Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Although written in a conversational style, it wasn't a very interesting converstion. I would have preferred more depth. The title and (especially) Campolo's praise were highly misleading. Perhaps the occasional anti-American comments soured my opinion a tad. As another reviewer stated, I wanted more meat and less side dishes. Overall, sorry I spent the time reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Although written in a conversational style, it wasn't a very interesting converstion. I would have preferred more depth. The title and (especially) Campolo's praise were highly misleading. Perhaps the occasional anti-American comments soured my opinion a tad. As another reviewer stated, I wanted more meat and less side dishes. Overall, sorry I spent the time reading it.
Rating: 
Summary: Thank You Gareth for this dream-like, Jesus-loving book...
Review: Contrary to the review on this book that questioned whether or not this book was even "Christian," (which makes me laugh---if that person thinks it's not "Christian," and is judging books on the "Christian" and "Non-Christian" books than that's fine---it's just an inconsistent way to live called "living in legalism," that's all)....anyway, this book is wonderful and personal and yes, some times he may make you a little upset or make you scratch your head and wonder, but the more he did this, the more I began to question what I believed in my own life. Although people in the Christian community would call me a movie fanatic, I had not seen many of the movies Gareth discussed (but it was okay, it made me want to go out and buy them all---or wait, is that a good thing?:). It doesn't matter though, because this guy feels like my long-lost movie-buff friend and after the book is over, if you make it that far (because I sense many Christians who are not as passionate and serious and glorious in their love for Jesus that will simply close the book a few pages into it), he will be yours too. Gareth talks a lot about Christian community (and it's all really good stuff here too) and God, and love, and life...but he never comes across as being too preachy or too political. He's humble and converstational-like in his approach, which makes it easier for me to take in all that he has to say. My two passions in life are the Church (people coming to know God interpersonally and in true Christian community) and Movies. Gareth combines these two so brilliantly, it's like he's writing my dream book. Every serious "Emerging Church" or "Postmodern pilgrim" seminary student should read this book not because it will give them "new methods and ways to save the world," but because it will rock your faith, give you a deeper hunger for God and force you to live in the moment, from day-to-day, constantly aiming to become more Christ-like. Pastors, Church-goers, college students, movie-loving/Jesus-toting brothers and sisters...get this book, now!
Rating: 
Summary: Not for the Passive Movie-Goer
Review: First, let me get a few gripes off my chest. Gareth Higgins has an interesting style, which was generally able to grab and keep my attention. Unfortunately, my anticipation for the meat of the subject may have been too high, as I sometimes found myself disappointed to be eating only side dishes. On several occasions his tendency to ramble on in a stream-of-consciousness fashion, often drifting way off topic, forced me to fight through this book instead of enjoying every moment of it. In addition, there were a number of grammar and typographical mistakes, which I found to be extremely distracting. That said, How Movies Helped Save My Soul: Finding Spiritual Fingerprints in Culturally Significant Films was an overall success, despite the occasional frustrations mentioned above. With chapters that dissected films addressing a multitude of themes including "war," "love," "fear," "God" and "death," How Movies Helped Save My Soul was an eye opening book, full of useful information. I especially enjoyed the "Primer" and "Wrap" sections that closed each chapter, often prompting readers to reconsider their current outlook on the topic with a controversial question or statement. Though this book could have been more effective from a less subjective standpoint, I found myself generally intrigued by Higgins' personal insight into a variety of big screen hits and not-so-well-known masterpieces, often wishing I had seen them more recently (or seen them at all). I would definitely recommend a movie marathon prior to delving into this book in order to refresh your memory on the films that Higgins addresses, or to catch up on those you haven't taken the time to see before. Believe me, it will be worth the money if you're truly interested in digging deeper into the spiritual side of film. How Movies Helped Save My Soul encourages readers to look at film in a fresh way, with a desire to learn from it and use it to teach others, rather than being the passive movie participant that so many of us choose to be. If nothing else, this book piqued my interest in films I would have never thought to see, and inspired a new approach to my own film watching. Knowing that this was Higgins' intent when he put pen to paper, I would have to say that How Movies Helped Save My Soul accomplished its goal.
