‘Dawn Treader’ Gets the MOPS Seal of Approval
Valerie Bell is an author and speaker and the Board Chair for MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers). She has sent out the following endorsement for the film:
Narnia is back and better than ever!
Recently, I had an opportunity to preview the newest movie based on the Chronicles of Narnia. Walking into the theater I could feel myself lowering my expectations to avoid the inevitable disappointment. After all, “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is a classic. Translated, that means there are plenty of places where it can go wrong on film.
But that night I was pleasantly surprised. I was awed by the film’s spectacular beauty, fierce adventure, delightful humor and spiritually-teachable moments.
Sometimes people of faith have a legitimate concern that Hollywood studios produce movies lacking a moral compass. But what about when Hollywood gets it right – is there some way we can “vote” so that more inspiring films like this will be made? Yes, at the box office. Opening weekend box receipts are critical to a film’s success. It’s the barometer that measures whether more of the same genre will ever be made.
So here’s my suggestion: Attend “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” this weekend (opening Friday, December 10, 2010). Call your family, email or Facebook your friends; invite your whole MOPS group for this terrific film! Then, show up in droves at the theater this weekend. If your MOPS group attends, take time afterwards to unpack the spiritual truths about temptation, self-image struggles and grace presented in this wonderful film.
Be aware that the littlest ones may be too stimulated to attend. But for the rest of us, grab a row of seats and let yourself be swept away to the places in the soul where Aslan reigns and every boy and girl (or every dad and mom) is king or queen. This is classic C.S. Lewis. The best Narnia yet, in my opinion! And while you’re enjoying the film, know that your vote for excellent movies with uplifting spiritual themes will send Hollywood a strong message.
YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes! Even Better I got first comment! I had to hurry cuz I wanted to be the first to comment! so here is my comment.
Wow! That is a Great review! Im happy that she recommended to everyone. 🙂 Lets hope we get more reviews like this!
yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is not helping me. I am trying to do the same thing she said she did as she went into the theater, but all these reports keep lifting my hopes. Looking forward to it!!
Why did you want to get the first comment? I've never really understood that phenomenon. Please enlighten me. I'm really happy for you though! 🙂
"And while you’re enjoying the film, know that your vote for excellent movies with uplifting spiritual themes will send Hollywood a strong message." Amen!
Wow, the best movie review of VDT I have read yet. I'm so excited about tomorrow now!:-)
Wow. Nice endorsement there. Expresses my feelings well too. Take your friends. Talk about it.
😀
This is awesome! 😀 It sounds like she really enjoyed the movie, and definitely supports it! Ugh, I can't wait until tomorrow!
Very encouaging!
Random Question: Why is there a mormon advertisement on here?
The movie also get's Noogah's Seal of Approval. Just saw it last night. 🙂
uuh haha, I guess because I saw other people going on how it was cool to be first comment and…I don't really know I just went along with it. anyone esle wants to full fill this question do so!
That's so exciting! I'm always glad to hear positive reviews for VDT. I can't believe it comes out TOMORROW!!!
Good review. I've seen some comments of people that have seen this movie twice. One even said 3 times. If it was a bad movie there's no way I would see it twice. I'll see it Friday.
M.O.P.S.?… Couldn't they have come up with a better acronym? (but I digress.) Not that I'm discouraging anyone from going to see this movie (by all means go! and take everyone you know with you), but aren't pre-schoolers a little young for VDT, it is rated PG. But I guess that's for their parent's to decide.
How have they seen it twice? Do you live in a country where the movie's in theaters already?
No,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no. Its great that they are endorsing it to their group… But if the general teen see's this they will be like "Oh, great, another movie that moms will take their little children to. Fun. Like I wan't to go see that movie"
That's a very nice review…but I'm not going to listen to it. I really really really want VDT to do well, but my expectations for the movie and box office are at an all-time low, and I'm going to keep them that way. I love the Narnia series, and I don't want to end up bitterly disappointed if VDT gets bad reviews and SC is abandoned. I think I'll cry if that happens. So I'm trying not to expect much, so I won't feel even worse. (Waahhhh! I don't want them to quit making Narnia movies! *sob*)
Sorry, that sounds really gloomy. 🙂 But I always say that starting out with low expectations and going to high is MUCH better than starting out with high and going to low. I'm still quite hopeful, and I'm going to buy the DVD no matter what. Just hope that this weekend the box office numbers will make me happy instead of depressed. 🙂
I think the reason everyone wants the first comment is because it means that you were first to read the story. Also with it being FIRST more people are likely to read it and hear your opinion. It's really just about bragging rights.
Kind of an eccentric way to promote the movie, but OK. They're doing what they can, although it's really up to the fans to make it a hit (the public too). The critics are (obviously) a lost cause. (I don't even agree with them most of the time anyway.)
I get a lot of local adds on this site. There might be a Morman organization near you. This would make a lot of sence if you live near Utah. (Off base, but as I'm writing this, there was just a VDT add on the radio! – Fish 95.9, Southern California)
Oh dear, I think I am going to burst pretty soon!!!!! Tomorrow, please come!!! All the positive comments and reviews make me SO excited, then the not so positive ones make me sad. Then today I found out I WILL be able to see the movie and it will be in English (YAY!!!) and then these past two posts have been really positive!!
I will not have my mind settled about it until I have seen it for myself 🙂 Although my hopes are dangerously high…..
