...thoughts expressed here are not necessarily final.
December 19, 2005 Meditations at Christmas
We got the chance to break out and hear The Messiah at Carmel Lutheran Church last night. Earnie has been very ill, but it was worth the effort. We had to move a couple of times to avoid newborns (Earnie still has shingles). The community chorus was very good, and the performance benefitted a family struck by Katrina. that's appropriate, as I understand that The Messiah was first performed as a benefit for a foundlings Home in Dublin.
| We went downtown for the first time since moving here in time to see the tree at Monument Circle- |  |
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...there were lots of people, decorations, and horse-drawn carriages in the snow. |
Tonight we were able to get out to see the Chronicles of Narnia. I was a bit dissappointed, and would give it a B minus on account of what I would deem bad acting. I have to make my judgments basd on the pictures the books have long engendered in my mind, so of course my comments are entirely subjective.The White Witch was a bit too human for my vision. "Always Winter" Narnia was too calm- no blizzards, white-outs or even churning of snow when sleds went through the landscape. The White Witch's castle was too Disney-esque. And Aslan, oh Aslan. He seemed entirely too tame and safe, partly because of the voicing, partly because of the lack of majesty in the dwelling place of Aslan. Would have liked some camera shots from over Aslan's shoulder, when Susan and Lucy were on board. That is one of my favorite scenes to imagine.
| I understand this was likely toned down for kids, but the scene at the stone table was way too short. I expected more taunting and abuse, and the breaking of the stone table was almost anti-climactic. How about a little glory and shaking on the mountain and even a quake or two? |  |
On the other hand, the battle scenes were pretty good. it may be that the story does not translate well, but I think not. I think the film could have used a little of the Peter Jackson vision. Or, maybe not, as a friend points out- that might have gone overboard the other way. Still, considering the resources available and one shot to get it right, I still contend it was a bit botched.
For Your Listening Pleasure and Edification
We got a real treat in the mail from Desiring God Ministries. John Piper's narrative poem The Innkeeper was a stirring and Christ exalting point of worship as we listened to it last night. You can listen as well- here is a link to the MP3 online...
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Word of Christmas Anthony Foster |