Rating: 
Summary: Welcome to Gareth's World
Review: Gareth Higgins appears to be that sort of delightful chap you love to have at gatherings - to keep things "interesting." His writing is smart and witty - much fun to read. (I enjoyed the book immensely.) However, his approach to both the Bible (his "Christian worldview") and films is so subjective that it makes the book more biographical than informative. (I guess that is the intent.) He engages neither, really; preferring "story" to substance; conjecture to analysis. I guess he's seen a lot of movies and just wants us know how he feels about them. Cool. (Welcome to postmodernity, where everyone does and thinks what seems right in there own eyes. Anybody read the book of Judges lately?) I guess I should have expected this approach when I finished reading Tony Campolo's introduction. Tony has made a career out of advocating anything and everything that will irritate today's evangelical establishment. That he has jumped on the POMO bandwagon is no surprise. Now those nasty conservatives can't test his aberrant views against a "metanarrative" . . . like, the Bible, for instance. At least Tony is honest with us about Gareth's thoroughly postmodern outlook: "it is not even necessary for us to ask what the artist intended to communicate because as deconstructionist Jacques Derrida and his followers would tell us, once the words are written, the painting painted, or the movie shown, that which was produced by the artist takes on a life of its own, independent of the creator. Then, we who engage these works of art are free to create the meanings they have for us." What fun! (But then, maybe I can imagine that Tony means something completely different . . . something more to my own taste . . . after all, I am free to create whatever meaning his words have for me.) How asinine is that. Here we see what happens when we allow extra-biblical thinking to form our "Christian" worldview. The uncritical acceptance of a postmodern mindset will lead us to view reality through a post-modern lense rather than a biblical one. (And, of course, those are relative - not absolute - terms.) There is little about this book that is "Christian." In fact, one has to wonder where Gareth "is at" spiritually given his description of favorite movies scenes. (The "beautiful" sexual encounter in MONSTER'S BALL?!!!) Plus, his constant sniping at those of us who take the Bible seriously shows his contempt for scriptural authority - something he probably learned from his liberal education. (The sin of sodom was that they were not hospitable?!! Funny, I thought it might have something to do with their rampant lasciviousness and homosexuality . . . but, yeah, I guess that isn't "politically-correct.") While I am no film critic, I have written a few reviews in my day. I would argue that a film critic needs to find out what the filmmaker had in his mind before weaving their own fantasy. Garethth doesn't care much about that. And as for films' "saving his soul", there is nothing about this book that would leave me to believe he's gotten anything other than "religion." Like the Liberals of old, he uses a lot of "Bible language" to convey non-Biblical ideas. Salvation is to escape the loneliness of our human struggle - to be made human again. (And here I thought it had something to do with being delivered from the wrath to come! Funny me . . .) Maybe RELEVANT BOOKS should reassess issuing Gareth's work in printed form - such a relic of modernity and the enlightenment! What we need are electronic books that can be altered to suit our own meaning constructs. Then I could have Gareth say whatever I like . . . Wouldn't that be cool . . . a whole world about ME!
Rating:
Summary: Celluloid salvation & becoming human
Review: Gareth Higgins has written a delightfully irreverent, insightful, and immanently readable guide to exploring the spiritual significance of movies. His voice is conversational, conspiratorial, witty and extremely opinionated. He never fails to let you know what he really thinks, pulling absolutely no punches. That is as it should be. I know if I wrote a guide to movies I think are important and laden with spiritual significance, it would be just as opinionated. That being said, he has left out some of my favorite films. However, there are a plethora of movies to delve into here. What's more, this book is not just about the movies; I came away feeling like I knew Mr. Higgins, and what matters to him in life. There is a lot of down-to-earth philosophy here, just the way I appreciate philosophical thought being rendered. It is always accessible. It feels like a conversation with a new friend that you have the eerie feeling you've known all your life. It never falls victim to the arid quality of so much critical theory when it comes to academic offerings on film or literature. No, this is a celebration. It is also a blueprint for a life of significance. There are winning sections on community, and persuasive thoughts about how we have lost our sense of connectedness in Western culture, and more importantly, how to get it back! The wonderful thing about the structure of the book is that Higgins has parceled out the films he discusses thematically, with chapters on weighty matters such as "God," "Fear "Quest," "Outsiders," "Brokenness," and more. This gives him the opportunity to speak on these themes themselves, woven throughout life itself, and within the movies, and then back out, connected to life again. The result of this wondrous book is a feeling of embracing life, and becoming more fully human. In the conclusion to his decidedly personal collection of thoughts, Higgins leaves off with an exploration of things he is grateful for, and some words to the wise for us all. By this last page, I feel I have made a new friend; someone who is engaging, imperfect, and deeply thoughtful. I appreciated this journey in the company of Dr. Higgins and his Rosetta Stone.
