Summer box office blitz

Apocalypto

Dir: Mel Gibson (Icon) Rated: TBC

Mel Gibson’s first film since the controversial Passion of the Christ is a mythic action-adventure set in the end times of the once great Mayan civilisation. A man’s idyllic existence is disrupted by violent invaders and spurred by his love for his family he must defend his people and save their way of life. It is interesting that our society which largely ignores God still craves stories of heroic sacrifice for love.

Joseph Smith

Eragon

Dir: Stefen Fangmeier (Fox) Rated: PG

Eragon is the latest production to take a tilt at the teen fantasy market newly carved out by the Harry Potter franchise. Based on the best selling novel by Christopher Paolini it chronicles the adventures of an orphaned boy who discovers a dragon egg. Parental guidance is a must. There are the usual magical confusions – is it bad, or just the people who use it? But one theme is hard not to like in this pluralistic world: some beliefs are so important they’re worth a life of devotion.

Mark Hadley

The Queen

Dir: Stephen Frears (Icon) Rated: M

Few people realise just how much of our recent world history Queen Elizabeth II has presided over – I didn’t. The Queen is surprisingly touching and my ‘must see’ film of the year. Who knew that Elizabeth Windsor, the head of state to ten prime ministers beginning with Winston Churchill, was also a mechanic during WWII? Set in the year Princess Diana died, it is testimony to the hidden sufferings that can fill a life. Though all the world may mock you, God knows a person’s heart be they maid or monarch.

Mark Hadley

The Nativity Story

Dir: Catherine Hardwicke (Roadshow) Rated: PG

The Nativity Story chronicles Mary’s life from her early days in Nazareth through to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. Director Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown, Thirteen) uses her gritty and visceral style to illustrate the many hardships Mary and Joseph face, aiming to make every detail of the film historically accurate. But the question remains, will the on-screen Mary played by Whale Rider’s teenage Keisha Castle-Hughes provide an accurate portrayal of her biblical namesake’s faith?

Joseph Smith

Win a free pass to The Nativity Story and read the full review.

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