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The 2007 Readers' Choice Awards
You liked movies about hip (and pregnant) teens, animated rats, and former CIA assassins, but most of all, you loved a film about one man who changed the world.
posted 02/12/08
The 2007 Critics' Choice Awards
A combination of Oscar nominees and lesser-known indies makes up our list for the best overall movies of the year.
posted 02/05/08
A Better Documentary
While Amazing Grace was a fine biopic of William Wilberforce, The Better Hour, airing on public TV throughout February, digs even deeper into the man's life.
posted 01/31/08
The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2007
What do monks, kites, unwanted pregnancies, and a 19th century abolitionist have in common? They're all in the best films with redemptive themes from last year.
posted 01/29/08
My Caspian Wish List
A Narnia expert, somewhat disappointed with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, has a few suggestions for director Andrew Adamson regarding the upcoming Prince Caspian.
posted 01/02/08
Leave Our Kids Alone!
Readers say they're concerned about The Golden Compass because they fear the movie is targeting their kids—and trying to lure children into atheism.
posted 11/27/07
What Would Jesus Buy?
With Christmas shopping right around the corner, this edgy new documentary merges "Christian" forms with an anti-consumerist message.
by Brett McCracken | posted 11/14/07
What I Learned from Wilberforce
With today's DVD release of Amazing Grace, one of the film's producers says the film's protagonist taught him much about how to change the world.
by Dr. Bob Beltz | posted 11/13/07
Cue the Violin
Was Hitchcock a master in his use of music?
by John H. McWhorter from Books & Culture | posted 07/31/07
Pro-Life Cinema
Several recent films take a life-affirming view of unwanted pregnancies, as babies are carried to term and abortion is dismissed as an option. Could this be a trend?
by Brett McCracken | posted 07/17/07
Hypocritical Film Fans?
CT Movies readers respond to the idea that some Christians are hypocritical when it comes to their choices in film.
posted 06/05/07
Fundamentalism and Freedom
The Jehovah's Witnesses are more than a knock-knock joke.
by David Neff | posted 05/22/07
The Passion of Peter Parker
Spider-Man is the alter ego of a very human—and fallible—teen who may not be messianic, but sure understands that there's power in weakness.
by Gary Robinson | posted 05/02/07
Ecumenical Cinema
Though Jewish, longtime director Henry Koster made movies about Christians that are embraced by believers even today—including The Robe, The Bishop's Wife and A Man Called Peter.
by Eric David | posted 04/03/07
Quiet Time
It took almost two decades for director Philip Gröning to get permission to film France's Carthusian monks, but the resulting documentary, Into Great Silence, is a powerful spiritual experience.
by Brandon Fibbs | posted 03/27/07
Movies That Changed My Life
In an excerpt from his new book, Through a Screen Darkly, CT Movies critic Jeffrey Overstreet tells how certain films opened his eyes wider than ever, enabling him to look closer than ever before.
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 03/06/07
Have We Lost Our Minds?
How can CT Movies say good things about films with questionable content—and give poor reviews to "Christian" movies? In this reply, one of our critics gets at the heart of what we're all about.
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 02/27/07
Amazing Abolitionist
Amazing Grace shows Wilberforce in Action.
by Mark Moring | posted 02/22/07
Ahoy! Readers Pick Pirates
We asked our readers to pick their favorite movies of 2006, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest rose to the top. Captain Jack Sparrow rules, savvy?
posted 02/13/07
The 2006 Critics' Choice Awards
Our third annual Critics' Choice Awards pick the Top 10 Films of 2006—a list that somewhat resembles others in the mainstream, with a few surprises thrown in.
posted 02/06/07
Afflicting the Comfortable
How a few movies at the Sundance Film Festival opened a book lover's eyes to the transforming power of stories on the silver screen.
by David Swanson | posted 02/01/07
The Ten Most Redeeming Films of 2006
What do a shy-but-brilliant speller, a dead Mexican guy, a street thug from Soweto, a compassionate spider, an anti-Nazi young woman, and the baby Jesus have in common? They're all in movies that we've just voted the ten most redeeming films of 2006.
posted 01/30/07
The 'Definitive' Passion
Mel Gibson's controversial blockbuster comes to DVD again—this time in a two-disc "definitive edition" including hours of commentaries, bonus features, and more.
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 01/30/07
Whither the Nativity Crowd?
We recently asked that question in a recent newsletter, regarding the slow start at the box office for The Nativity Story. A number of readers replied with their theories—and their defense of "lesser" films.
posted 12/14/06
Mary Goes to the Movies
How the mother of Jesus has been portrayed through a century of filmmaking.
