Best of 2007

For your amusement and (hopefully) edification, here are some my Best of Lists of 2007:


Movies:
3:10 To Yuma - A return to the classic man-movie. Well done and well acted. I especially appreciated the themes of redemption and a counter-cultural emphasis on shame and the importance of honor, even at the cost of your own life. Warning: rated R for violence.

Enchanted - Clean, fun, imaginative Disney soon to be classic.

Amazing Grace - Finally a movie that has the Gospel in it...and is done well! My favorite parts are where Albert Finney (John Newton) steals the show.

Honorable Mentions:
Reign Over Me - Drama about a man dealing with loosing his family in 911. Caution, has bad language.

Pirates 3 - the more I think about Pirates 2-3 as one big movie the more I appreciate it

Stardust - a blend of Willow and Princess Bride. Caution: subtly (subtle enough not to ruin the movie but also to unconsciously assent) presents things such as premarital sex and homosexuality as acceptable (which they are in our society but use discernment when watching, especially with kids).

Elizabeth 2 - Excellent performance as usual from Cate Blanchett. Deals with England's war with Spain.


wanted to see (but didn't and therefore cannot recommend one way or the other):
Trade
Lake of Fire
The Darjeeling Limited
No Country for Old Men
War/Dance
I'm Not There
The Kite Runner

Books:
For Whom the Bell Tolls - Hemmingway at his chillingly best. Interesting history of the Spanish Civil war. Explores themes of futility of life, the depravity of man and the murkiness of war

The New Covenant Ministry of the Holy Spirit by Larry Pettegrew - A thoroughly Biblical book which gives attention to a member of the Trinity that doesn't get a lot of press time in my circles.

The Pursuit of Man by A.W. Tozer - Still reading it but it's knocking my socks off! Painful like surgery.

Evangelical Hermeneutics by Robert L. Thomas - a great critique of Hermeneutical trends. Lots of food for thought

Prince Caspian - Read this again in preparation for the movie this summer. Unlike the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, which was a metaphor for salvation, Prince Caspian is a metaphor for sanctification.

Measuring a Meridian by Jules Verne - Africa and Jules Verne. Can't go wrong there.

The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross by A.W. Pink: Short, concise and powerful.

The Radical Cross by A.W. Tozer: I don't only read Tozer books but when I do I am glad I did.

Check out Desiring God's Best of List here!

For His glory
by His grace
jrf