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Rating: 
Summary: Finding God in media
Review: If you are interested in films, a true film buff, a historian or just a fan of well written films and film critiques, add this book to your library. I would like to say bravo to Mr. Gire for his work in such a medium. Films are not only a powerful form of influence for the society in which we live, they are a vehicle for social and personal change. His book gives delightful insights on many popular movies. Mr. Gire truly finds the Spirit of Christ in each detail that moved him as an audience member. Watching these films along side reading the book has opened my eyes as well. There are however, countless other films that have the same capability to show God's grace. It should be up to the readers of this book to find those references in other movies and build their lives upon the experiences they discover. The overall impression of "Reflections on the Movies" was a positive one. There were times during the reading that I felt as if Mr. Gire was interpreting a scene or film to have a Christian oriented influence when, in reality, little of it existed. The problem with this book (albeit a very small problem) is the fact that every reflection is a personal experience. The author simply dares us as readers to focus our attention on the possiblities of seeing Christ in films. Mr. Gire may offer his opinion of the movies presented but he also gives enough creative writing for the individual reader to try and posses the same mindset the next time (or the first time) he/she views the films in the book. I enjoyed the book completely from start to finish. One thing that any reader should remember when buying this book is to use their own individual interpretation of the films in question. Mr. Gire gives great examples and suggestions about how to experience God in the media. That is the key to the success of this book. If more authors took the chance of including their faith in their reveiws, editorials, critiques and writing then the media world in gerneral may actually achieve a new morality. Thank you Mr. Gire.
Rating: 
Summary: All movie lovers should get this book
Review: This is an excellent book that approaches movies from a Christian perspective, but it may not be what some expect. This is not a book that critiques movies by counting sex scenes, cuss words, and violent acts as some Christian reviewers do. In fact, this book doesn't review movies in a conventional manner at all. "Movies are made up of moments", to quote the author, and sometimes his meditations on particular movies zero in on moments that, for him, have particular spiritual resonance. He is also not afraid of unflinching reality. The truth is important, even life-changing, despite the fact that it can be offensive to some. The author states, "I would rather be told an R-rated truth than a G-rated lie." Therefore, movies that are bold and unsparing in their reality, such as "Saving Private Ryan", "Schindler's List" and "Amistad" have great impact because they tell the hard truth, distasteful as it may seem. Of course, spiritual truth may be gleaned from more lighthearted fare as well, such as "The Wizard of Oz". When I finished this book, I immediately wanted to take a trip to the video rental store, even though I've seen most of the movies discussed here. But I can look at them somewhat differently now, and I can, I daresay, listen for the voice of God that comes through these films. I certainly hope Ken Gire writes a "Volume Two" on this subject.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice, but too light
Review: This was an easy, upbeat read...a great way to justify going to the movies. I was disappointed that the book did not probe into the cultural impact of movies. I am also curious if Gire can hear God in the highly popular horror film.
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