Gospel.com Blog

But then, there’s not a lot to complain about too loudly, either — at least, not much that you wouldn’t expect to complain about. Here’s this week’s film roundup from Past the Popcorn:

The three major mainstream releases this week are just about what you’d expect from summer Hollywood fare. First, Rush Hour 3 serves up politically incorrect, action-packed PG-13 buddy-cop comedy as Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan take the schtick to Paris; Mike Smith finds the film therapy for overdoses of “inside-the-box” thinking. Next, Stardust translates Neil Gaiman’s rather adultish fantasy novel into rather adultish gloss on The Princess Bride; Mike Brunk finds it a bit busy and contrived at times, but competent enough to satisfy PG-13 fantasy fans. And then there’s Daddy Day Camp, which Kathy Bledsoe finds about as satisfying as one might expect given a thin-premised sequel: that is, an experience that leads one to ask, “What was Cuba Gooding, Jr. thinking?”

In smaller releases, Mike Smith finds Live-in Maid to be a pleasing low-budget foreign-language examination of class and friendship, and considers Rocket Science to be a mature (and potentially therapeutic, if troubling) look back on the angst of the high school experience.

Also, Greg Wright talks with actor Patrick Warburton about maintaining balance between work and family in Hollywood.

What do you do when stress hits home? Perhaps unexpected bills are piling up this month and you’re stretched well beyond your budget. Or maybe a difficult family member is making life miserable for you.

Whatever the reason, we’ve all experienced stress and the sense of helpless panic it creates. Fortunately, here’s something that might help you put that stress into the proper spiritual perspective: a three-part reflection on stress, written by Dick Innes of Acts International. Don’t let stress wreck your life and relationships–take a few minutes to read Innes’ advice and see if it can help you put stress in its place.

Why should modern Christians study the Bible? Sure, the Bible is the basis for our faith, and Christians are constantly reminded to read it–but since Christian preachers and theologians have been analyzing scripture for thousands of years, why should Joe or Jane Average Christian take the time to study it themselves?

In a thorough essay at Village Schools of the Bible, Monty Sholund walks us through all the reasons for studying the Bible. It’s a great overview of the place of Bible study in the Christian life, and might make an excellent introductory read for a church Bible study gathering or small group meeting.

Want to read more, but have trouble finding time in your schedule to tackle the latest book? Christian Book Summaries is a unique ministry that might be just what you need–it provides detailed overviews and summaries of new Christian books.

The latest summary recaps When Bad Christians Happen to Good People by Dave Burchett [PDF]. When Bad Christians Happen describes some of the ways that Christians fail to live up to the ideals of their faith, and encourages us to be more Christlike in our everyday lives. The summary goes through the book’s major themes and lessons in just eight pages. Don’t let your tight schedule keep you from reading important new books–visit Christian Book Summaries for help!

Today’s film roundup from Past the Popcorn:

First, The Bourne Ultimatum wraps up the Bourne trilogy in fine fashion, preserving the best of what made the series a success while wrapping up Bourne’s journey in a satisfying (if not unpredictable) fashion. Says Mike Brunk, “there’s plenty of action on tap throughout the movie, pretty much from beginning to end.” Still, he adds, if you haven’t got on board with Bourne yet, “there is really nothing new here to change your mind.”

On the complete flip side stylistically, Becoming Jane also delivers the goods. Kathy Bledsoe calls this fictionalization of the life of Jane Austen “thoroughly believable and pleasing.” She can’t say enough about Anne Hathaway as Austen and James McAvoy as her paramour.

Greg Wright is impressed with a good deal of Steve Buscemi’s Interview, a rather “odd” remake of a Dutch film about a journalist’s attempt to interview a soap opera star. Still, he says, this R-rated satire “will wear out its welcome before either Pierre or Katya do” — and he suggests an NC-17 rating might be more appropriate.

For comedy, Mike Brunk speculates that Hot Rod just might be a sneak-attack work of genius. For the first half-hour, he says, it just might leave you scratching your head; but by the end, “I was practically rolling in the aisle, wiping tears from my eyes I was laughing so hard.” Still, it earns its PG-13 stripes.

Dacia Ray also recommends the PG-rated Vitus, a low-key dramatic coming-of-age tale. But the rest of the slate is pretty iffy. Bratz will likely only work for teen-aged girls still playing with their fashion dolls, says Jenn Wright. El Cantante is more in love with JLo than it is with Hector Lavoe, the ostensible subject of the film, according to Mike Smith. And The Ten, says Jeff Wells, should be added to the list of plagues.

Do you want to spend more time in prayer, Scripture reading, and devotions — but can’t seem to find the time or the willpower? A short article at the Navigators website challenges you to reserve just seven minutes out of your daily schedule for Bible reading and meditation and see what a difference it makes in your everyday life. The article has specific guidelines for what to do and how to spend those seven minutes. If you’re feeling guilty because you aren’t spending as much time in devotions as you’d like, this is your chance to start a healthy new habit.