Idol Chatter

'Hamlet 2' Uses 'Sexy Jesus' for Promotion

Friday August 8, 2008

Categories: Movies

Some movie studios are wary of religious controversy hurting the promotion of their film, but Focus Features is doing everything it can to encourage that controversy when it comes to the comedy "Hamlet 2." The movie has little to do with Shakespeare and much more to do with an actor (Steve Coogan) who becomes a loser high school drama teacher and tries to save the theater program by staging a sequel to "Hamlet."

That's not the controversial part. In the movie, the high school musical becomes controversial for a show-stopping number called "Rock Me Sexy Jesus." (Like I said, this movie doesn't really have anything to do with Shakespeare.) The song has been up on Youtube, in commercials and Focus Features is even running a contest where you can submit your own "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" video to their website. (I checked some of them out and a few were actually pretty good.)

I have already seen the movie, and I have my own opinion about the movie and the video-- which I will save for a review when the film releases on August 22. In the meantime, you can watch the video here and discuss whether or not you think its offensive or just plain funny. (Caution: There are a couple of mild profanities in it.)

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Comments
TheLightWithin
August 21, 2008 12:08 AM

Fatima, all I have viewed was the video clip on this sight and I've seen the film trailers. That's about all I ever use to decide if a movie looks like something I'd like to see or not. I guess one could call that judging, but that's what the film-makers put together trailers and short clips for - potential customer evaluation. So I evaluated. Based on what I've seen it's not a film I want to see. Hope that's ok with you. If not, oh well. I'll still save my money.

I think you need to read my post again. I didn't tell anyone they were going to hell. I have no right whatsoever to do so, not now, not when I'm gone home to be again with the LORD, not EVER. It's is his right and his alone to judge his creation. If I gave anyone else an impression that I think people who watch films or cartoons that disparage our heavenly Father or our Lord Jesus are hell-bound for sure or something then I'm sorry. My statement was one of hope that folks who were in this discussion might think twice before participating in something that they're not sure God finds clean and good for us to enjoy.

I did pray for you Fatima. You sound awfully angry and spiteful for someone representing themselves as a Christian to a group of strangers on a web site (a public place), but I would hope that you would pray for me as well. If we are both members of the Body of Christ, it's what we're supposed to do.

As far as being an "uptight hypocrite", you give no proof that I say one thing and do another, nor can you as you don't know me in any way short of the few words that I wrote here. I called you no name, I made no derogatory observation about anything at all except the video clip, the people who participated in its making, and the movie trailers for the film we were talking about. I gave my opinion as was the intent of this site. You disagree with me and perhaps include me in the group here that you are so "scared" of. I'm only a flesh person that you don't know. You have nothing to fear from me. Except that I might pray for you again *grins and pokes ya*

As for the full viewing.. God gave me enough common sense to recognize a moldy piece of fruit. I don't have to eat the whole thing and get sick before I figure it out.

One final thing before I close - you said that you love God. I have no reason really to think that you don't. But if you do, then nothing I say or that anyone says will EVER be able to push you away from him. It's pretty black and white there. We either love him or we don't.

I have a feeling that you're going to have to say something in retort to this writing but if you don't want to associate yourself with people like me that's ok. I'll see ya when we get home, alright? Bye 'til then *waves and smiles*

Give God the Glory
August 21, 2008 8:43 PM

Come on, folks. Some things simply do not lend themselves to satire, and the holy name of God and his son, Jesus are two of those things.

Obviously not everyone, particularly non-Christians, will find the notion of making fun of Jesus offensive. That is certainly their right as an American and of course the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the content of this movie as free speech. I realize that many people do believe that Jesus is the perfect Son of God and do not believe that Jesus is the Saviour. In America, that is their right as we have freedon of religion. Christians, will, or should, find this movie offensive, which is our right as Americans.

That being said, those that are not offended by the content of this movie should realize that those of us that are offended are so for very good reasons. Its not that we are narrow-minded, hypocrites, uptight or right-wing bigots of some kind. We are offended because we believe that it is NEVER proper to defile the name or likeness of Jesus. We believe that in a culture of anything goes, some things are off-limits, and Jesus is one of them.

Would Jesus think this is funny? I don't believe so, as this movie cheapens his holiness and purpose. Also, a movie in which Buddha or Mohammed was portrayed in such a manner would never be tolerated. Hollywood or Indie film producers would see a movie making fun of them as "hatred"...but of course Jesus is fair game in today's culture.

So remember...as Christians, we simply disagree that this movie is funny or acceptable. Just because this movie could be made doesn't mean that is was a good idea, at least to us.

TheFollower23
August 22, 2008 1:37 AM

I'm a Christian and I love movies and films to death. But I love Jesus more.

Knowing that Focus Pictures is using "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" as their promotional tool doesn't disgust me. It is, after all, their choice as it falls under freedom of speech.

However, veiwing that video offended me greatly. Just the overall feeling I got while watching that clip felt tremendously wrong, and I know God wouldn't approve of me watching something like that and having fun. It's not my right to say whether or not others can see this movie or not, but I'm going to abstain.

Anonymous
September 4, 2008 9:32 PM

This is just soooo offensive!

JUST ME
October 16, 2008 11:22 AM

IS THIS OUR SOCIETY'S IDEA OF HONORING THE LORD? TRYING TO MAKE IT OBTAINABLE TO YOUTH THROUGH POP CULTURE "HUMOR" (IF YOU CAN CALL IT THAT). TOO MUCH OF THIS SORT OF THING HAS BEEN ALLOWED. THE ONLY WORD I CAN THINK OF TO DESCRIBE IT IS SACRELIGIOUS !!! IT MADE ME SICK TO MY LORD PORTRAYED LIKE THAT, I DIDN'T EVEN FINISH WATCHING THE CLIP,,,WHY BOTHER.

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