Pixar’s UP – character references

There are a lot of characters in the new Pixar movie and the depth of characters provide a very interesting yet very humbling movie experience.

What’s interesting is that the villain of the movie is, in a way, exactly like Carl. This villain was an explorer who was unjustly called a fraud when he couldn’t prove that he’d discovered a new South American species. So he spends his life obsessed with restoring his reputation, to the point of running roughshod over any person or anything that gets in his way. His desire for justice—not a bad thing in itself—drives all other moral considerations from his mind.

At the heart of the story is this dilemma: Will Carl become just like this cold and cruel man, or will he finally come to see what’s really important? It takes a poignant reminder of his happy, love-filled marriage to open Carl’s eyes. And I can tell you, it’s a reminder that doesn’t leave a dry eye in the theater.

So take your family to see Up, and visit our website for some discussion questions that you and the kids can talk about afterward. It’ll help all of you see adventure—and human relationships—in a whole new light.

Christian Bale – Physical danger

Christian magazines always belittle the physical dangers of actors in movies. However, this interview gives us a look at how dangerous movies can be. More than that, this excerpt will show us that even actors and actresses need the grace of God to be safe.

So...outside of your roles, do you have a history of putting yourself in situations where you have to test yourself physically or even court danger?
Definitely. Though the one that stands out to me wasn’t physically demanding or dangerous. One of the places where we lived when I was growing up had this big wood out the back. And starting when I was about 8, I used to enjoy just walking alone through the wood late. Eleven p.m. Midnight. Later. Deep into the woods. It was terrifying. And I wasn’t allowed to look behind me, no matter what noises I heard. That was the point. That thing. The fear. To go into some deep place, a well of fear, that you’ve never been to before and that you didn’t know the way out of. Not looking behind, not turning around, just going deeper and deeper into those woods. I always enjoyed that.

That’s the word? Enjoy?
I learned something about myself, didn’t I?

What?
That I don’t want to be comforted. That I want to be able to face the hell I’m in.

On its face, that’s patently unbelievable. I mean, come on: an 8-year-old? And yet that impulse was fully realized in your performance in Empire of the Sun, which was when you were...?
Thirteen.

Source: Google.com

The Influence of Christianity.com

Christianity.com has a nice collection of articles its like reading a Christian magazine. Here is one of my favorites. It is from “The Race of Faith and the Scenery of God's Grace” by Mike Pohlman, Editor, Christianity.com

Do I see it? Is it new everyday? Does it excite me? Move me? Leave me in awe?

I was challenged to behold the beauty of Jesus’ blood shed for me; the awesome power of His resurrection that conquered death; His unwavering advocacy on my behalf before the Father; the treasure of His perfect righteousness imputed to me. In a word, the cross and all it accomplished and represents for those who trust in Him. This, at least in part, is the glorious “scenery” of God’s grace that helps fuel our run of faith.

Intersecting Faith & Life: I want to run in such a way as to win the prize—to hear my Lord say, “Well done good and faithful servant … Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23). To get to that finish line, I pray that God grants me eyes to see the wonders of His grace in Christ Jesus—scenery worthy of our eternal gaze.