January 2, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

Now on DVD is HBO’s 7 part mini-series on John Adams, our nation’s 2^nd president. Adams is often considered one of the “forgotten” founding fathers because of his being overshadowed by such historical giants as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin. But Adams role in our nation’s founding was massive, as this series shows.

I’ll offer a word of caution from the outset. While this series can be very educational, parents need to be aware of three scenes that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Two scenes involve nudity, but thankfully neither of them are sexual in nature. Early in the series, a British tax collector is stripped, tarred, and feathered. Towards the end of the movie, there’s a scene in which Adams’ daughter has a mastectomy because of breast cancer. While neither scene would be considered vulgar, parents need to beware. The only other “risqué” scene involves John and his wife Abigail. After they had been separated for a couple of years with John in Europe, Abigail comes to Europe and they are reunited. And they are REALLY, REALLY happy to see each other…if you get my drift. Actually, it was nice to see Adams longing for his wife as opposed to many diplomats of the day who simply took mistresses. Nevertheless, HBO being what they are, felt the need to show an intimate scene involving the couple. There was no nudity, but there was a little more action shown than was needed in my opinion. Now for the movie itself.

I found the series to be very captivating and accurate to historical events. The series is based upon David McCullough’s award winning biography of Adams, which is a classic. McCullough has also written biographies of Harry Truman and Theodore Roosevelt; as well as an account of American Independence called 1776. All great books that I would highly recommend.

The characters bear an uncanny resemblance to the originals. Washington, Jefferson, and Adams all look exactly like their famous portraits. The historical accuracy seems to be very detailed, even down to the facet of John Adams having an almost constant dip of snuff in his mouth throughout the movie (he was a habitual dipper).

The movie seems to have accurately portrayed Adams’ strengths, while still pointing out his shortcomings. He was known as an intensely honest man who was willing to stand for what he believed to be right regardless of consequences. This can be seen in his serving as the defense lawyer for the British soldiers accused in the 1770 Boston Massacre.

In the beginning, Adams was somewhat of a reluctant patriot, not nearly as zealous as his cousin Samuel. But though he wants to give Britain the benefit of the doubt, he eventually sees that their tyranny has gone too far, and he joins the cause.

Adams had some downfalls which are depicted as well. He could be extremely obstinate and overbearing at times. He worried excessively about his standing in history, and at times was a little too proud of his intellectual prowess. His wife Abigail serves as a stabilizing force in the movie, frequently bringing him back to earth. Abigail is depicted in many ways as a heroine, which is both right and wrong. She was a very impressive person in her own right, but I have read in other sources that her ambitious and controlling nature was at times more than her husband and children could bear.

While the Adams’ clearly loved and wanted the best for their children, they were at times too obsessed with John’s career and less focused on the parent/child relationship. But in their defense, this was common practice in early America. The paradox of this form of child raising can be seen in two of their sons. Their oldest, John Quincy went on to be the sixth president of the United States. Their next oldest, Charles grew up to be an embittered alcoholic who drank himself into an early grave.

The movie depicts Adams early life, days as a lawyer, foreign diplomat, Ambassador to Britain, Vice President, President, and elder statesman. One of the most fascinating aspects of his life was his relationship with Thomas Jefferson. They grew to be very close friends while both were serving in Europe. Then began to drift apart in George Washington’s cabinet where Jefferson was Secretary of State and Adams was Vice President. When Jefferson defeated Adams for the Presidency in 1800, they severed all ties. Many years later, as old men, they began corresponding by letter, in what still remains one of the most illuminating sources of historical data known to America.

The movie ends with one of those moments so bizarre that Hollywood couldn’t even conceive it. On July 4, 1826, the 50^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams dies. His famous last words were: “Thomas Jefferson survives.” But unbeknownst to him, Jefferson had died just a few hours earlier. Both of these patriots…the last two remaining from the Revolution…died on the 50^th anniversary of July 4, 1776.

Overall, I would highly recommend this series, if one keeps in mind the warnings I gave at the outset. It’s well written and well produced. Though it’s over seven hours long, there are not really any mundane or boring sections of the film. Some of the camera angles give you the feeling of peeking into the room while history is taking place. While some may find this mildly annoying, I thought it gave an authentic touch to the scenes. The musical score by Rob Lane was well done and enhanced the overall appeal of the movie. You’ll definitely come away more educated, and entertained in the process. And after all, “entertaining education” is the best kind of education there is.

