Friday Fun: 8-Bit Frozen

Oh, how I miss 8-bit games . . .

Christian (Subcultural) Art Apologetics?

It seems that two recent events have really sparked more discussion on "Christian film" and even general Christian subcultural production. First, there was LeCrae's new album Anomaly, its success and his statements about Christian art. Now, there's the (non-Christian and Christian) lambasting of the new Left Behind movie.

I admit that I'm a bit surprised at the voices rising up to defend the artistic output of Christian subculture. I think it's good that discussions are getting deeper into artistic philosophy and vision when it comes to Christian art. Here are some links to some of the discussion:

In Defense of Christian Subculture

How Christian Critics are Killing the Christian Film Industry 

Defenders of Christian subcultural film and art are correct to point out the artistic shallowness and moral vacancy that plagues most of the commercialized entertainment industry, and I wouldn't find it hard to believe, personally, that there might be a bit of prejudice against "Christian film" among reviewers. However, I really think that an improvement of Christian subcultural production is possible when we ask (and try to answer) the hard theological and artistic questions. What makes a film "Christian"? What is this art's purpose? To entertain, affirm, evangelize, disciple, and/or make a certain statement (all the while keeping in mind that too much "purpose" can easily detract artistic integrity)? In better answering these questions as artists and consumers, I'll be brave to say that there's could be a day where reviewers don't lambaste Christian art.

Thoughts?

Review of Jennifer Knapp's "Facing the Music"

Like Trevin Wax, the contemporary Christian music of the late 90's and early 00's defined most of my teen years, though mine heavily toward Tooth & Nail Records and the like rather than what was on the WOW albums. I was still, though, very familiar with Jennifer Knapp's music and testimony, and I made it to the back of a moshpit for her showing at Cornerstone 2000. Many of my youth group friends were very moved by her testimony and her music.

Trevin Wax wrote a very good review of what looks like a very revealing autobiography, Facing the Music. You can read it here.

HT: Trevin Wax

"The Song" Trailer and Review

There's yet another unique (and maybe promising) contribution to the increasing list of what could be considered Christian films. "The Song" is a modern tale based on the song of Solomon, and no - it's not what you're thinking. The film seems to be a blend of nods to Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Proverbs that will strike a chord (pun fully intended) with its viewers. 

Sandwiched between two major studio productions about biblical legends (Noah and Exodus) is an independent film about the rise and fall of the ancient Hebrew king, Solomon. While The Song lacks the artistic depth of Noah and the presumably jaw-dropping special effects of Exodus, it may have more heart and real-world value than either one. 

You can read the rest of the review here. The movie's website is here. (PG-13).

Friday Fun: Tetris Movie

Perhaps in honor of its 30th anniversary, it's been announced that there will be a Tetris movie, adding a curious entry into the growing list of film adaptations of video games.

I'll have to level with you. How they'll put together the script, to me, is quite puzzling. They probably have enough to build upon. I hope everybody remembers their lines. Will it be filmed in 3D? Is it being filmed from Russia with fun? Will the sequel be called "Next"? Okay, I'll stop with the puns and give you guys to think of a few.

You can read more about it here.

Stinking at Grace

I've written about this before, but Jon Acuff provided a light-hearted but important reminder that we, as Christians, shouldn't "stink at grace."

I run into these situations and realize I stink at grace:

1. When someone walks across an intersection I'm at and doesn't hustle.
2. When you poorly wrap my burrito.
3. When someone is slow to get off a plane.

You can read his explanations here. Can you think of any other examples where we can show more grace?

LeCrae and Christian Rap: His New Album Review

Here's an interesting take on LeCrae's new album and the concept of Christian rap. I wouldn't agree with everything said in this article, but it has some interesting points.

Who is Lecrae? He has the no. 1 album in the United States. That album,Anomaly, is classified as Christian rap, because he’s widely thought of as a Christian rapper.

Not a rapper who is Christian, but a Christian rapper.

In addition to topping the Billboard 200, Anomaly holds the no. 1 spot on the gospel charts (his sixth album to do so) and the no. 1 spot on the Christian charts (his fifth album to do so). He is the first person to pull off this feat. And it very much is that: a feat.