Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Written by: Michael Arndt
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
Rated: G
About the film:
The third film of the series finds Andy destined for college and his lifelong toys awaiting the decision as to their fate. Will it be Andy’s attic, the trash heap, or something else? As the toys embark on what may be their final adventure, the movie pulls a few heartstrings with its message of friendship, loyalty, and lessons learned.
Movie Quote:
“Now Woody, he's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be, and kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special is he'll never give up on you... ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what.”
Andy (John Morris) in Toy Story 3 (2010)
Bible Quote:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Commentary:
The qualities used to describe the characteristics of a fictional toy cowboy speak of an ideal – an ideal that is often not realized in the world in which we live. But it is an ideal we crave… to have a friend in whom we can trust implicitly, without reservation, because he never disappoints us.
Woody, an imaginary friend, was that to Andy. And the imaginary bond that was formed between the toy and the boy helped the child develop into a caring, sensitive young man. Who wouldn’t want to have a friend like Woody?
The truth is that we have it better - not just a friend, but a father. We have a father who is incapable of lying, cheating, or disappointing We have a father who will never leave us in our times of need nor forsake us when we are at our weakest. We have a father who patiently waits for us to come to the realization that He loves us and will do anything for us. He will not give up on us… ever. He will be there for us… no matter what.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What responsibilities do we have to those who have influenced our lives?
2. What is the goal of the toys of Toy Story 3? How does that equate to the goals we set for ourselves? Are the goals we set ones which enable us to serve or ones that empower us to be served? Which is better?
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Thursday, April 8, 2010
THE SOLOIST (2009)
Directed by: Joe Wright
Written by: Susannah Grant
Studio: DreamWorks SKG
Starring: Robert Downey Jr. Jamie Foxx
Rated: PG-13
About the film:
Journalist Steve Lopez discovers a homeless man with a musical gift and works to bring him to the attention of an appreciative world. But the man’s mental illness proves to be an obstacle that causes Lopez to reconsider what he is doing and why. More importantly, he grows to recognize his share of responsibility for the troubled man.
Movie Quote:
“I’ve learned the dignity of being loyal to something you believe in; of holding onto it, above all else. And above all else, of believing, without question, that it will carry you home.”
Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) in The Soloist (2009)
Bible Quote:
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
Commentary:
Steve Lopez learns a thing or two during his association with Nathaniel, a mentally ill, homeless but quite talented musician. Being true to something… anything… takes work. At some point along the way, we will all be tempted to take the easy route or make the expedient choice by setting our principles, integrity, or beliefs aside because of stiff opposition to them.
Being faithful or loyal to one’s principles or beliefs brings a certain weight or heft to one’s walk. There’s a noble, dignified quality that is associated with those who quietly refuse to bow down to or cave in to pressure or tempting pleasures. Our beliefs ultimately define us. If we choose only to believe when it is convenient (or when there is no opposition to those beliefs) what are we really saying about ourselves?
Being true to one’s beliefs or being faithful and loyal to that which we believe in carries its own reward. It strengthens us, even though we may appear weak. It sustains us, even though we may appear to be failing. It brings us the victory, even though we may appear to be defeated. We must remember that the battles we fight are spiritual ones. And the rewards are eternal.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What did Steve Lopez learn about himself during the course of the film?
2. How can we strengthen our resolve when tempted to let go of our beliefs due to pressure being applied from outside sources?
Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Susannah Grant
Studio: DreamWorks SKG
Starring: Robert Downey Jr. Jamie Foxx
Rated: PG-13
About the film:
Journalist Steve Lopez discovers a homeless man with a musical gift and works to bring him to the attention of an appreciative world. But the man’s mental illness proves to be an obstacle that causes Lopez to reconsider what he is doing and why. More importantly, he grows to recognize his share of responsibility for the troubled man.
Movie Quote:
“I’ve learned the dignity of being loyal to something you believe in; of holding onto it, above all else. And above all else, of believing, without question, that it will carry you home.”
Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) in The Soloist (2009)
Bible Quote:
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
Commentary:
Steve Lopez learns a thing or two during his association with Nathaniel, a mentally ill, homeless but quite talented musician. Being true to something… anything… takes work. At some point along the way, we will all be tempted to take the easy route or make the expedient choice by setting our principles, integrity, or beliefs aside because of stiff opposition to them.
Being faithful or loyal to one’s principles or beliefs brings a certain weight or heft to one’s walk. There’s a noble, dignified quality that is associated with those who quietly refuse to bow down to or cave in to pressure or tempting pleasures. Our beliefs ultimately define us. If we choose only to believe when it is convenient (or when there is no opposition to those beliefs) what are we really saying about ourselves?
Being true to one’s beliefs or being faithful and loyal to that which we believe in carries its own reward. It strengthens us, even though we may appear weak. It sustains us, even though we may appear to be failing. It brings us the victory, even though we may appear to be defeated. We must remember that the battles we fight are spiritual ones. And the rewards are eternal.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What did Steve Lopez learn about himself during the course of the film?
2. How can we strengthen our resolve when tempted to let go of our beliefs due to pressure being applied from outside sources?
Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
RIO BRAVO (1959)
Directed by: Howard Hawks
Written by: Jules Furthman
Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson
Rated: Not Rated
About the film:
A sheriff in a small town arrests a man for murder. The prisoner has a wealthy brother who doesn’t plan to wait for a trial. The sheriff and a small band of volunteers must hold off the brother and his hired gunmen until the US marshal arrives to take custody of the prisoner.
Movie Quote:
“You got no use for a man you can’t depend on.”
Dude (Dean Martin) in Rio Bravo (1959)
Bible Quote:
“Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.”
Proverbs 25:19 (NIV)
Commentary:
Sometimes profound truths make the most impact when stated simply. Dude’s observation is nothing more than common sense. No wonder we can see the same sentiment expressed in the truth of God’s Word.
Much of the time, the Bible reflects what could be considered just good common sense. What is the value of someone who is unfaithful? What is someone worth if he cannot be counted on to perform a needed task at a crucial time?
Just as we wouldn’t put much confidence in our ability to move with quickness and agility when suffering from a broken foot, putting confidence in someone who has proven himself unworthy of trust is likewise foolish and will lead to defeat and disappointment.
The opposite holds true as well. A man who has proven himself to be faithful and worthy of trust adds strength, peace, and comfort to the lives of anyone he considers a friend. His value is beyond price and beyond words.
Of course, our dearest and truest friend is God who will never disappoint because He will always be there for us when we need Him. We can trust in Him with our whole heart knowing that He will be faithful.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Dude, who delivered the quote in Rio Bravo, is a drunkard and filled with self-pity. The sheriff places his trust in him anyway. How did that affect the Dude’s behavior?
2. What causes unfaithfulness? How can we build our integrity to resist temptation?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Jules Furthman
Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson
Rated: Not Rated
About the film:
A sheriff in a small town arrests a man for murder. The prisoner has a wealthy brother who doesn’t plan to wait for a trial. The sheriff and a small band of volunteers must hold off the brother and his hired gunmen until the US marshal arrives to take custody of the prisoner.
Movie Quote:
“You got no use for a man you can’t depend on.”
Dude (Dean Martin) in Rio Bravo (1959)
Bible Quote:
“Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.”
Proverbs 25:19 (NIV)
Commentary:
Sometimes profound truths make the most impact when stated simply. Dude’s observation is nothing more than common sense. No wonder we can see the same sentiment expressed in the truth of God’s Word.
Much of the time, the Bible reflects what could be considered just good common sense. What is the value of someone who is unfaithful? What is someone worth if he cannot be counted on to perform a needed task at a crucial time?
Just as we wouldn’t put much confidence in our ability to move with quickness and agility when suffering from a broken foot, putting confidence in someone who has proven himself unworthy of trust is likewise foolish and will lead to defeat and disappointment.
