The No Kool Aid Zone

I recently was invited to attend a pre-screening of the movie Constantine and to then review it in my blog. I did so, noting that, had I done even the least bit of research before hand, I would not have wasted my time in going to see this movie.

The reason that I did go was that I had been hearing rumblings that this was supposed to be another one of those ‘break-through‘ movies that would lead to wide open spiritual discussions with everyone and their brother. Even though I realize that any movie that comes with sort of advance hype is doomed to fall miserably short of it’s goal (possibly because that is it’s goal?) I thought it might be worth checking out so I would know what the chatter was all about.

Mrs Freak and I both thoroughly detested the movie, and from the sound of the packed theater and the conversations of those around us as we were leaving, so did everyone else in attendance that night. You can read my review to see what all I disliked about this movie (hint - everything). What I’d like to take up space here on Byron’s blog doing is to ponder whether my reaction was correct, or perhaps should I reconsider my response to this movie…

The afore-mentioned buzz has arrived and the noted and respected Hollywood Jesus website appears to be solidly on the Constantine bandwagon.

There are sometimes when we have to dig deep to find some spiritual connections with some movies; then there are some movies where we can’t escape them. Constantine is definitely the latter. Constantine present an entire theological/salvation message. If The Matrix trilogy is the story of Christ in allegory, this movie is the systematic theology.

Keep in mind that this is the movie whose “hero” slept with the Virgin Mary to taint her with demon blood…

At what point do we say that despite all of the post Christian religious mumbo jumbo hodge podge of ideas out there, that there is still only one ultimate Truth? And there is absolutely nothing in this movie to indicate that anyone connected with it has any idea what that Truth is. To the contrary, everything here is painted with such thick shades of gray, that the only message that manages to survive the horrendous directing and insipid acting is that there is NO truth, everything is relative.

I know we have to be culturally relevant to reach those around us. And I guess that is at the crux of what is bothering me. Have I become so culturally irrelevant that I’m missing some obvious openings presented by this film? Even Fuller Theological Seminary’s Reel Spirituality has released a Leader’s Guide Discussion Guide and Bible Study for this movie. So they obviously saw something in it.

I think when I started writing this post, my intent was to rant all big-headed like I was right and these other guys were way off the mark (you know - the ‘usual’ style here!) But the truth of the matter is, as I’ve been writing, I’m wondering if I’m the one who who’s missing something.

The Apostle Paul spent time wandering around in Athens. That city was filled, literally from one end to the other, with idols. Paul was pretty well steeped in Hebrew thought (Phil. 3:6) and all of these idols must have been absolutely revolting to him. But did he give a speech ranting about the futility of false idols and the wickedness of those who follow such idols?

Nope. He actually used one of the altars he had observed as a starting point for a speech (Acts 17:22-34) and built his conversation around that. He didn’t change his message, just his starting point.

So what is my point is all of this, in regards to Constantine? I’m still not sure. I still think it was one of the most poorly directed and acted movies I have ever seen. Perhaps if the movie had actually been good, it would have been easier for me to find conversation points in it. Or maybe I’ve just gotten to the point where I am old enough now to be completely out of touch with what is culturally relevant and I’d be better off to just go sit in my corner, put the headphones back on, and crank up Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Last 3 posts by Byronita

• The Original April Fool - April 1st, 2008
• Special Interruption By Webbie-Dude Paul - February 9th, 2008
• Your Best Teeth Now - February 8th, 2008