Wow! Another “Ten Commandments” movie is coming out and its getting a lot of buzz.
For instance, “Hollywood Takes On the Ten Commandments” read the Yahoo headline. “Film producers take action with Oct. 19 animated release starring Ben Kingsley, Elliott Gould, Christian Slater.”
Fox News reported on the controversy of Radio Disney wanting the word “God” pulled from the advertisements surrounding the movie’s release.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that the company, Promenade Pictures, is founded by Frank Yablans, the former head of Paramount and MGM/UA, associated with such films as “The Godfather,” “Chinatown,” “Silver Streak,” “North Dallas Forty,” and some Bond films.
As a Beliefnet blogger, I had the advantage of seeing the movie early. I wanted to see it because it was made on a small budget, which was by design. “Our company believes that outstanding family entertainment can be made for a fraction of that Pixar and other high-profile animated movies are made for,” said Ron Booth, one of the co-producers. “For investors and for families, everybody wins when we can make more movies for less money—maintaining high quality—so that family fare makes a greater dent on the cinema landscape.”
“The Ten Commandments” looks good, and it sounds even better. In fact, I think the soundtrack is worthy of Oscar consideration. Booth was a bit shy about that:
“Our main goal wasn’t as much to win Oscars, or spoil the cast with lavish hospitality, or spend unnecessary dollars on typical Hollywood costs,” he continued, “but we’re focused on one thing: bringing the best family entertainment possible to the scores of moms and dads who want great stuff for their kids, and great stuff that they can watch together with their kids.”
“Lots of are targeted just for kids, or just for teens, or just for adults,” said Booth. “We want to bring families together, and we really believe its possible. People who see this movie will be pleased, and its only our first of many.”
Booth was referring to the “Epic Tales From the Bible Series” which will feature future movies along the same lines. “We’re not a ‘biblical’ studio as much as we’re committed to ‘family’ movies, and the Bible has long been a great source for some of the richest stories in our culture…stories that too many young people may not get the chance to be exposed to.”
Perhaps Booth and his team are right. A recent story in The Free Republic reported that “more Americans know Big Mac ingredients than the ten commandments.” If that’s the case, I hope this movie does even more than entertain: I hope it informs as well as it inspires. I’m going back this weekend with my family!
posted October 21, 2007 at 3:49 am
I do not have small children anymore, but neither one of my daughters, ages 29 and 31 like many movies today, and, in fact, they do not go to the movies too often for that reason–they are too vile, filthy, etc.
Transformers was the last movie we saw, and we were all disappointed in it because it had a few scenes which were not necessary for the movie. For example, no mother in their right mind would encourage their son to get a girl friend and have sex with her. Another point was the fact that they thought the parents too old fashioned and kids do not need to listen to them. And then, the characters who were the autobots, etc., always seemed to be mad–at least some of them–mad and mean–no fair play, no justice, etc.
The only things we can do is not pay for those movies. Give us some good ones and have them inexpensive enough for even the lower middle class to go see–you know, the ones that are too poor to do anything extra, but not poor enough to get help from anyone!
Rose
posted October 21, 2007 at 9:15 am
We need more christian movies and cartoons for our children to watch. For many that is the only way they can come into contact with the Lord. A greatgrandmothers view. Rose H.
posted October 21, 2007 at 4:40 pm
It does not suprise me that God would get Censored, but Satan does not. The Government wants to take God out of our money too.
Where it says in God we trust.
God is not allowed in schools, either one cannot even pray.
Having a nativity scene on ones lawn causes problems too.
But movies with Satan in them if just fine. And cursing, swearing at God, using his name in vain, rape, murder, thats fine to.
If a person wants to put the Devil up, at Halloween, and all kinds of other Satanic things wonderful They can even dress up as him and other evil things.
But God? He’s left out of it all. And he created Us, and the world and owns everything on it.
Lets Censor Satan, and Not God and this world will be wonderful.
posted October 22, 2007 at 9:54 am
This is very two-sided: One, it’s goin to be of great benefit for those who aren’t saved to have exposure to the commandments, it’s helps to build a better marl foundation. But, on the other hand, taking God oiut of the picture makes it all in vain!. without the loave and fear of Him…..wuts the use of teaching HIS commandments but excluding Him out of them?!!…We’re headed down a horrible road when Satan has his own TV show!!…(The Reaper on CW network)
posted October 22, 2007 at 12:18 pm
I just happened to see part of a trailer on this just last evening. I plan to see it. It is so important to be reminded in our everyday living about the Ten Commandments. We must strive to live them, for if we live the commandments, then we are a Living Bible for others who may never pick up such a wonderful book full of mystery, suspense, love and resolution. So many stories in the Bible, regardless of how old it is, applies to everyday situations that we live currently.
I can’t wait for the movie to be available in our nearby community and the fact that it will be available at a price that I can afford to go see, is even better.
God’s Peace & Blessings,
DD
posted October 30, 2007 at 10:39 pm
My name is John Stronach and I had the distinct honor to Produce “The Ten Commandments” with Cindy Bond and Direct the picture with Bill Boyce.
First I’d like to clear up a couple of misconceptions about the film. In a comment above, Neena child of God says that we “took God out of the picture” I think she mistakenly heard about Radio Disney refusing to run our ads unless we removed the words “Chosen by God” and mistakenly thought we had removed God from the picture. Not only was God in the picture (brilliantly voiced by Elliott Gould) but I made a concious decision to make God a loving fatherly figure and not the bombastic Old Testament God which is usually the way this role is performed. While your father may grow stern with you his motivation is love. I wanted to show that this was the same God who would send his “only begotten son” to die for ous sins.
Secondly, I saw a comment that this picture was “made on the cheap” which seemed to suggest that the Producers were architypical “Hollywood types” who would deliberately make a film of marginal quality, cutting corners and spending as liitle as possible just to make money off the Christian Audience. Let me assure you that this was not the case. Everyone at Promenade Pictures and our animation studio and Production Partner Huhu Studios are men and women of faith who would never skimp on the budget or quality just to make a buck. While it is true that we didn’t have the $60 to $80 Million and more that Pixar spends on its features, we used the resources we did have to bring this great story in a scripturally accurate picture to the screen. Quality was never sacrificed because of budget. While we were limited in some of the “gee wiz” aspects that Pixar throws huge sums money at to accomplish, we produced a quality film telling the entire Exodus story to a young audience who will hopefully use it as a springboard into discovering word of God in the Bible.
As Chriistians, we have to do more than complain about the lack of quality family entertainment produced by Hollywood, we must support the efforts made by good people and good filmmakers when the films are released. As we continue production on the next in our series “Epic Stories of the Bible, “Noah’s Ark; The New Beginning” it is my fervent hope that our fellow Christians will come out in support of a family faith based film. If no one goes to see these pictures “Hollywood” won’t even try and make family entertainment and we’ll have more of the same pictures that we and our children cannot support.
Blessings
John Stronach