TUCK EVERLASTING (2002)

Directed by: Jay Russell
Written by: Jeffrey Lieber, James V. Hart
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Starring: Alexis Bledel, William Hurt, Sissy Spacek
Rated: PG

About the film:
Winnie Foster is a young woman who meets the Tuck family and discovers that they never age. The Tucks offer her the secret to their immortality – a drink from a spring which serves as a fountain of youth. But, they caution, such a decision is not to be made lightly. There are consequences that she might not like.

Movie Quote:
“Do not be afraid of death Winnie; be afraid of the unlived life.”
Angus Tuck (William Hurt) in Tuck Everlasting (2002)

Bible Quote:
“He too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
Hebrews 2:14b-15 (NIV)

Commentary:
Immortality is something that most of us have thought about at one time or another. The kind of immortality that is presented in films generally stems from a character’s fear of dying. It is a fear that is common to man.

Even though a fear of death may be something we have all experienced, if we stop to consider it, we’ll realize that holding such a fear is irrational. Death is inevitable and will come to us all. Only the arrival of the Lord will prevent it and the timing of that event is not within our control.

If we continue to operate with a fear of death, we will actually be preventing ourselves from living a full and fulfilling life. Fear is an inhibitor. It builds a barrier within those it controls and hinders them from achieving their desires and goals.

Only by being delivered from a fear of death may we truly embrace and appreciate all that this life has to offer. Such deliverance is available due to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The eternal life which he promises is not based in fear. It is a reality born of love.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. If a spring really did exist that would give eternal life in this world to anyone who drank from it, would you drink? Why or why not?
2. What were the reasons Winnie had for her decision? Do you think she had regrets?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com