Hey I need to confess something that I’m sure will cut the readership in theMangoTimes by a large percentage…it’s actually not much of a confession, but I want to make sure you know who you are dealing with here at theMangoTimes…so here goes:
I love movies. No…I really love movies. I always have. Some people like to read, others like to walk around art museums, others like to listen to great classical music. But for me, give me a good film and a quiet theater, and I will be lost for hours as a director shares stories, tells tales and transfers me into his created world.
As much as you might devour a great piece of literature by Twain, Tolstoy or Lewis…I enjoy soaking up 2 hours as Coppola, Lucas or Spielberg put images together to tell a story.
Here’s the deal, I’m not picky and it doesn’t matter what genre or type of movies I am watching. I am an “equal opportunity” viewer: Suspense, Mystery, Love stories, Horror, Comedy, Western, Disney, Classics, Pixar, you name it…I’ll watch it. Truthfully, I have never been a fan of Oscar winners. I prefer films that are purposeful and thoughtful, instead of the typical Academy choice based on popularity or stardom.
I realize I am breaking rank with many of my typical homeschool readers of theMT who often boycott Hollywood studios. I know others of you who only watch “Christian” movies, so I might as well continue to solidify my banishment by saying say that for the most part I enjoy “entertainment (movies) made by Christians” more than I like “Christian entertainment (movies).” Thus the title of this post and why I feel like I’ve lived silently in the movie-watching closet for years. :-W
2009 is a year of “shaking things up.” I’ve mentioned earlier that there were changes coming even in theMangoTimes and one of them was a return to chronicling the events that our family are enjoying. After listening to an interview with Scott Derrickson, reading an interview with Brian Godawa, and then enjoying Jeff Overstreet’s book, Through A Screen Darkly, I have taken the initiative and created an informal film course for the older children in my family. Basically, I’ve taken my love for good movies and introduced my kids to the art of “studying film.” They have learned to take notes during a film and then participate in a lively discussion on a variety of topics ranging from the technicality of film, to the art of storytelling, to hidden and obvious symbolism.
I’ve also found myself alone in several theaters watching/screening movies (even with the promise of popcorn, I cannot get Kendra do join me for every film 
). So far it has been successful. We’ve screened eight films for discussion, choosing to watch through a director at a time and evaluate his/her personal style. We began with M. Night Shyamalan and then Tim Burton (I chose two directors that would at least keep the attention of my older boys). For me, it’s my favorite homeschool class we’ve taught! I’m not fooling myself, the boys are glad to “just watch movies” but the discussions have been rich. They are drawing deep comparisons between modern stories and great biblical themes. It has become “our” thing to watch a movie and then spend an hour or so in discussion over what we just “experienced.”
So there you have it…I’m a Hollywood movie watcher! Like Wall-E, it can be lonely at times and I’m not going to drag any of my fellow movie watchers out of the closet with me, but there are a few I can depend on for late night viewings in empty theaters… If you are ever interested in catching a flick…let me know, I’ll buy the popcorn!
Quietly Making Noise,
Fletch
Posted on April 9th, 2009 by Fletch
Filed under: Homeschooling Thoughts, Living in Mangoland, What I believe
Er, there were no comments and I couldn’t leave without saying I’m interested in more movie talk. I, too, am a movie watcher. My favorite class in my little jr. college was Introduction to Film – or something. It was very basic but made me watch in a whole new way.
So, I’m glad you’re out of the closet! And where do you find quiet, empty theaters? I gave up going because I’d rather watch in the comfy quiet of my living room – the general public are noisy and irritating in the theater!
In the future, are you going to list topics of discussion on particular movies?
I took an intro to film class in college- yuck. It was filled with films I wish I hadn’t seen. And we watched them in chilly Frasier Hall with no popcorn. But now, I do love a good movie night with popcorn, I mean, with my husband.
I think a homeschool film class is a great venue for the discussions about our world that I’m assuming I’ll want to have with my kids when they are your boys’ age. I’m sticking this idea in the back of my head right now.
Bring on the movie discussions!
I’m a big movie fan too. I tend to like most movies I see.
I just can’t believe people who complain about movies being expensive…. $10 is a STEAL. Just think, you get to watch a $150MM piece of art for two hours–not to mention the previews, which are free and often as good as the movies. How much does it cost to tour a museum? I rest my case.
Plus, for the family, there’s netflix.
De-lurking here to say RIGHT ON! i think it’s important to discuss everything with our children, and they will see movies when they are no longer living with us. Better to watch and discuss with them while we can still lead the discussion and answer questions. There are good movies out there, and there are bad movies too. Ironically, we spent the past weekend watching the old Star Wars trilogy, one of our favorites! A little too deep for the 6, 4, and 2 year old. But we some great discussions on their level about a father’s love and scary situations. A few weeks ago my hubby read Louis L’Amour’s Hondo, then we watched the John Wayne film. We are currently previewing other book/movie combinations. Lots of fun!
GASP!!! You watch MOVIES?!?!?! I’m glad you came out of the closet. I love a good movie myself.
Quiet, empty theaters and late showings are one of the reasons that I love that my husband has Monday and Tuesday off.
My dad used to make us write ESSAYS after viewing certain movies. And then the discussion followed. (I prefer discussion. And I think it’s way cool you’re doing this with your boys.)
We love movies, too.
I’m still waiting for your LOST theories.
Wow…thanks for the comments!
I’m still a bit careful in what I let my boys see, but I’m getting a little more adventurous with them as I see them solidly living out their Christian faith. Although I’ve been a huge Shyamalan fan for years, and seen most of his films on several occaisions, it has been great fun to get “serious” about his work. We actually viewed The Village with about 15 or so from church. The discussion was particularly good as we discussed what it meant to live as Christians in the midst of a sinful world (if you haven’t seen it, it’s creepy, but worth the rent!).
As for my LOST theories…last week’s show was one of my favorites…since I’m a huge fan of time continuum theories, but right now I am as lost as I can be…
So…are you going to post the list so we don’t have to re-invent the wheel? I mean…clue us in so we can watch too!
My daughter has participated in a World Views Movie Discussion (it looks so much more important if I capitalize the first letter of each word!) with a group from church. Man! They have some pretty deep discussion.
I’m jealous! I want to do that at home too….so come on, share your list!
Oh, and don’t forget to pass on any questions or particularly good topics!! 