Cinematology

Intro

Yes, I Am Using My Free Time to Write About Film

You may be wondering why I am writing about movies. Seems kind of dumb. I could be writing a classic novel right now, but no, I'm writing about pieces of work that other people created. Why? Because I'm a critic?

Well yes, but the idea all started when I read the book Theology of the Body at the Movies by Christopher West. It is a wonderful book (and much better than this), so I recommend you read it. Although I enjoyed it, I was slightly annoyed that almost all the movies I wanted to be discussed were not. Don't get me wrong. Toy Story, Captain America, and Inside Out are all great, but in my opinion (maybe not yours) the messages in these are a bit too common, obvious, and less inspiring towards people. I am also sick about discussing Disney movies. Everyone is always like, "Oh! Disney helped me realize that even though I am different, I can be loved."

*Sarcastic voice* Wow. Never heard that before. *Sarcasm over*

The worst thing is the unrealistic messages Disney sometimes sends. Fun fact, people: True love at first sight ALMOST never happens (it can, but that's a stupid way to look at life). It's... So... Cheesy... It is all the same in this studio! We need something more. People need meaningful responses from movies and most PG movies (I said most, not all) cannot provide. The "riskier" films are able to show more than what PG can. The PG movies stray into more of a fantasy world, while the PG-13, R rated films can be more real to us. Depending on how that is done, it can change a person's way of thinking.

My second reason for writing this is because less and less people respect the art of film. You cannot just watch a film and think nothing of it. So many people do this, and they need to stop! You need to keep digging and go below the surface so you can see what is trying to be said. Being real with you readers, film has changed me spiritually and physically more than almost anything I've encountered. Does this sound stupid? Probably, but it isn't until you take the message of these films and apply it to your own life that you can finally see why I love this sorta stuff.

Before I continue, I want to point out that I'm not saying all movies have purpose. There are the good, the bad, and the ugly in this industry. For example: xXx: The Return of Xander Cage is definitely ugly. There is no purpose to the film. The quality is awful. The message it sends is disgusting.... If you like this movie, you should be ashamed of yourself and you need help. This isn't a matter of opinion. It is a fact. Your goal is to look for "the good" in the movie industry. If a movie does not make you think hard about your life, it is not a masterpiece. The films that show respect to the art and provide the audience with something more are what you should search for.

Speaking of bad movies...

Now, I would like to express that even though I am Catholic (I love being Catholic by the way), I think almost every "Christian" movie is straight up trash. There is no better example than God's Not Dead. I'm not saying that the message of the movie was bad (I'm just kidding by the way. Most of the messages in it were horrific), but the movies cinematography, acting, score, plot, and everything else were disturbing to witness. I read in Christopher West's book that this one Christian director actually said, "While Christians aren't as concerned with the quality of the film, the talent hired, the story, etc., if the theme of the film aligns with their mission, they will support it. This is inspiring."

This is NOT inspiring, and he is an idiot.

I hope this man never directs another movie in his entire life, unless he changes his thinking. What kind of human can say this and be allowed to direct what should be art? I mean, I guess good for those directors trying to make a difference in Hollywood, but they need to realize to change Hollywood, you actually need to make a quality movie first. This is what distinguishes a good film from a masterpiece. A masterpiece requires excellent writing, a deep message, and beauty because film is an art. Most of those directors and writers who make these Christian movies do not respect the art.