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with comments by David Bruce

SIX WORDS
Subject: The last few seconds of narration . . .
Red_Planet
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2000
From: Jim Boke Tomlin

The last few seconds of narration . . .
Jim Boke Tomlin
in Santa Monica
NOTE: Yes, for the moment at least (smile), those six words are my entire comment.

LIKED IT
Subject: In_The_Beginning
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2000
From: Tanuki

I liked it!

COMMENT
Subject: Rugrats
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2000
From: "Angela

you did have a NICE WORK and keep it up by olivia

REVIEW FOR CHARLIE'S ANGELS
Subject: Re: G2SR--"Charlie's Angels"
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000
From: LizCarr

The Movie: Charlie's Angels Rated: PG-13
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Bill Murray.

The Plot: An anonymous millionaire (Charlie) backs a detective agency with three beautiful lady detectives. They fight an evil plot to steal a satellite something or other, while never breaking a nail. This old TV show turned big screen blockbuster keeps us on the edge of our seats as the "Angels" fight crime.

The Opinion: Okay, besides the fact that I hate Cameron Diaz, and the fact that Cameron, lucy, and drew never look not perfect, it was actually okay... It was a little slow in parts, but the action scenes and wardrobe made up for it... The angels do run around in designer clothes and shoes the whole movie... Hey, if you got it, wear it! Some of the moves were unbelievable... But, they did a great job of keeping the original TV show's flavor, while adding a great "Millennium" flair to it... Bill Murray is hilarious! Reasons not to see this movie: 1. Some of the moves were really fake! (Example: Drew does a split kick and hits some guys in the face... It looks like something is pulling her up... Of course, I can't do it either, but they should have taken it out!) Jackie Chan would not be impressed. 2. There was a lot of sexuality... Nothing is shown, though, keeping the PG-13 rating. 3. It is a little long in some places... But not enough that anyone but me would notice.

Reasons to see this movie:
1. Good mystery plot that moves....
2. Special effects.. good.
3. Pretty humorous...
Bill murray makes us laugh, Angels kick butt, and Charlie is ever present with his "Nokia" cell phone, giving helpful advice... Not to mention, the perfect designer clothes, and other numerous financial backers; boat brands, car brands, pop brands... You name it! all in all--- a 6... I wasn't impressed with the karate moves, or the fact that they always look perfect... Was I supposed to be, being a young female??? No... Eye candy for the guys!

This has to be one of the best movies Robert Redford has ever produced! My husband and I took our teenage daughter (because of the hormone thing) and the three of us came out completely moved. If you dig deep into your soul, God finds a way to touch each one of us in completely different ways. He opened our eyes to the majesty that the "course of life" holds and that we should never take it for granted!
Cindy Florence, MS

This has to be one of the best movies Robert Redford has ever produced! My husband and I took our teenage daughter (because of the hormone thing) and the three of us came out completely moved. If you dig deep into your soul, God finds a way to touch each one of us in completely different ways. He opened our eyes to the majesty that the "course of life" holds and that we should never take it for granted!
Cindy Florence, MS

WONDERFUL JOB
Subject: to the actors of the left behind movie. Left behind movie
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000
From: shelia

I would just like to say that all the actors done a wonderful job in the movie and thank you for making a movie that's worth watching. I would have to say the two actors I most enjoyed were Kirk Cameron and Brad Johnson. They done fantastic. You never expect to see an actor you grew up watching on a network tv show to play in Christian film.To all the actors keep up the good work, and continue in the path of making enjoyable wholesome films families can sit together and watch.Is there any way we can e-mail the actors personally on this website?

NOT IN AGREEMENT
Subject: Fifth Element theory
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000
From: Kristian

I read your theory on "T5E", and i must say i`m not totally in agreement. First, the plot is simple, absolutte evel against absolutte good, or it seems. But, comparesing Leeloo with Jesus is to strecth it. The message in the film is that only love can save the world, hence when Leeloo beggs Korben to state his love. Jesus had another message: Underthrow yourselves to me, or face eternal pain. Now, that is not love if you ask me, that is more of a threat. Best regards from Kristian . Norway PS: Please exuce my very bad english.

Response: You have not read the Bible carefully. It says in Ephes. 5:2 "Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that."

Also John 3:16 is another passage you should consider, "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life."