The opposite holds true as well. A man who has proven himself to be faithful and worthy of trust adds strength, peace, and comfort to the lives of anyone he considers a friend. His value is beyond price and beyond words.
Of course, our dearest and truest friend is God who will never disappoint because He will always be there for us when we need Him. We can trust in Him with our whole heart knowing that He will be faithful.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Dude, who delivered the quote in Rio Bravo, is a drunkard and filled with self-pity. The sheriff places his trust in him anyway. How did that affect the Dude’s behavior?
2. What causes unfaithfulness? How can we build our integrity to resist temptation?
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2000)
Directed by: Ang Lee
Written by: Hui-Ling Wang, James Schamus, Kuo Jung Tsai
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Starring: Yun-Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chen Chang
Rated: PG-13
About the film:
After a legendary warrior bestows his treasured sword, The Green Destiny, to an old friend in an act that signifies his “retirement,” it is stolen. The warrior and the unrequited love of his life set out together to retrieve it. They are led to the daughter of an affluent family who appears to be moonlighting as an assassin.
Movie Quote:
“A faithful heart makes wishes come true.”
Lo (Chen Chang) in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Bible Quote:
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings.”
Proverbs 28:20a (KJV)
Commentary:
I don’t know if the word “wishes” in the quote from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon helps to communicate the truth or if it manages to detract from it. A “wish,” to me, has always implied a hope for something that isn’t promised; something that may or may not happen. It is the wanting of something really, really badly… but having no good reason to expect anyone to give it to us. That’s what a wish is. God desires something better for us.
A faithful man, such as the one in our Bible quote, shall (absolutely) abound with blessings. No wishing is involved. Instead, believing is the key to receiving those things for which we believe. A faithful man will set a vision for himself and then work towards that vision every day until it has been achieved.
The blessings in which he abounds are simply the fruit of his diligent actions which he faithfully performs every day. Those with eyes to see will recognize that God is working “behind the scenes” to reward him. God will always honor faithfulness and He faithfully rewards believing. It is a promise of His Word. It is a promise that we can trust with our whole heart.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What are some biblical examples of faithfulness that resulted in blessings or rewards?
2. What are some of the qualities or values that are reflected in the film’s characters? How do they compare to Christian values and qualities.
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Written by: Hui-Ling Wang, James Schamus, Kuo Jung Tsai
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Starring: Yun-Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chen Chang
Rated: PG-13
About the film:
After a legendary warrior bestows his treasured sword, The Green Destiny, to an old friend in an act that signifies his “retirement,” it is stolen. The warrior and the unrequited love of his life set out together to retrieve it. They are led to the daughter of an affluent family who appears to be moonlighting as an assassin.
Movie Quote:
“A faithful heart makes wishes come true.”
Lo (Chen Chang) in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Bible Quote:
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings.”
Proverbs 28:20a (KJV)
Commentary:
I don’t know if the word “wishes” in the quote from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon helps to communicate the truth or if it manages to detract from it. A “wish,” to me, has always implied a hope for something that isn’t promised; something that may or may not happen. It is the wanting of something really, really badly… but having no good reason to expect anyone to give it to us. That’s what a wish is. God desires something better for us.
A faithful man, such as the one in our Bible quote, shall (absolutely) abound with blessings. No wishing is involved. Instead, believing is the key to receiving those things for which we believe. A faithful man will set a vision for himself and then work towards that vision every day until it has been achieved.
The blessings in which he abounds are simply the fruit of his diligent actions which he faithfully performs every day. Those with eyes to see will recognize that God is working “behind the scenes” to reward him. God will always honor faithfulness and He faithfully rewards believing. It is a promise of His Word. It is a promise that we can trust with our whole heart.
Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What are some biblical examples of faithfulness that resulted in blessings or rewards?
2. What are some of the qualities or values that are reflected in the film’s characters? How do they compare to Christian values and qualities.
Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
