug 11, 2011
Jelle
rated it: 
scherp verhaal over structuur en nut van verhalen, behoorlijke evaluatie van films op grond van onderliggend worldview, niet heel vernieuwend, wel verhelderend, erg van zoek het per persoon uit
Jan 24, 2011
Ted
rated it:
I got out of this book more than I expected. The chapters on storytelling and basic plot construction were great and the overall biblical foundation made for a great learning experience.
Nov 07, 2011
Nathan
rated it:
This book will make you love movies. There are so many movies to talk about, and Godawa does a decent job getting to all the major worldviews presented in movies and how to discern what the messages of the films you watch are. It is a great help to get you starting up discussions with people about eternal themes they never thought they were imbibing.
Feb 05, 2012
Brian
rated it:
Anyone who is interested in the film business ought to read this book. There are two extremes I am seeing nowadays: film-makers who are creative and make trash, and film-makers who are Christian, but package it in a ham-handed way. This book is really good at getting people to analyze movies. Godawa's focus on worldview is somewhat systematic, but it works.
I would disagree with him on a few films (The Truman Show, Stranger Than Fiction), but overall it is good work. I'm curious how of More...
I would disagree with him on a few films (The Truman Show, Stranger Than Fiction), but overall it is good work. I'm curious how of More...
Dec 11, 2008
Charles
rated it:
Not too bad. This book talked about a lot of different movies and what the author's original intentions are behind them. Wasn't able to finish it, but it was a nice laid back read though.
Sep 21, 2008
Giacinta
rated it:
This is a really terrific book. It gets you thinking about film and media in an entirely different way. Godawa reminds us that we should be thoughtful and intentional about the media that we consume. He offers several suggestions for discussing and thinking about movies, to tease out the worldview and assumptions portrayed in the movie, and to analyze it critically. This book really did change the way I watch and think about movies and television.
Apr 03, 2008
Tlnorz
rated it:
This book is all about applying critical thinking techniques when you watch movies. It was pretty good, especially in the author's explanations of different philisophical points of view. My biggest problem with the book is that sometimes, I just want to watch a movie to be entertained, not to analyze it.
Jan 25, 2008
Karen L.
rated it:
I learned a lot about how to watch a movie and discern the world view of the movie. The author covers some basic philosophies such as monism, hedonism etc. He helps you to guard your faith and learn as you watch movies. This book gave me a desire for using movie discussions as a form of evangelism.
Nov 07, 2011
Peter
rated it:
A good introduction to how to watch movies. A lot of newer movies in the 2nd edition. I still wonder if my generation of Christians will just find the book another reason to watch more movies.
Apr 03, 2008
Dan
rated it:
Enhanced my critical thinking skills when watching a movie. A little dry in the middle when talking about all of the "ism's," but still valuable information.
Nov 07, 2011
Jared
rated it:
If you want to learn more about watching/analyzing movies utilizing a biblical worldview, then this is a fantastic place to start.
Jan 25, 2012
Jan 20, 2012
Jan 17, 2012
Jan 04, 2012
Dec 26, 2011
Nov 18, 2011