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 11/30/06
Stepping Out of the Wings
The real achievement of The Nativity Story is its portrayal of Joseph.
by David Neff | posted 11/29/06
Movie Gourmet
A feast of off-the-beaten-path films with a spiritual flavor.
by Ron Reed | posted 11/07/06
The Morning After
Sofia Coppola's films—including Marie Antoinette, now in theaters—aren't just about the existential angst of young women, but that after every joy, there's a comedown.
by Brett McCracken | posted 10/24/06
Brainwashed in the Blood?
As a Pentecostal, I'm not too thrilled with the way kids from my denomination are depicted in Jesus Camp. Matter of fact, this new documentary ticks me off—for a number of reasons.
by Rich Tatum | posted 09/20/06
9/11 at the Cineplex
The effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have been influencing films ever since—and not just the movies that are specifically about that terrible, tragic day.
by Brett McCracken | posted 08/15/06
A Cranky Catholic
Born to a Catholic family and later attending a Jesuit school, Alfred Hitchcock often incorporated religious imagery into his films—even though he had a love-hate relationship with faith.
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 07/25/06
Editing Smut: Yea or Nay?
When a judge ruled that it was illegal for companies to "sanitize" videos by removing objectionable content, we agreed with the decision in principle. And now the readers have their say.
posted 07/18/06
No More Smut Editors?
A federal judge has ruled that it's illegal for companies to "sanitize" videos by editing objectionable content. And in principle, I tend to agree.
by Mark Moring | posted 07/11/06
What's So Super About This Guy?
Born in the Great Depression, Superman still holds our rapt attention 70 years later, even as he headlines a new movie opening this week.
by Gary D. Robinson | posted 06/27/06
Whither Frodo and Jesus?
How could the American Film Institute have missed The Return of the King when picking its list of the 100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time? And not a single movie about Jesus? What's up with THAT?
by Mark Moring | posted 06/20/06
Al Gore, Preacher Man
With the urgency of a Baptist preacher with a judgment day sermon, the former politician is spreading the bad news of global warming—including in a new film. Christians would do well to listen up.
by David Neff | posted 05/31/06
A Code to Consider
Christians have invested plenty of energy and creativity in debunking and debating The Da Vinci Code. Maybe we can also take a cue from the Code by focusing some of our efforts on telling better stories.
by Brian Godawa | posted 05/15/06
Let's "Othercott" Da Vinci
Many Christians see The Da Vinci Code as an opportunity for evangelism; others say it's a chance to engage the culture. Rubbish. Da Vinci is dangerous, so I'd like to suggest a better alternative.
by Barbara Nicolosi | posted 05/03/06
Dan Brown's Gift to the Church
Rather than ignore or boycott The Da Vinci Code, Christians now have a great opportunity to share their faith—and to sharpen their own beliefs in the process.
by Dr. Jim Garlow | posted 04/25/06
Down with Da Vinci!
I can't think of a better way to respond to the upcoming movie, The Da Vinci Code, than with mass boycotts, angry protests, and noisy picket lines. That is, unless I hear some better ideas …
by Mark Moring | posted 04/18/06
Top Ten Jesus Movies
They've been making films about the Son of God for over a century. Here's one man's list of those that ascend to the top of the cinematic pack.
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 04/11/06
A Passionate Moses
In a new TV version of The Ten Commandments, Dougray Scott plays a Moses who's not afraid to show his emotions. Despite some fabrications, the 2-part miniseries is reasonably faithful to the Bible's account.
by David Neff | posted 04/07/06
Angels, Cowboys, and Christians
From Wings of Desire to his most recent film, Don't Come Knocking, German director Wim Wenders takes viewers on spiritual journeys through differing perspectives.
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 03/28/06
From Ace to the Almighty
Director Tom Shadyac, a Christian best known for his mega-hit Bruce Almighty, has come a long way since Ace Ventura. Here, we take a look at Shadyac's faith and films.
by Eric David | posted 03/07/06
Divine Comedy at the Cineplex
We all love movies that make us laugh, even in the worst of times—and from Annie Hall to Blazing Saddles to The Big Lebowski, there's good theology behind that.
by Craig Detweiler | posted 02/28/06
Readers Pick Narnia
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is far and away the No. 1 choice in our second annual Readers' Choice Awards.
posted 02/14/06
The 2005 Critics' Choice Awards
Our second annual Critics' Choice Awards pick the Top 10 Films of 2005—a list that somewhat resembles others in the mainstream, with a few surprises thrown in.
