(from the September 2008 newsletter)
Every Sunday at St Timothy’s, a variety of films are available for parishioners to borrow. Each film is accompanied with a film description, information on the rating of the film and questions for discussion. The questions will encourage you to explore the theme of the film from a Christian perspective.
Why not borrow a film and invite some friends over for a movie night?
New films in the collection:
Dead Man Walking: In 1982, Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun, started corresponding with a death row inmate in Angola Prison in Louisiana. The experience changed the direction of her ministry and propelled her into activism against the death penalty. Tim Robbins has taken material from her book Dead Man Walking and reshaped it into one of the most inspiring and positive portraits of Christian ministry ever put on film. Susan Sarandon won an Academy Award for her luminous portrait of Sister Helen Prejean. Sean Penn was nominated as Best Actor for his role as convicted murderer and rapist, Matthew Poncelet.
The Rookie: The true story of a middle-aged baseball rookie of Texas pitcher Jim Morris who was derailed by a severe shoulder injury. After corrective surgery repairs, Jim discovers that he can pitch a ball even faster than he could before. When his team delivers a lacklustre on-field performance in a losing game, coach and players agree to a wager: If they'll make it to the district championships, he'll try out for a major league ball club. Is Jim about to live his dream?
Lars and the Real Girl: "A lonely, delusional young man buys a life-size sex doll on the Internet and falls in love with her, telling people it's his girlfriend." Based on that premise alone, you might consider giving this film a miss, but don’t. This is one of the sweetest, most sensitive movies of 2007, and, surprisingly, a powerful look at the body of Christ in action—and the relentless and patient nature of God's love. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll walk away with a smile and warm fuzzies.
The Shawshank Redemption: Frequently ranked amongst the greatest films of all time, this 1994 film is basked on the Stephen King short story, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. Starring Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding the film is about Andy’s time in a corrupt state prison after being wrongly imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover. Shawshank is an emotional and cathartic exploration of the best and the worst of the human spirit. Its message of hope and perseverance in adversity captivates and inspires while teaching important moral truths. The discussion guide will help you discuss the movie from a biblical perspective as you reflect on the themes of hope, endurance, freedom, and peace.
Coming soon:
Into the Wild: Based on the novel by John Krakauer this film explores the life of Chris McCandless the young American boy who after graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete, abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life.
Wall-E: In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: In this 2nd film in the Narnia series (books by C.S. Lewis) siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to join the colourful creatures of Narnia to ward off the evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian.
Patricia would appreciate hearing of any movies you know about that would be suitable for purchase for our film library.
S L
