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Posted: 04 December 2006 at 9:46am | IP Logged

I read Eragon and Eldest because so many kids were and I wanted to know what it was about.  Does anybody have any opinions concerning this sure-to-be hit movie? 

Posted: 06 December 2006 at 5:14pm | IP Logged

What do you think of Eragon's use of Magic?  Is this going to be another Potter-like debate, or do you see this as more of a Lord of the Rings type movie?  Whatever the case is, I feel that probably 85% of my 3-6th graders will watch the movie.  I am looking for opinions. 

Posted: 08 December 2006 at 11:25am | IP Logged

Being a pentacostal I believe we are to seek spiritual gifts. I have found that when adults bring a new age worldview to their faith we get the wierd charasmatic extreems that lead to worshiping the empowerments of the spirit and dare I say moves of the fleash or worse and the ensuing disorder that has caused reproach on the name of Christ. The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit in a belivers life (pentacostal or not) is exactly opisite of the new age worldview. in the new age world view spiritual power is something that is discovered  from the inside. it is a potential power in special individuals that are either gifted by blood line (harry potter) or tuned into the ethos of the universe force (starwars). in either case the power gained becomes an engrandisment of the self. the Holy Spirit is always bringing Glory to the SON Jesus. we can not own or Posses spiritual gifts in a way that bring glory to our selves. they should first make us humble and be in the service of God's people bring glory to Jesus. I have seen to many times when God begins to Bless with a move of his Spirit that begins well. People getting saved, christians repenting of sins, and yes spiritual gifts given, only to have it ruined by people, influenced by a new age mindset and biblical ignorace, let the fleash and pride rise up. They let a beautiful humbling turning to Jesus by the Graceful empowerment of the Spirit turn into a self absorbed Spirit goose bump worshiping circus deviod of God's order.

I say all this because we are trying to form a biblical Worldview in Children. Narnia helps to to do that. encourage it. movies like Eragon an harry potter confuse the worldview of children and make Spirituality seem like it is a power to be owned for themselves when Christianity offers power to humbly serve the King of Kings.

Stiving to help kids think like Jesus,

truthlover

(if this has come off as sounding critical, bitter, or mean, that was not the intetion. I encourage seeking the gifts, but we must not go beyond the book, because the one who inspired it never will go there with us. )

Posted: 18 December 2006 at 5:00pm | IP Logged

I saw Eragon this past Friday.  The cg effects were incredible.  Saphira (the Dragon) was so realistic and reminded me of the Witch King's Dragon in LOTR.  I was also impressed that the director did not take a darker approach to the movie, which he could have easily done.  The fighting was very mild compared to LOTR and the use of magic was not glorified...although it was used.  PastorEric was right on about the Dwarves, Elves, and Humans religious systems, but fortunately the movie did not go into any depth concerning their beliefs.  

Overall, I think kids will flock to this movie like salmon on the Capistrano (even though I felt the acting was weak).  The violence is considerably tame and the use of magic is not the focal point.  There are some cool themes in the film, but I'd hesitate in using Eragon as the next theme for a sermon series!

Did anybody else see the film?  If so, what are your thoughts?

Posted: 22 December 2006 at 10:13am | IP Logged

I saw the movie with my daughter (14) and Son (11) I also had not read the book, but both of my kids had.  I enjoyed the movie; they set up the scenes well and the use of the narrator brought me in and helped me figure out who was who.

The evil characters are very clearly influenced by demons(stated in the movie) Their powers are dark but not to heavy except for younger kids.

The effects were very cool and pretty well done.

I found it very similar to LOTR as far as the evil ones armies (my son called "maggot men") The battle scenes were not too graphic which is good while eating popcorn.

I also was impressed at how much comedy was in the movie. There were several times that everyone in the theater was laughing out loud.

The use of magic and other religious was not overplayed or really even featured as much as I expected. I don't expect that as a dad I would have to clarify those kind of themes to my children.

I enjoyed the movie but would not use it for my kids worship. I think it's a little too intense for younger viewers.

It was fun and I'd like to see it with my older son who has read both books too and is very good at analyzing these movies. When I get his feed back I'll post it.

Posted: 23 December 2006 at 9:33pm | IP Logged

I just saw the movie today and wanted to share my thoughts of the movie.  Before I do did anyone find a few similar items to another movie series:

1. We see Eragon sitting on a hill side over looking the horizon watching the sunset and imagining his future.

2. Then we find an old Dragon Rider master who takes the young Eragon under his wing to school him in the ancient ways.

3. We see his UNCLE killed while they are searching for Eragon and he returns to his home to find him dead. 

4. Angered by this he swears vengence and begins his trek and adventure.

5. He discovers that the PRINCESS is being held by the evil Lord and sets out to rescue her, against the advice of his mentor.

6. In his attempt to recue her his mentor is mortally wonded in order to protect him and provides his opportunity to escape.

7. He discovers a unique sword with special ability. 

8. Also during his trek he discoveres this FORCE within himself and begin to learn his hidden ability.

9. He arrives at the REBELS hide away in order to save the day and prepares to fight for them.

10. He leads them into battle and they triumph despite the over whelming odds.

OK enough comparisions - I only have two words --> STAR WARS!

I think you can see what I was referring to by now.

As to the movie, I found the special effectives great.  The scenes and landscape was incredible.  The story line progress at a good pace and had plenty of action and some added humor.

I agree with some of the other comments that while there was magic presented it was very distict of were the good and bad was.

Overall I found it a good movie and look forward to the next one.