Leeloo is a type of Christ. -David

BELIEVABLE
Subject: Lost Souls
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2000
From: "x"

I thought this was a great movie. Much more believable than "Bless the Child." In particular I liked the way that the devil was defeated in a couple of scenes - not with violence, but with truth. In one scene, Maya confronts the possessed priest with the words, "So Christ defeated Satan. Satan is weak. Satan has lost." (To that effect.) Even the controversial ending, though perhaps lacking the finality that movie-goers like, was best the way it was. It often the case in my own life that Jesus defeats evil in my life, but I never can tell if it's over or was even real. Just like the ending of this film. For what it's worth.....

TRUTH?
Subject: ReturnToParadise
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2000
From: DJ

Although the credits state that all characters are fictitious. Was the film based on a real life story or was this just to help protect against any possible libel action? Does anybody know the truth? DJ

Response: I think not. -David

CAST FOR REVELATION
Subject: Revelation Series
Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000
From: Daniel

Will anybody tell me Can we make a Complete Version of the End of Revelation Series will be coming out. Not Too Scary Like God send his Angels from Heaven fought against Satan and his Demons.I Heard "Left Behind" is coming out and so is "This Present Darkness" is based from the book by Frank E.Perretti. "This Present Darkness" talks about ("In a Small American Town The Coming Apocalypse will be fought. Angels and Demons are manifesting themselves to the resident, upping the ante each time.Before long the townspeople will be forced to take a side and an all-out war between Heaven and Hell will explode").

Here's The Casting Call to The "Revelation" Series in the Bible:
Cary Elwes as (Michael The Archangel),
Peter Coyote as (Gaberial The Archangel),
Campbell Scott as (Uriel The Archangel),
Tim Curry as (Lucifer The Devil Himself),
Daryl Hannah as (Rachel The Archangel).

JESUS' SON
Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000
From: Edie Bird

I saw the movie Jesus' Son on video a couple of months ago and really loved it. It's tough going through the first hour and a half, but the end is sheer beauty, especially when he says, "I never knew there was a place in the world for people like us," meaning all the lost and broken people. This is a powerful movie about redemption and grace.
Edie Bird, Fayetteville, Arkansas

RETURN TO ME
Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000
From: Chuck Pratt

Have you checked out Return To Me? It offers a (rare) positive film viewpoint of the Catholic tradition - and deals with loss, grief, recovery, and 'survivor guilt'.

Response: Yes I understand it is a good film. I will try to get to it sometime. Thank you for your insites. I appreciate them. -David

JESUS IN SINGAPORE
Subject: Is the series available in Singapore?
Jesus Mini Series
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000

Hi David, I was really glad to chance upon this review on the Jesus Mini Series. But i'm afraid we may not get this in Asia, particularly Singapore. I believe if sold in Singapore, this series would be a great hit and most likely touch the hearts of many. Therefore, i really appreciate if you could give me some help on this one.
From Liyang Tan

NEW AGE AND DAVID HUNT
Subject: Crowley-isms? The Cell
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000
From: "Martin Dennison"

Hi There! Firstly, let me say thank you for creating such a visually impacting and informative site. Years ago, I held a special night for the Young Adult group I was running, and called it "Flash Gordon verses the Prophetic Pizza"! I have studied film making at University, and I gave a talk that night on subtext; looking specifically at the films "Flash Gordon", "Superman 2" and "Terminator 2: Judgement Day". All of this held strong allusions to the Bible narrative of Jesus Christ and the End Times.

The Cell just opened here in Australia. I just saw one of it's first screenings here. There is nothing I could really add to what has been said here, and I appreciate you making some sense of what was going on in that film!!

But I notice a letter from "hawkins" entitled "Pagan Myth". Not that he goes into much detail regarding the Cell; but I could not help but think of some of the Occultic themes in the film. Please let me know what you think.

eg. the "floatation" strings are to simulate "floating on water" like the New Age floatation tanks; and this was used in films like Coma and Altered States. Going into the mind was not really what was happening; but astral travel. Dave Hunt (author of "The Seduction of Christianity") once said that the nursery tune "Rock a bye baby on the tree top" had it's root in this same thing - being witches used to climb up into trees and lie on the floating effect of the branches, relax, and astral travel to another town! They could report what was happening in another town simultaneously while they were in the tree.

Also, apart from the blasphemous subtleties in the film, I cant help but be reminded of the Twin Peaks series in it's weirdness. David Lynch made that series, and I understand that he is an avid follower of Alistair Crowley; and puts alot of his themes in his films. So, I was just wondering if you could confirm any further regarding the teachings / symbolism of Crowley and the Occult in this film.

