3dogmom from RevGals writes:

Recovering from a wee surgical procedure this week, and in the wake of the Oscars last weekend, I’ve been mindful of movies in all their assorted incarnations.  For today’s ff, I hope you’ll share with us some of the movies that tickle your fancy!

With Get Well Wishes, here are my answers…

1) Is there a film that so captured your imagination that you couldn’t stop thinking about it? In what way(s) did it affect you?

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 2005 re-make is one that I frequently think of when I’m dealing with cold, angry people (looking occasionally in the mirror here) or with earnest, loving ones. It’s also one that we will occasionally quote.

2) What religious/spiritual film has touched you? This could be something overtly thematic, like The Last Temptation of Christ, or something more subtle, like Enchanted April.

Huh. Well, I guess my first answer could go here. But I’m going with Steel Magnolias. It’s probably one of the best movies I know about relationships, caring, life, death and family. People talk about church, go to church, judge those who do/don’t go to church… There’s many themes in it, but the ones that peel back a layer of honesty and love are just wonderful…

Especially when M’Lynn says:

I find it amusing. Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something. I just sat there. I just held Shelby’s hand. There was no noise, no tremble, just peace. Oh God. I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life.

…Shelby, as you know, wouldn’t want us to get mired down and wallow in this. We should handle it the best way we know how and get on with it. That’s what my mind says, I just wish somebody would explain it to my heart.

3) When the going gets tough, is there a film you turn to for distraction and/or to help shift your mood?

Hmmm…. Probalby something goofy like Ghostbusters or Men in Black.

4) What is your all-time favorite movie?

Without question, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. High class cinema? Fantastic acting? No. Fun, quotable and memorable? Absolutely. In fact, if you’ve watched it at all, you can immediately remember the scenes when I quote these lines…

Captain! There be whales here!

And a double-dumb-ass on you!

Captain, your use of language has altered since our arrival. It is currently laced with, shall we say, more colorful metaphors.

5) If you were to choose a film for viewing and discussion with your congregation, what would you choose?

Great question… I’m thinking I’d go with a historical one… but at this point, I’m not sure I know which one I’d pick (as I’m not in a pastoral leadership position right now.) However, I’d like to bring in a film that can draw some social parallels from the past to today. Or, a film that speaks to times where as Americans and Christians, we turned our backs on needs in our own country or around the world.

Bonus: If your life were to be made into a feature film, who would you want to play you?

Well then. Poor soul would have to gain weight to be “authentic”. But because I truly appreciate her acting, I’ll go with Julia Roberts.