Rating:
Summary: Not what I hoped
Review: I am leading a Christian study group using popular films. I was hoping this book could help me use film to illustrate some Scriptural truth. Unfortunately, the author was much less interested in a Christian message than to make sure he took every opportunity to insult the "church." I know that churches have problems and hurt people, but it is not as common as this author seems to assert.
He seems very angry at the church (and for some reason, all of western culture - especially America.) Living in N. Ireland could make one suspicious of religion I assume, but despite his claims to be a Chrisitan so concerned about commmunity, he seems to enjoy tearing down more than teaching and building up.
It is a good study of film (not movies - he definatley comes from a critical point of view and not that of an average person) but not very useful in the context of the church.
That's my take anyway. God bless.
Rating:
Summary: "fun" at the movies
Review: I've enjoyed this book, especially Gareth's writing style - sarcasm and stream of consciousness work for me. And while I haven't seen and probably won't see *all* of the movies listed, of the ones we have in common Higgins has been pretty reflective and has built upon my own take. There is so much truth in art in general and in movies in particular. We love good stories, and we're more and more open to imagery - movies are our parablee; directors are our storytellers.
Rating:
Summary: got a lot out of it. served it's purpose and more.
Review: If all I received from "How Movies Helped Save My Soul" was a few good recommendations on what movies to rent next, I would have been somewhat satisfied. The author mentioned many great ones that I had never heard of, which made the lengthy list posted on my fridge entitled "movies to rent" worth this read to me. But fortunately, it went much deeper than that. Higgins was very open and exposed himself very plainly through his reviews, revealing his mind and heart to all readers. I didn't feel like I was in a lecture hall, I felt like I was listening to a friend share his thoughts and observations with me.
I am also a fan of books that are broken into sections, so that I can skip around. The format served well for this subject. I think some of the reviews are best after seeing the movie yourself. So when I see one of these movies at a later time, I can read just that section again and rediscover his opinions and compare them to my own.
He brought up some very solid points and really challenged Christians to be what they claim: followers of Jesus Christ. Although I agree with Higgins that there needs to be a major reformation in the church, I think he could have given some grace. Many churches are taking great strides to fulfill the vision of community, service, depth in teaching and worship, and love for God and people that Christ had for the church. I hope that he challenges and encourages many churches to do the same, but it is hard to be encouraged when you are simply being put down. It's good to be real, but show some hope, man.
In this book Higgins seems very passionate about the importance of Christians keeping their eyes open to the world and the culture surrounding them, using everything they can to further their understanding of God's word and people. After all, one of the most forward messages of the Bible is to love the people around you...all of them.
Good book with one of the best conclusions I have ever read. Shows you how to get even more out of films. They aren't just entertainment. They are meant to challenge, to enlighten, and to make you feel, then act on those feelings. Higgins, you grasped that knowledge and threw it in our faces. Thanks.
Rating:
Summary: Food for the Moviegoer's Soul
Review: If you've ever emerged awed and blinking from a film with a feeling that life is not quite the same as when you went in, you'll love this book. In a hyperactive world, argues Belfast-based writer Gareth Higgins, going to the flicks is one of the few contemplative rituals we have left.
Contrary to a couple of somewhat clenched reviews on this site, it makes no claim to be a definitive guide to the spiritual content to films. This is not "God's Favourite Movies: Ten Vetted Film Nuggets to Save You From Doubt". Instead Higgins offers us his own subjective and bracingly candid meander through themes such as death, community, fear, conspiracy, power and love, drawing on diverse cinematic offerings ranging from "Amores Perros" to "The Wizard of Oz".
Written in witty, conversational style but without sacrificing intellectual rigour, it also has a beguiling vulnerability. Higgins shares his life as well as his love of movies, and the result is often as moving as it is illuminating.
Evidently a man who has been bruised as much as blessed by his Christian religious heritage and unafraid to say so, he refuses to be thrown off the scent of the great Director at work in the universe. The result is part filmography, part memoir, part meditation - an engaging and uplifting meander through one man's love affair with life both on and off the silver screen.
Borrowing a habit from Woody Allen in "Manhattan", Higgins ends the book with a list of the everyday miracles that make him grateful to be alive: Randalstown forest on a crisp morning; coffee with friends; tigers; Singin' in the Rain; the inside of Krakow Cathedral; and the feeling when the lights go down in the cinema...
You're left with the same brimming fullness you experience after a stunningly good movie: a sense of life's luminous beauty and pain, a renewed vision of the good, or God, that so often goes unnoticed... and of course a determination to see more films.
More than a cinematic guide, this is a spontaneous act of generosity. Enjoy.
|
