At The Movies is a fun summer series where we show movie clips from popular current films of this past year along with a message that connects the popular movies with scripture. You probably don’t usually look to movies for life lessons, but take our word for it—sit back, relax, and hear a different perspective on how popular films can point us toward the gospel.
Black Panther is a 2018 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The movie takes place in the fictional country of Wakanda. Wakanda is a rich nation whose technology surpasses all the other nations because they have a rare metal called Vibranium. A young man named T’Challa becomes king and the new Black Panther after the untimely death of his father. However, a family secret leads to his downfall and he must overthrow his cousin to reign again as the Black Panther. So where does this movie point us to the gospel?
Crazy Rich Asians is a 2018 Romantic Comedy based on the 2013 novel of the same name. The film follows native New Yorker and Chinese American Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family. Rachel is shocked to find out that her boyfriend’s family are the biggest real estate developers in Singapore and extremely wealthy. The film deals with Rachel trying to be accepted by his family. So where does this film point us toward the Gospel?
In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives. So where does this story point us toward the Gospel?
Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical drama about Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the British rock band Queen. The band reached unparalleled success in the 1970’s but Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, eventually shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music.
Freddie Mercury was the least likely person to be a rock star and in scripture we see God use the least likely people to accomplish his will. Queen describes themselves as misfits welcoming other misfits and scripture tells us Jesus welcomed the outsiders. Freddie let success and fame destroy himself and his relationship with others. Scripture reminds us that pride goes before a fall. With the help of his friend Mary, Freddie gets his life together and reconciles with the band. Jesus tells us if we want to be right with God we need to be right with others first.
Six years after Wreck It Ralph, Ralph and Vanellope are now life-long best friends. Their lives couldn’t be more perfect, until Vanellope’s game, Sugar Rush is broken and unplugged. But luckily, thanks to the newly installed WI-FI router in the arcade, Ralph and Vanellope now embark on an adventure to find a Sugar Rush steering wheel and save Vanellope’s game. But on their journey, Vanellope discovers a new place she would like to call home and it causes some insecurity in Ralph which strains their relationship. In the end, there is only one thing he can do.