I don’t know what it is about the supposedly “kids” movies like, The Incredibles, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., and A Bug’s Life that somehow speaks to adults in a powerful way. Our family just recently saw Disney/Pixar’s new movie Cars. As soon as Elliot saw the preview for it months ago he said, “Oh, I want to see that!” (this man has a fascination with cars… I am just praying that he will not become a NASCAR driver).
As I have repeatedly said, “Whenever a movie is good, it is because there are some elements of the Gospel in it.” In fact, the story line is usually about life and the main characters portray some characteristic traits of Christ. This is why when there is forgiveness, sacrifice, unconditional love, etc. it moves us (even to tears).
The movie, Cars, illustrates so well the life that many college students dream about, many single adults aspire for and many families are pursuing after. It is a life of success, ambition, and fame. We climb up the corporate ladder, obtain bigger houses, accumulate more wealth and go on more exotic vacations all in the name of greater security, contentment and happiness. Sometimes we forget that life comes at us very fast. We blink our eyes and then we find ourselves missing out on so much. There are things that are more important in life than success, fame and the pursuit of happiness (the American Dream)… sometimes we don’t learn these things until we come to a crossroad in our lives.
At times, there is this nagging feeling that what we are pursuing after is not really “it.” This is when we think about the incredible story of Jesus – He gave up EVERYTHING in heaven so that we can have it ALL… it is quite a humbling thought. It is too scandalous! How can it be that when we give up everything to Him, He will give us everything we need?
In 1738, Charles Wesley wrote a hymn called, “And Can It Be That I Should Gain.” Couple of the verses in the hymn says,
As I looked around in the packed movie theater, a thought came to my mind – “maybe this movie is more for the parents than the sea of kids that are in this theater.” All I know is that there were some fathers and mothers that were wiping their eyes at some parts of the movie – it really touched a chord in our hearts.
To check out the trailer and some interactive stuff click here.