posted 02/08/06
Black History Classics
In recognition of Black History Month, several classics are being released on DVD for the first time—joined by a few newer additions to the ever-growing catalogue of African-American cinema.
by LaTonya Taylor | posted 02/07/06
Readers Affirm Decision to Hire Gay Actor
Most Christianity Today Movies readers say End of the Spear's filmmakers were right to honor their commitment once they had offered the lead role to Chad Allen, a homosexual.
posted 02/01/06
The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2005
What do exorcists, terrorists, caped crusaders, and a talking lion have in common? They're all characters in some of the year's most redeeming movies, presented here in our second annual list.
posted 01/31/06
Searching for a New World
Writer/director Terrence Malick's existential leanings and longings are on display in all of his films—and never more than in his latest, The New World.
by Brett McCracken | posted 01/10/06
Movies for Mommies
Reel Moms is a nifty program for parents and their babies—and if they cry during the flick, that's OK. But you'll need some discretion in deciding which films to see.
by Caryn Rivadeneira | posted 01/06/06
A Mountain of Replies
We received a huge response from readers to our review of Brokeback Mountain, the controversial new Ang Lee film depicting a gay relationship between cowboys.
posted 12/20/05
Narnia's Screen History
When The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe opens on December 9, it'll be Aslan's first trip to the big screen—but not to the small one. A closer look at earlier Narnia renditions.
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 11/29/05
The Devil Is Real. Therefore …
Many films about demonic possession and exorcism are also great arguments for the existence of God.
by Peter T. Chattaway | from Books & Culture
Mad About Harry
Our readers seem to be absolutely mad about Harry Potter—both ways. They love him, or they hate him.
by Mark Moring | posted 11/22/05
One Bold List
The Arts & Faith community's Spiritually Significant Films includes many that are difficult to watch. While it's hardly a list of "Christian films," they all bring something to the table—and to the discussion.
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 11/21/05
Redeeming Harry Potter
The initial Christian outcry against the boy wizard seems to be dying down. Maybe that's because more and more of us are discovering multiple redemptive themes in the series.
by Russ Breimeier | posted 11/15/05
Saving James Bond
Will Sony Pictures, and new 007 Daniel Craig, bring the franchise back to its glory days—and re-introduce us to the real James Bond, as Ian Fleming created him?
by Frank Smith | posted 10/25/05
Photographing Narnia
A first-hand account from a photographer and author who spent four months on the set of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, documenting the filmmaking process for a new book, Cameras in Narnia.
by Ian Brodie | posted 10/18/05
My Day in Narnia
On a trip to New Zealand, the author spent a day on the movie set of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He came away impressed with everything he saw.
by Drew Trotter | posted 09/13/05
This Article Is Rated R
What our readers really think of R-rated movies—and how they decide which ones to watch, and which ones to avoid.
posted 08/16/05
Into the Shadows
An actor who recently portrayed C. S. Lewis in the stage play Shadowlands examines the two films of that same title. Guess which one he liked better?
by Ron Reed | posted 07/19/2005
Should Films Be Faith-Explicit?: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
That's the question we posed to two Christian filmmakers on both sides of the issue. We initiated an e-mail debate between them, and while there were no easy answers, the lively exchange is instructive.
posted 07/11/2005
One Fantastic Family
The Fantastic Four, opening in theaters this week, features a foursome that, in many ways, resembles the modern family—dysfunctional yet loyal, bickering yet loving, hanging together through thick and thin.
by David A. Zimmerman | posted 07/05/2005
Top Ten Alien Invasion Movies
With War of the Worlds opening this week, we decided to take a look back at some of the best films in which extraterrestrials decide to pay a visit to our planet—with the intent to do us harm.
by Mark Moring | posted 06/28/2005
The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
How that fictional galaxy far, far away helped me better understand the very real galaxy that I live in right here, right now—and the God who created it.
by Todd Hertz | posted 05/24/05
Star Wars Spirituality: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
In his book, Catching Light: Looking for God in the Movies, author Roy M. Anker writes about finding meaning and morality in the intergalactic saga. 4 Parts.
by Roy M. Anker | posted 05/16/05
Desert Island Discs
We asked readers to compile their top 10 lists of DVDs they just couldn't do without—especially if they were stranded on an island in the middle of nowhere. Cast Away, anyone?
by Mark Moring | posted 04/21/05
The Horrors!
