LauraLeeWasHere

Martyn Iles from the Australian Christian Lobby is interviewed by Neil Johnson from Vision Radio about who he thinks is ultimately responsible for the rioting in America. It's very insightful because Martyn in an expert in International law, has a Christian world view and a keen, discerning eye. He obviously admires and follows American politics but has just enough of a distance to view it with a more objective view, thus getting more to "The Truth of It". His particular talent is cutting through the rhetoric and gobbledygook to find out what ideologies are at play beneath the surface, then explaining it in away that an average, lay person can understand.

Much more of a case study of what makes us human than an android turning on the humans and running amok. Which is what I expected it would be. A young, brilliant computer programmer in a large company is picked to interact with an android to evaluate it's artificial intelligence potential. We are met with the basic questions that have consumed us about what truly makes humans, humans. As a Christian who believes the Bible I already have those basic questions answered so I found it a bit tedious. However, the dialogue is quite clever and the smashing performance of Oscar Isaac as the AI "creator", Nathan is truly tour-de-force and makes the viewing of this movie worth it. I first noticed Isaac in The Nativity as Mary's future husband, Joseph and was blown away by his believability as the future step-dad to Jesus. In this role he is equally amazing as the one moment drunk and morose puppet master and the next cutting up the dance floor with some major moves. Anxious to see more from him!

For other Christians I should tell you that the F-word is used frequently and blasphemy a few times. There is some graphic violence near the end (involving stabbing) but it is all the full female nudity on several occasions that probably deserves the biggest warning. Although the sex act is not graphically depicted, the nudity directly relates to the androids' body being viewed. It's a good script and interesting film but ultimately I won't recommend it because there are better things and films to spend your time on.

I hope I was helpful. Sincerely, Laura-Lee (from The Bible and the Biz blog)

No aliens in this one just a sci-fi film with a difference because of its wonderful ensemble cast led by Nathan Fillion and written and directed by Joss Whedon. Based on the popular but short run TV series Firefly, Serenity takes it to the next level and beyond. What can I say? I love it on so many levels and it has something for everyone, including me. References to sex but none shown, violence in many areas but more intense than graphic. There is swearing but it's made-up words in a make-believe hybrid of English and Mandarin. There are Christian themes and the nature of faith is discussed because one of the main characters is a minister. There is a reason it's a cult classic and the fans are hardcore and lifelong. My "allegiance" as a "Browncoat" (name for its fans) has softened throughout the years but I still watch it with love and respect for its themes of friendship, family, redemption, and sacrifice and for its great plot, excellently directed. If you are watching a DVD make sure to catch the Director's commentary special feature. Joss is so clever and funny and knowledgeable you get a whole new appreciation for the film and its actors while watching it "with" him. He gives us a wonderful balance between telling us technical elements, anecdotal, behind-the-scenes extras as well as his clever and funny personal wisdom. Close to the perfect Sci-Fi flick. And I haven't even mentioned the fabulous soundtrack with wonderful elements of guitars and violins that underscores and enhances every scene without intruding. But soon I'll be gushing like a schoolgirl in love instead of the respectable, Christian lady in her fifties I am. Sort of. And did I mention all the catchphrases that edged their way into my everyday vocabulary and are still there all these years later? Okay, okay. I'll stop now. By Laura-Lee (from the Bible and the Biz blog)