Not Up for Watching (or Being an) Avatar
Posted by tom | Dec 18, 2009At one time, James Cameron's creations spurred me to dream of engaging in conflicts in our world and those beyond. But Avatar spurs no such interest in me.
Why? It's been a slow process, but I think that The Lord of the Rings wore me out of watching such material on screen and my growing desire to engage those whom God has placed around me has given me glimpses of a much different new heaven/new earth toward which I journey as part of the people of God. Yes, there is conflict and transformation, but films such as Avatar are not good analogies to what one finds in the Biblical story (Note: The Lord of the Rings is a better analogy and much better dialogue) and a growing family does not afford me the time to watch/critique every new show in town.
PS. Reviews which you may find of interest: Christianity Today (Todd Hertz, December 17, 2009. Note: Considering what Hertz shares about the political and spiritual points of the film, I think his review is too positive), A New Eden, Both Cosmic and Cinematic (Manohla Dargis, NY Times, December 18, 2009), Otherworldly "Avatar" Familiar in the Worst Way (Christian Hamaker, Crosswalk.com, December 18, 2009). If you've seen Avatar, I would love to have your thoughts on the film.
PPS. Today I read the second volume of G.P. Taylor's Doppleganger Chronicles. Shhh. ... I'll be sharing it with the family on Christmas morning.
Updated 12/18/2009, 9:03 pm.