Can Christians and horror movies co-exist in the same cineplex? Better yet, is the horror genre even redeemable? The author thinks so—but only if certain conditions are met.
by W. David O. Taylor | posted 04/05/05
Let the Church Say Amen
A documentary on an urban storefront church, airing on PBS tonight, highlights the power of faith to improve lives.
by LaTonya Taylor | posted 03/29/05
Cut Up the Establishment
An excerpt from Matthew Kinne's book, Reflections for Movie Lovers
by Matthew Kinne | posted 03/22/05
Liar, Lunatic, or Saintly Warrior?
Faith & Values Media revisits history's mysterious Joan of Arc.
by Steven Gertz | posted 03/17/05
Top Ten Movie Robots of All Time
They walk, they talk, they work on moisture farms, they hunt Sarah Connor. And sometimes they're eerily human-like. Our critic (and robot nerd) compiles his list of favorites.
by Todd Hertz | posted 03/08/05
Ten Black Films Worth Watching
In celebration of Black History Month, we present these African-American classics.
by Christine & Michael Swanson | posted 02/08/05
Come and See
How a century of movies—from a 1905 French silent flick to 2004's The Passion of The Christ—have encouraged us to look at Jesus … and at the world through his eyes.
excerpted from Re-Viewing the Passion
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 02/04/05
The Cream of the Crop
Our first annual Critics' Choice Awards pick the Top 10 Films of 2004—a list that somewhat resembles others in the mainstream, with a few surprises thrown in.
by the staff | posted 02/01/05
Spoil the Ending, Part II
We asked if you wanted to know how Million Dollar Baby ends, and most of you said no—but enough of you said yes that we've decided to add that information to our review.
by Mark Moring | posted 01/25/05
The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2004
Saviors were everywhere at the multiplex last year, with everything from superheroes to the Savior himself—all with a story of redemption to share with the world.
by Mark Moring and Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 01/25/05
TV's Best-Kept Secret
The documentaries on PBS's Independent Lens documentaries are a far cry from 20/20 schmaltziness.
by Agnieszka Tennant | posted 01/18/05
Spoil the Ending?
We've actually been talking about that around here lately, thanks to one recent film. Think we're crazy? Read on to find out why—and then let us know what you think.
by Mark Moring | posted 01/18/05
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Special Extended DVD Edition
An extra 50 minutes has been added to the multiple Oscar winner—some of it good, some of it not. But the two extra discs, loaded with terrific bonus material, are worth the price of admission.
by Mark Moring | posted 12/14/04
Luther, Luther, Luther!
Comparing three cinematic versions of the life of the great Reformer, including the 2003 edition, which releases to video today.
by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 11/30/04
Sunday Night Specials
This weekend's best movies may not be in theaters. Turn on the TV Sunday to check out either The Wool Cap or Touching the Void. Better yet, watch one and record the other.
by Mark Moring | posted 11/16/04
Best of the Bard
One of our critics, also a theater director, picks his top ten Shakespeare films.
by Ron Reed | posted 11/09/04
The Gospel Truth About Disney
Two new books explore the spirituality of Disney's animated films, though each book defines "gospel" a bit differently from the other.
by Mark Perry | posted 10/25/04
A Disturbance in the Force
The original Star Wars movies release to DVD today, but thanks to George Lucas's stubborn pride—in the guise of "artistic vision"—they don't include the original, unaltered versions we all want to see. PLUS: What You Get in the Boxed Set
by Frank Smith | posted 09/21/04
Top Ten Movies from the Rest of the World
Previous articles in this series looked at the best films from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Here's the best of the rest of the planet, as chosen by two of our critics.
by Agnieszka Tennant and Stefan Ulstein | posted 09/14/04
Top Ten Movies from the Middle East
In a time when so many images from this part of the world remind us of war, two of our critics list ten outstanding films from the area that give us a better understanding of its people.
by Agnieszka Tennant and Stefan Ulstein | posted 09/07/04
Top Ten Movies from Asia
From hilarious comedies to poignant—even heartbreaking—stories about culture and society, here's one critic's list of Asian movies worth watching.
by Stefan Ulstein | posted 08/31/04
Top Ten Movies from Europe
From stories of grace and beauty to those depicting the horrors and heartbreak of war and death, here's one critic's list of European movies worth watching.
by Agnieszka Tennant | posted 08/24/04
Does Hollywood Have a Prayer?
