FROM:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD= ... =461&rfi=9
Steven Spielberg's most recent blockbuster, War Of The Worlds, was released on DVD Nov 22.
Described as "a contemporary retelling of H.G. Wells' classic," the movie is a pleasure to watch. Gene Shalit of Today, claims that this movie is "Tom Cruise's finest performance." Joel Siegel of Good Morning America says the movie is, "Steven Spielberg at his best."
The story focuses around a man named Ray Ferrier, played by Tom Cruise. Ferrier is a self-centered slob who cares more for his classic Mustang than his ex-wife, teen son or young daughter.
Just after Ferrier's ex-wife drops the kids off to stay with him for a weekend visit, violent aliens attack the earth. Ferrier must battle his own personal weaknesses as well as the mistrust of his own children as he tries to outrun the approaching murderous aliens.
There are a number of issues that arise in this retelling of the story that are of interest to spiritually-minded persons.
The film shows us scenes in which people portray both the best and worst in humanity. We see people who sacrifice for each other and yet also see people willing to kill each other in order to save themselves.
We also see Cruise's Ferrier gradually transform for the better as he finally accepts the responsibility of parenthood.
The film's ending is no surprise if you've read the classic book, heard the radio play or seen the classic black and white movie.
The aliens, though vastly technologically superior to humans, fall prey to the common bacteria of planet earth. Humans have been exposed to these germs for so long that we've adapted and gained resistance. Humanity is saved only because we have been able to survive diseases and grow stronger.
There's an old Chinese Proverb that says, "The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials."
The Bible says that we will never be given any temptation greater than our ability and God will always provide a way for us to get through.
What lesson can we learn from the action-adventure War Of The Worlds? We can be reminded that life is full of trials and temptations, sicknesses and even germs. It is by going through them, enduring them, and moving triumphantly to the other side that we become polished gems reflecting the light of the God who made the way for us to make it through.
Steven Skelley is an ordained minister with experience in both nondenominational and denominational churches. He enjoys communicating as a writer, public speaker and songwriter. He lives with his wife JoyceAnn and daughter Steffany. Steven welcomes your comments and questions at StevenSkelley
@yahoo.com.