A pilgrimage to the movies

I love going to the movies. I know we’re supposed to stay home and stream everything on our ginormous TVs instead of putting on real pants, leaving the house, and paying $15 a person for a show and $700 for concessions. But I am a big believer in distinguishing the activities of our lives in real and tangible ways. In a digital age, we can easily dismiss how not-digital we ourselves are; our very nature is embodied, material, and sacramental. Real experience cannot be substituted with the virtual. Maybe that’s a little dramatic for the movies, but you know me: let’s go somewhere!

I’ll readily admit that most modern movies are hot garbage. Hardly anything is original. Everything seems bloated with gratuitous immorality. And 90 percent of new releases are just disgraceful remakes or yet more insufferable superhero sagas. Yet! There are still occasional gems of cinematic art. And like all true art and all good stories, a great movie is ripe for contemplation about the highest things. While modern culture is often portrayed as a wasteland, we can also see it as a crop of creative entry points for deep spiritual insight. Let’s go harvest the good.

20 questions to ponder at the movies

These questions are very general, but the truth is that all good stories have the same heart. You will find that these questions can be applied to most great movies.  Some ground rules: If you’re on your own, ponder in your own mind. If you’re with other adults, discuss afterward at the bar. If you’re with a school or youth group, do a round-robin circle. And if you’re with your own kids, promise me you won't be weird. Deep discussion is a fragile art for parents. Don't look at them directly. Be cool. Be casual. Use these prompts as a conversation starter over a post-movie IHOP run or on your drive home. 

1. Who is your favorite character? What virtues do you see in this character?

2. Which characters or plot points show the true damage of vice and sin?

3. How does this story show that real joy is different from fun, pleasure, entertainment, or comfort?

4. Do you notice any symbols of salvation, spiritual realities, or the sacraments?

5. How does the film portray love? Is this an authentic vision of love or not? Why?

6. How does the film portray suffering? Is it seen as meaningless or redemptive?

7. How does the film portray evil? What do you think it suggests about the nature of evil?

8. How do the characters handle sacrifice? How does this reflect Christ-like love?

9. Is there a “conversion moment” where a character changes for the better? What sparked it? What parallels does this have to spiritual conversion?

10. Are there moments when something is revealed in a striking or unexpected way?

11. How does the story portray choosing what is good over what is easy?

12. Which character or scene made you think about your own faith life?

13. How does the film show the battle between good and evil?

14. Do you see any parallels to specific Bible stories or saints’ lives?

15. How are mercy and forgiveness shown? What are the effects of forgiving or not forgiving upon the characters?

16. How is beauty used in this film? What does it make you think about?

17. How do the characters respond to injustice or moral wrongdoing?

18. Is there a moment that mirrors Jesus’ life or God’s love?

19. What does the ending reflect—hope, redemption, or despair?

20. If you could rewrite one scene, what would you change and why?

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