Christians often get riled up about the movie industry's questionable entertainment offerings. So why not turn that passion into something productive?
by Karen Covell | posted 08/10/04
Violence, Profanity and Nudity: A Dialogue (Part 4)
What is a Christian's responsibility when it comes to portraying The Big Three vices in film? There are no easy answers to the question.
by W. David O. Taylor | posted 08/03/04
My Problem with Fahrenheit 9/11
A military parent takes issue—strongly—with Michael Moore's controversial documentary, especially its portrayal of men and women in uniform.
by Frank Schaeffer | posted 08/02/04
In Defense of Mere Entertainment (Part 3)
Would Mother Teresa have thrown her head back and laughed aloud at The Pink Panther? Likely so, says the author in this apologetic for films that are simply "fun for the sake of fun."
by W. David O. Taylor | posted 07/27/04
The Honest-to-God Truth About Movies (Part 2)
The best films don't shy away from truthfully depicting the human condition—even when it's ugly and sinful.
by W. David O. Taylor | posted 07/20/04
What Is a Good Christian Movie, Anyway? (Part 1)
Is it a sermon in disguise? Is it honest? Is it "family-friendly"? Defining it is no easy task—but here's a good start.
by W. David O. Taylor | posted 07/13/04
Happily Ever After?
Today's romantic comedies are fun to watch, but behind the laughs and snappy screenwriting is a message that often misses the mark.
by Shelly Ngo | posted 07/19/04
Top Ten Movie Musicals
With this week's release of a new musical biopic on the life of Cole Porter, we look back at the best movie musicals of all time.
by Russ Breimeier | posted 07/06/04
Why We Love Comic Book Movies
Sure, the special effects are great, but there's something more drawing us to these fantastic stories.
by Frank Smith | posted 06/29/04
The Write Wing Responds
Our Fahrenheit 9/11 review drew a ton of readers—and a slew of e-mail.
posted 06/28/04
Moving Pictures
Here's a list to keep your video player—and your conversations—going for a long time: the Arts & Faith Top 100 Spiritually Significant Films.
by Ron Reed | posted 06/22/04
Responding to Our Readers
Jeffrey Overstreet addresses reader reactions about profanity in movies—and about his take on the topic.
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 06/10/04
Winners from the Gipper
Looking back at the best films of Ronald Reagan.
by Mark Moring | posted 06/09/04
Saved! Is Right on the Money
Many Christians are condemning this movie without even seeing it. But I think it was quite true to real life.
by Anastasia McAteer | posted 06/08/04
Take Me Out to the Movies!
As the classic Field of Dreams releases today on DVD, we release our own all-star lineup of great baseball flicks.
by Ron Reed | posted 06/08/04
Anti-Smut Machines: Good or Bad?
Wal-Mart and other retailers recently began selling "anti-smut" DVD players, which can be programmed to skip over violence, profanity, nudity and other offensive content. Many are hailing this as the best idea since sliced bread; others think it's a lousy invention that hurts the art of cinema. We've asked a mom and a movie critic for their takes on the issue.
posted 06/01/04
• Why This Is a Good Idea, by Lisa Espinoza Johnson
• Why This Is a Bad Idea, by Jeffrey Overstreet
Top Ten Monster Movies
In another of our occasional top ten lists, we compiled our favorite creature features of all time.
by Mark Moring | posted 05/11/04
Not This Easter, Mel
I haven't seen The Passion of The Christ, and I don't plan to. Here's why.
by Frank Schaeffer | posted 03/30/04
The Sound of (Movie) Music
Ten timeless, terrific soundtracks that will endure forever.
by Russ Breimeier | posted 03/23/04
Overcome with Passion
Why evangelicals need to get smart about movies—and learn to appreciate them as art.
by Kate Bowman | posted 03/19/04
10 Chick Flicks Worth Watching
Cinematic gems every woman should see.
by Camerin Courtney | posted 03/09/04
Should Kids See The Passion?
We think the R rating is right on the money. Parents should see it first, then decide.
by Mark Moring | posted 03/03/04
The Return of the King: Best Picture, Perhaps, But Not Best Version
The author of The Battle for Middle-Earth examines the missing theology of the cinematic blockbuster.
by Fleming Rutledge | posted 02/27/04
The Passion and Prejudice
Why I asked the Anti-Defamation League to give Mel Gibson a break.
by Michael Medved | posted 02/24/04
Will It Finally Happen?
Return of the King may bring home the Oscars that the previous Lord of the Rings films deserved.
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 02/23/04
Jeffrey Overstreet's Top 10 Films of 2003
by Jeffrey Overstreet | posted 02/23/04
The Passion of Mel Gibson
Why evangelicals are cheering a movie with profoundly Catholic sensibilities.
by David Neff | posted 02/20/04
Mel, Mary, and Mothers
by David Neff | posted 02/20/04
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