KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 21, 2011 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Marc Newman, president of MovieMinistry.com
responded today to the film "Paul," a science-fiction comedy written by the British duo behind "Hot Fuzz" and "Shaun of the Dead," screenwriters/actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. A key plot element is "the blatant ridiculing of Christian beliefs and morality." The film, according to Newman, follows in the footsteps of British comedian, screenwriter, and actor Ricky Gervais', "The Invention of Lying."
Newman explains, "About halfway into the sci-fi road trip film 'Paul' the two men roll their RV up to the Pearly Gates trailer park where they encounter a loud, likely daughter-abusing, moronic Bible thumper, who clings to his shotgun more quickly than his Bible. His daughter, a Christian cliché-spewing, half-blind stooge, delivers up theological softballs for Paul to whack out of the park. It's easy to make people appear foolish, and yourself brilliant, when you get to write what your opponents will say. The audience is expected to laugh at the stupidity of the girl, and at the wittiness of Paul, who in a few short minutes demolishes her faith and puts her on the road to profanity and promiscuity – a trip she seems all too eager to embrace."
Newman argues, "If filmmakers are fixated on ridiculing the religion of more than two billion people worldwide, then they should expect an appropriate response. Not vocal demonstrations and boycotts – they don't work as intended -- besides, such films tend to die a natural death at the box office. And with the early returns in, Paul is already on life support."
Instead, Newman says, Christians should be prepared to engage people they meet, who have seen the film, to discuss the movie's Christian stereotypes. "The movie might even open up opportunities to talk about whether human beings really are just a great cosmic accident, or whether we were created in the image of a loving God, who invests us with dignity."
"Paul," rated R for language and sexual content, opened last Friday to mixed reviews, and is underperforming at the box office.
Marc T. Newman, Ph.D. is president of Movie Ministry and an associate professor of Communication Studies in the School of Communication and the Arts at Regent University. He has appeared in "Time" magazine and other regional and national media. He writes a regular column on Christianity, film and culture.
