Good cinema, we believe, is not just entertaining, but is most often the presentation of people struggling with the deeper issues of life. These struggles are universal. The framing of the struggles with descriptions and solutions is the genius of the cinematographer. Whether people are avid movie buffs, or just occasionally view a film on television, the fact is that the movies today impact the values throughout the world in a way never before possible. This impact permeates the very fabric of our families, culture, and society. To be a thoughtful citizen today requires knowing and discussing the values that are being viewed by all of us through this medium.

It is our desire for the reader to explore with us each week the values portrayed in contemporary films, to be drawn into discussions about the deeper experiences of life. We provide a subjective commentary on a variety of current films in an attempt to stimulate this conversation.

Using a system of four stars, we rate the films based on its impact on family values, community life, and spiritual development.

Contributors
Dr. Denny Wayman is Senior Pastor of the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara since 1976. A Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling, Rev. Wayman brings the training of both theology and psychology to the cinematic experience. During his graduate education at both Asbury Seminary (MDiv) and Fuller Seminary (DMin) Dr. Wayman studied film and its impact on a culture.

* THE CHURCH AS A JUST, REDEEMING COMMUNITY written by Denny at Asbury Seminary

Hal Conklin is the President of the California Center for Civic Renewal. He served in local government office for 18 years, including Mayor of the City of Santa Barbara, California, President of the California League of Cities in Sacramento, California, and Vice President of the National League of Cities in Washington DC. In his business life, he serves as the Director of Public Affairs for the Southern California Edison Company.

"For more reviews: http://www.cinemainfocus.com."

Cinema In Focus has been published since 1995 and is a resource for newspapers, magazines, journals, universities and film schools around the world.