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July 10, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

This is my first venture into the realm of ‘movie critic’ due largely to the fact that I average about 1 movie per year.  Several months ago I got a phone call from a survey group who were polling ‘movie watchers.’  I agreed to do the survey thinking that I could give Christians a voice in this particular poll.  First question:  ‘Mr. Kastler, how many movies do you watch in a year?’  Answer: ‘One…maybe two.’  Response: ‘Mr. Kastler, thank you for your time.  Have a good evening.  CLICK.’  So, as you can see, movies aren’t really my ‘thing.’  When I was in college, my friends and I would get together to watch movies, and I would typically annoy the whole group by talking all the way through it.  Within 10 minutes I was usually in the kitchen visiting with anyone who needed to get a drink.  But enough about that….now for my review.
            I’ll begin by saying that Christians are a little divided about this movie.  Focus on the Family’s movie reviewer liked it.  But at the end of their review, James Dobson wrote an editorial saying he didn’t like it.  (Click here to read their review)  I’ll give some pros and cons and let you make up your own mind. 
            The movie is basically about a man named Evan Baxter who gets elected to Congress, saying he was going to “change the world.”  After he, his wife, and 3 sons move to Washington, the family decides to get spiritual and “pray.”  Evan’s very awkward prayer is that God would help him change the world.  The next thing you know, lumber starts showing up at his house.  Then animals start showing up at his house in pairs.  Then his hair and beard begin to grow uncontrollably.  Eventually “God” (Morgan Freeman) shows up and tells Evan to build an ark because a flood is coming.  Of course from here on out “wackiness” ensues as Evan and his family (who assume he’s lost his mind) begin to build the ark.  His wife eventually leaves him, then comes back when “God” appears to her and convinces her to stand by Evan.
              On the pro side:  There was really no foul language or sexual content to deal with.  They kept it fairly clean, except for the occasional “slap stick” crass, humor.  Another plus was the fact that “God” was portrayed as powerful and omnipresent.  He would show up anywhere and at anytime to talk with Evan.  One scene, where Evan was sharing his “plans” with “God” resulted in “God” laughing uncontrollably.  When Evan asked why?  “God” responded: “Sorry, I always get a kick out of people talking about  ‘their’ plans.”  Needless to say, I could identify with that.  The movie ends with Evan completing the ark, by the appointed day, and ranting at everyone to get on the ark because the flood was coming.  Of course, the sun was shining and Evan was considered a buffoon….until a lake dam near Evan’s housing addition breaks…and the water begins to rush towards the ark.  All of the crowd suddenly rushes onto the ark and is saved after the water destroys their neighborhood.  The final conclusion was that God really did tell Evan to build the ark…and many lives were saved as a result of Evan’s obedience.  That basic premise is commendable and Biblical.  Now for the cons.
            I think it’s impossible for Hollywood to do a movie without adding at least a little bit of political liberalism.  For example, the big villain of the movie is Congressman Long (John Goodman) who wants to destroy national forests to build housing additions.  Of course the obvious point:  Environmentalists are good…Businessmen are bad.  I’m all for protecting national forests, but this seemed to be a clear jab at Republicans.  In addition to this, most Christians will wince occasionally at how the movie redefines theological issues surrounding the Flood.  “God” tells Evan’s wife that the Biblical account of the Flood wasn’t really about wrath or sin at all…instead it was a lesson from God on the importance of “working together” like Noah’s family and the animals did.  YEAH RIGHT!  The Flood had nothing to do with God’s wrath!  (And if you believe that one, I’ve got some oceanfront property in Arizona I’d like to sell you….along with a  bridge I own in Brooklyn.)  You’ll also occasionally here some “universalism” espoused in the movie.  A couple of those “we’re all God’s children” type of lines.  To be sure this movie takes the Biblical Flood and stands it on its head.  The “love” of God is adequately portrayed, albeit to a fault, but the wrath of God is completely missing.  No one could ever envision sweet and funny Morgan Freeman showing wrath against anyone or anything.  But at least it’s better than portraying “God” as a cigar chomping hack (i.e., George Burns in his ‘Oh G-d’ movies from the 1980’s)  Obviously, God’s holiness and abhorrence of sin is missing from this flick.  The movie concludes with “God” telling Evan that the way to change the world is to perform “Acts of Random Kindness” which, of course, he points out that the phrase makes the acronym “A-R-K.”  Cute.
            In the end, I found this movie to be a “feel good” hit…though pretty off kilter in terms of God’s holiness and plan of redemption.  But it’s probably as good as you’ll see coming out of Hollywood.  Let’s face it…their desire isn’t to make movies that share the gospel, their desire is to make movies that make money.  On the plus side…there’s always an opportunity for evangelism that arises when a movie is made with a “spiritual theme.”  When talking to friends or co-workers about the film, you might have an opportunity to explain to them the real reason for Noah’s Ark (i.e., Judgment For Sin)…and lovingly let them know that something much worse than a Flood is coming. (i.e., Hell).  You might explain to them that the Ark represents Jesus Christ and that all who come to Him will be saved, while those who don’t will perish.
            So should you go see the movie?  I’ll leave that up to you.  On the positive side, you won’t come out of the theater feeling dirty like you do with most movies.  On the negative side, you may have to explain to your kids that some of the portrayals of “God” weren’t quite accurate.  I’m glad I saw it.  Otherwise, I never would have been able to write this blog, and hopefully help others decide whether or not they should spend their money on the “feel good hit of the summer.”  Hopefully my first “movie review” will be helpful.  If not, read Focus on the Family’s….they can’t come to a definite conclusion either. 
    

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