Thanks again, Marty

Response: I rarely look for those kind of things. My eyesight is very focused on Biblical analogy and themes. Films contain so many levels of understanding and mythology, I can only do justice to the area that I know. By the way, I met David Hunt at a party in Hollywood once. He spoke to the group about the "New Age dangers" within the film Chariots of Fire! He is simply not a good or reliable source. You say that he believes witches astral travel? He claims this is what "Rock a bye baby on the tree top" is all about? He sounds like an author trying to sell books. David Hunt is about throwing rocks at the world. Hollywood Jesus is about building bridges. I will throw no rocks at New Agers or Wiccans. Period. Love and peace -David Bruce

STRENGHT FROM BONHOEFFER
Subect: Bonhoeffer
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000
From: "Godfrey Gilmore"

I have always drawn great moral strength from the story of Bonhoeffer. His curage in the face of personal danger has ben an ongoing part of my ministry. His story did not die that day that he was sent to the gallows. His message endures, he touches us still. That is the stuff of resurrection.
Godfrey Gilmour.

HAVE YOU SEEN IT?
Subject: "Left Behind"
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2000
From: Chris M Perez

Hi Bruce! Have you heard about (or seen) the new film "Left Behind," recently released on video? The movie is based on the first book in the very popular "Left Behind" series by author Tim LaHaye. The film stars Kirk Cameron (from "Growing Pains") as reporter Cameron Williams (a.k.a Buck) covering a story about the chaos in Israel. Suddenly, the rapture of the Church hits, and Buck is not only caught up in Israel's chaos-- but the world's. All through the film, Buck gathers bits and pieces of informatiion about the Lord, and about the anti-Christ-- and how it was prophicized in scripture that he would come. He sits in on a meeting conducted by Nicoloae (the Anti-Christ) and learns of how he plans to take over the world's food supply. Now, he must warn everybody he can that Nicolae is not on their side-- he's not at all what he appears...... Maybe you've seen it; but if you haven't-- do it! It's excellent! The film has been released on video now, and is due to come out in theaters in February 2001. I'm excited about getting the word out! Wouldn't it be wonderful if this movie gets the same response as "Titanic" when it hits theaters? Who knows-- the book series is so popular, maybe it will!
Christina Shelley, CA

ENJOYED IT, HOWEVER...
Subject: Critical of Christian values The Contender
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2000
From: Garrett

Enjoyed the storyline and the plot, and would definitely view it again. However, the film seems to deify and glorify a Clinton-like President and his Vice-Presidential candidate whose values are sadly lacking. Laine clearly says in her testimony that she does not look to God for guidance, but democracy. She also favors choice over life. The film depicts her as a lonely embattled hero, despite her ungodly values, yet depicts those who favor life and standards of right and wrong as evil. While I deplored the actions and intent of the senator whom Oldman played, I even more deplored the sympathetic portrayal of someone who openly denounced God and advocated the murdering of the unborn over protecting their lives. While Laine certainly stands up for privacy, and there is good in that, we mustn't forget that she expressed views consistent with secular humanism. Garrett

DON'T MAKE MAXIMUS A CHRISTIAN
Subject: maximus was not a christian Gladiator
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000
From: "mallet"

After reading these gushing reviews of "Gladiator", I must ask folks to remember that in 180 A.D., the Christian community was far too small to amount to much of a threat to Rome. Please stop making the fictional Maximus into a Christian, because he was not. I doubt that a Christian of 180 A.D. or C.E. (whichever you prefer) would have prayed to clay figurines of his family. Maximus thinks of his wife and son whilst holding the figures in one scene; Cicero gives them to him in another scene; and Juba (his name is not "the African") buries them at the end of the movie when Maximus dies. Other than that, "Gladiator" was a good movie, though not Oscar quality, and I anticipate buying it on video.

CALL ME A SIINER, TOO!
Subject: Irony Jesus mini series
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000
From: Elle

After watching the Jesus miniseries (which I enjoyed very much) and then reading the comments on your page (which I found both encouraging and amusing) I had to comment myself. Excuse me, but was there some sort of gratuitous sex scene involving Jesus and Mary of Bethany that I missed out on and others saw? All I saw was a love scene, and if that is sin then CALL ME A SINNER! Which, I guess I am anyway, but that is besides the point. Aside from that, I think that this depiction of Jesus was useful for this day and age. So many people I know, including myself have been raised to know Jesus as an unreachable entity. A friend of mine once told me that Jesus has too much to worry about to handle his dumb problems, but that is just not true. I think that this miniseries may have helped people to see Jesus as the human being that He was. Why do you think God decided to do this anyway? I watched the movie and cried because it helped me to understand many questions I have had about my belief in Him. I know all the scripture, I am a pastor's kid, but I never had the relationship and I guess, what I am trying to say is that this show made sort of a window as to what I have been looking for in my Lord. It hurts to read the supernegative comments about this movie because I don't see any type of love or understanding in them which is what leads most people to not believe in God to begin with. It's just sad and I hope people can realize that. Anyway, I love this web site and the miniseries was terriff!
Toodles, Elle

