akcampbell

My daughter saw this at the theater with friends and recommended it for weekend family viewing on Netflix. She has decent taste in films, I think, preferring the intellectual over the typical inane kid stuff. Still, I was surprised at how much I loved this film.

It's part action film and part allegory, with a number of surprising features all wrapped up in a story within a story.

The visuals are stunning. At least a half dozen times, I found myself taken aback by the angles or sweeping motion the director chose. There's something satisfyingly symmetrical about the camera work. The locations are gorgeous and so is the cast, but none of it is so pretty that it feels unrealistic.

Although it doesn't feel low-budget, the movie has a hint of indie film about it. It reminds us that acting and writing are hard work. Although you can see some of the seams occasionally, it is a pleasant reminder of the hard work that goes into making a dream like this a reality.

And even if a few ideas in the film hearken back to other stories, none of it feels derivative.

I read a few other reviews before posting this, and saw that one poster thought that it was a racist portrayal of colonialism. Having watched the film, I'd say that is a bias that poster must see in many facets of life - you're bound to find hatred and condescension anywhere you look, if you're determined to find it. I saw no hint of it in this film. As for being reminded that God loves you, no matter what - I couldn't imagine that message ever becoming too prevalent in kids' films.

All in all, well worth the 97 minutes, and worth a second viewing, as well.

Jesus practiced forgiveness and acceptance, so as a preface, consider the Buddhist philosophy that the path to Heaven is like a mountain. There are many paths leading upward, and the only person wasting his time is the one running around the mountain telling everyone else they are doing it wrong.

I turned the show on expecting to be infuriated, but I am very impressed. I think the show (the first episode, at least) is clever, well-written and not remotely offensive. Before you think, "Well, those godless Episcopal heathens have a gay bishop," know that I am among the more conservative Episcopalians, and the show very accurately reflects the conversations I have in my head with Jesus. OK, so I've never seen him sitting in the passenger seat of my car or loitering outside my half bath, but artistic license covers that base.

I don't think this is an Christian vs. Hollywood issue, or at least it shouldn't be. This is flattering to Christians -- something that has been sorely lacking in recent years, thanks to televangelists and their air conditioned dog houses. Most of America is Christian, and there is entertainment enough in this show for everyone, whether they are watching it for the God content or not.

Per Sportbronco's comment, I read the Bible and I think it makes me more of a thinker, not less. And just because you believe in God doesn't mean you are humorless. When you study the Bible in an historical context, you see that Jesus had a pretty good sense of humor. That's one of the things I really like about this show that I think others may be taking issue with. I fully believe he would have cracked a one-liner. Jesus was fully God, but also fully human.

Same with Daniel -- fully priest and also fully regular-guy. Why is it offensive that a priest isn't perfect? Who says he can't have a daughter who makes an error in judgment, an adopted son who's having sex in his parents' car, a gay son whom he loves? A cheating dad/imperfect bishop, a mother with Alzheimer's, snipe-fests with his wife over their sex life? Now, the fact that the family has a housekeeper is atypical -- these people aren't rich in real life. And the bigoted cow who made the remark about "oriental grandchildren" -- that was unfortunate. But every story has to have a villain, and she and her bullied, bullying, condescending husband are it.

To the people who are concerned that this sort of material is detrimental, I must respectfully disagree. I find it hard to believe that someone would be condemned for considering Jesus a good friend he turns to when he has troubles. Isn't putting Jesus into the context of our lives and having a close relationship what we are supposed to do? I think that is the most basic tenet of this show.

Based on all the savage reviews I had heard, I was all set to drum up a letter writing campaign to the network (which I see as voicing an opinion, not promoting censorship, and something people in the majority don't do nearly often enough because they feel guilty about being in the majority in the first place).

But then I watched the premiere, and I really enjoyed it. If "The Book of Daniel" brings anyone to church, if it shows them that maybe it's a place where they will be accepted in spite of their flaws, if it encourages them to keep trying to be better in spite of their weaknesses -- then I'm all for it.

We don't watch a lot of TV, but this show is entertaining and real, and it had earned a place in our viewing pantheon.

For me, this film has one of those fuzzy, golden auras about it. A naive and beautiful man building something out of nothing for the sake of the woman he loves? Wow. How romantic it was, reassuring you that life is as wonderful as you know it can be.

OK, so I haven't seen this movie since it was first televised, and yeah, I was 9 years old at the time, and sure, I was pretty sure in those days John Schneider was the most perfect man on the planet and I was destined to live happily ever after with him (or at least win a date with his through that Teen Beat contest -- which was obviously rigged). But I maintain that it must have been one of the purest, simplest, sweetest movies ever made.

I'm sure the film (just like anything from childhood reexamined in the light of adult experience) would not stand up to a grownup's cynicism. The plot contrived? The acting less than stellar? Maybe. But who cares? I don't plan to see it again, because I prefer the sweet memory.

For those of you who haven't seen it, if you do, try to look at it through the eyes of who you were then, because the '80s were definitely a very different time. Take yourself back to that place where Friday night Dukes of Hazzard viewings were big social events, when Hot Wheels, some Garanimals and an Olivia Newton John record were all you needed to be happy. Grab yourself a cold Tab and some Jiffy Pop, plop yourself down in your beanbag chair and you're ready for a night of fine entertainment.

In spite of her foibles, Bridget Jones gives people something to aspire to and identify with. She has troubles in her life but maintains a childlike optimism, and even her insecurities are endearing.

This film was wonderful -- both men and women were laughing heartily in the theater where we saw it, and there was one point where I was laughing so hard, I couldn't catch my breath and tears were streaming.

It had a very British flavor, but not so British that Americans can't identify with what is being said. Anyone who has quirky but lovable friends, a less-than-perfect job and a scheme for building the ideal personal life will relate to the content.

Also, so sexy, so romantic and so true to life. Who knew an ordinary looking woman and an uptight guy could inspire such passion? Great date movie, and I can't wait to see it again.