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Over on WORLD magazine's website, Warren Cole Smith has some thoughtful things to say about Fireproof, the latest "Christian" film to hit the mainstream. As Smith says, many Christian film reviewers have overlooked the film's shortcomings because of the filmmakers' noble intentions. Many of the film's viewers and supporters have lashed out at critics who have pointed out the movie's poor technical quality. (See for example the reader feedback on Crosswalk.com's review of Fireproof.)
The Kendrik brothers, who also brought us the film Facing the Giants, are Christians who are looking to make films that reflect their Christian values and worldview. This was their goal with their film Fireproof and that's a good thing. But do we as Christians who watch such films, and desire to support the Kendricks, overlook the flaws in their art simply because they are like-minded? Says Smith:
Well said Mr. Smith. Those of us who are Christians assessing this art for a Christian audience must not create a different standard for reviewing Christian films than the standard we have for secular ones. We must graciously preach the truth.
Read the full article: "Fireproof" Shouldn't be Critic Proof
The Kendrik brothers, who also brought us the film Facing the Giants, are Christians who are looking to make films that reflect their Christian values and worldview. This was their goal with their film Fireproof and that's a good thing. But do we as Christians who watch such films, and desire to support the Kendricks, overlook the flaws in their art simply because they are like-minded? Says Smith:
We do the [filmmakers] no favors when we grant them a “pass” based
on good intentions. I learned this lesson as a writer many years ago. I
am not the greatest writer in the world, but (I assure you) I am much
better than I was last year, and I am much, much better than I was a
decade ago. I improved because of tough feedback from teachers,
mentors, and—sometimes—critics...
If we truly want to encourage the Kendricks, let’s say: “Congratulations. Making a movie, even a bad one, is no easy task. This one is an honorable ‘next step’ in the process, but is it really your best?”
If we truly want to encourage the Kendricks, let’s say: “Congratulations. Making a movie, even a bad one, is no easy task. This one is an honorable ‘next step’ in the process, but is it really your best?”
Well said Mr. Smith. Those of us who are Christians assessing this art for a Christian audience must not create a different standard for reviewing Christian films than the standard we have for secular ones. We must graciously preach the truth.
Read the full article: "Fireproof" Shouldn't be Critic Proof
Most Recent User Comments
usrdcas
10/15/2008 11:43 AM
I have had the opportunity (as many others) to hear David Ring preach and give his testimony; as a youth he was stricken with Cerible Paulsey and he is very difficult to understand. However, his message is powerful. Now, I can "choose" to dwell on the message or the messanger. He is not an outstanding orator nor is his preaching style polished; but, God uses him just the way he is. The Kendrick brothers are not the best technical movie makers but, God is using them to convey a message. Is it our place to be so critical of the movies technical shortfalls that the content becomes a subordinate issue? God used whores, tax collectors and other lowlife people to convey His message; we should not be so pious as to think that God's methods could be improved. It actually sickens me to hear people pick this movie apart because of it's technical shortcomings; who cares!! Look at what it is saying, not how it is being said.
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