MINDTRIP
Subject: mindtrip The Cell
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000
From: "lila karapostoli"

I read all the reviews and explanations on the movie. I really agreed with a guy named Hawkins. Unfortunately he didn't want you to include his e-mail address. I have some things that I would like to discuss with him. It would be really nice if you could communicate with him in order to have a contact. My e-mail can be included. really do you believe that technology can enter in someone's mind???? Thank you in advance Lila lila-k@enet.gr

WHERE ARE THE NEGATIVE REMARKS IN hOLLYWOOD JESUS?
Subject: about the movie "dogma"
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000
From: juppi

Dear mr. Bruce,
First of all I must aplogice for my poor grammar, but english is only my fourth language.

When the movie 'dogma' came to the movie theaters I thought at first that I would not go and see it, because I have no reason to watch something that is as important to me as christianity bening shown in a bad way. But then I read your interview, and decided to see the movie. To me 'dogma' was a slight disappointment. It true that 'dogma' does not contradict any of the really important catholic teaching (althoug in some of the catholic traditions it is taught that Jesus's brothers and sisters were from Josef's previous marriage, and therefor Mary was a virgin), but still I do think that the movies attitude towards christianity and the church is very disrespectful. For example it is true that the apostles were only humans, but they were also born again christians, and it is very difficult for me to see for example Paul behaving in manner that the two apostoles behave in the movie.

This has actually bothered me before in your interviews like in the case of 'Matrix' where you wrote a long article about the minor christian aspects of the movie, but totally missed out the main buddhist overtone. You should be able to also mention the negative aspects of a movie.
Yours Toni

Response: In Philip. 4:8 we read, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." And so it is in Hollywood Jesus. -David

COMMENTS ON IN THE BEGINNING

ON TAPE?
Subject: tapes In_The_Beginning
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000
From: vlad

im interested to obtaining this movie on tape how can i do it or are you selling it in stores thank you please respond

BORING
Subject: In_The_Beginning
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000
From: RONNIE

A BORE !

WOW!
Subject: In_The_Beginning
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000
From: MW

Wow, I'm impressed with NBC! Their Bible film is great! I laughed towards the beginning when they skipped the Noah's Ark story after Creation was over and we all know why... The film is very accurate and doesn't lag on like John Huston's the Bible (everyone in our Bible class including the teacher all fell asleep). I like the idea of inserting Bible verses throughout the film so the people watching who aren't familiar with the Bible know what's going on. Still, it's not as good as my Jesus of Nazareth (which was also made by NBC back in 1977), but it's by far the best telling of the Beginning I've ever seen on film. One thing though, David, did NBC do the same thing CBS did with the Jesus movie (editing out parts for commercials)? If not, then what I'm seeing is the whole thing, and now that Vidmark just finished making Paul, we CBS Jesus fans can now wait eagerly for the Director's Cut which was promised to us by Gianmario (I hope I spelled his name right!)

AN EPIC
Subject: In The Beginning
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000
From: MOVIE JER

"Give me two pages out of the Bible and I'll give you an epic"- Samuel Goldwyn

NINTH GATE REACTION
Subject: movie reaction, just saw it on vcr Ninth_Gate
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000
From: Silverseal

I believe that The Girl and the twins were agents of Satan helping Corso as he unwittingly followed the path as laid out by the engravings. Corso was a true believer and was selected to enter the house of the devil at the end. The symbolism of the woman riding the serpent as relating to the sexual encounter suggested to me that Corso was chosen to rule with Satan as some sort of co-ruler - Corso was the serpent. I loved it when the twins were talking about how the book was not a fake, that only master forgers could possibly fake that book. I think that is exactly what they did. Great movie.

INTERESTING QUESTION AT THE END
Jacob's Ladder
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000
From: "MG"

It is terrific to see a movie that requires analysis. My question come at the end of the movie, when the doorman greets Tim Robbins by calling him "doctor". Also, I believe his subway stop at the beginning was his home stop. What do you think?

Your Private Comments.
I will not post these comments. What are your personal thoughts?  I also welcome your spiritual concerns and prayer needs.  I will correspond with you, usually within two weeks.
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