This is great! I'm still not getting my hopes up though.
7 hours to the showing!
yeah, a lot of good 'character' movie with good themes, friendship themes, and other good stuff has been coming out recently, stuff that's just about *nearly* clean– like HtTYD, Tangled, Narnia Three (apparently) so maybe directors are getting the idea that people thrive on movies with real *points* instead of just 'action' fluff? Let's hope so 🙂
I thought, unfortunately, PC was more action fluff 🙁 I was so sad. I saw a clip before the movie came in theaters of Lucy hugging Aslan when she first met him and I was SO hyped up thinking: 'this Narnia is going to rock!' And the Lucy/Aslan sweetness was so limited I was left starving for more of it :'( I hope VotDT doesn't do it to me! :'( Please, Apted! Please don't leave me feeling like Lucy as far as 'I want more Aslan!'
this is SOOOOOOOO encouraging! eeeehh! i love hearing this stuff 😀
THIS IS GOOD. 😀
My review:
Every Narnia movies told some lesson, I also get it from this one — Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Sometime, I have a feeling that every Narnia movies was made because of me, I can see the character in the movie was just like myself……
Its telling me what mistake I have done, my ego, I always complaint, and that make me lost many thing……
Every person has its value, so don't compare to others people, we just should appreciate everything we have right now.
Believe in yourself! I will begin to learn this from now, I should believe myself that I have ability to do something, I can do it!
Thanks to Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader! For such good lesson! And thanks to Aslan!
I love everything in this movie, dragon Eustace, sea serpent, Dufflepud, house of Coriakin, Liliandil, the Seven Swords' thing. Good Job 20th Century Fox and Michael Apted!
Will see it again in 2D and 3D. Now, I'm waiting for The Silver Chair movie! Please do it, I want to see it, and I need it too, I want more lesson from Narnia.
For Narnia and for Aslan!!
10/10
that is true! AH! Why Didn't I Think that!
I think it just means you are the one on Narniaweb so often that you incredibly happen to be the first comment on a story! (Which, on narniaweb, with all of us crazy fans, is a miracle!)
Yes! I am seeing it tomorrow (East Coast of USA)!!!! I am sooooo excited! I'm going to see it with my oldest sister. We are both fans of the books and movies and i guess I can say it'll be a tradition for us to see every Narnia film together. But I am feeling a bit under the weather so hopefully I feel better in the morning. Oh and for the person who mentioned the mormon ad, I am mormon but I fond it funny to see that here. And no we are not polygamists!
I've often seen them on sites that have something to do with Christianity (which makes sense in the case of Narnia and C.S. Lewis) because Mormons are Christians, but sometimes they're on more random sites. I don't really know for sure, since I don't know about how people advertise on the web. However, I am a Mormon, so I notice them pretty often =)
Hey, no one said anything about polygamy. Try not to get defensive ahead of time lol =) it's okay, I know the feeling– I'm Mormon too.
Kinda cute, like in "moppet".
Mormons are Christians? Hmm… why then the extra 'divine' book? Sola scriptura and all that.
I've also seen some strange ads on NarniaWeb. Muslim Dating sites! Pretty odd, since I'm neither a Muslim, nor looking to date anyone.
I watched the movie yesterday in Slovenia …
And I am going again today and tommorow=)
dear Alambil, If you think Mormans are chritians, then you musn't have been properly introduced to what Christianity really is. Firstly the piont most Morman and Christians disagree on is who God is. Christians would say he is the almighty God creator of the universe, Morman would usualy say he was a person like us who lived on another planet, died, became and angle, and then was good enough to be given a planet of his own to look after, that he has a wife and they had lots of babies, Jesus and Lucifer being the first two. They would also say that when we die if we become good enough we are given a planet of are own. this is my rough interpretation of what, as far as I understand, Mormans beleive. Also the fact that Mormans have extra books (like the book of Morman) that they beleive in, and that Chritians do not, would be one thing that uts the divider between them. 🙂 anyway, I hope this helps!
Dear Fairytalelady,
Firstly, I would like to just say that I am neither offended or angry, and if I use capitals at any time, it's only for emphasis. Sometimes it's hard to tell what someone's tone is when they're just typing, so I wanted to clarify and reassure you that, were I speaking to you in person, I would be smiling. =)
I do not think Mormons are Christians; I KNOW Mormons are Christians. In my earlier comment, I had stated that I AM Mormon, but I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn't read that far. What defines a Christian? Christians believe in Jesus Christ; that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I looked up "Christian" in the dictionary just to be sure =) And I can state with great confidence that our church believes in Christ. He is, in fact, the very CENTER of and REASON for our faith. The church's official name is focused on Him– The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Book of Mormon, which you have indicated would NOT make us Christian, does, in fact, the opposite. The full name of the book is "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." It testifies of Him, His life, His Atonement, and that He cares about ALL of God's children. I recommend Mormon.org if you want to know more about it.
As for your comment on "who God is," I can only try my best to clarify what you may have heard about our beliefs. One thing that we believe that's different from most Christian faiths has to do with the Trinity. Mormons don't believe that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one LITERALLY (one in PURPOSE, yes, but not all the same being). We believe that the Godhead is made up of three separate beings, and that the Father and the Son each have their own perfected body. I'm not quite sure WHAT all that was about God living on another planet and dying and earning His own planet, etc. That's all new to me! Haha to be honest, when I read that it made me chuckle a bit. =) We DO believe that He is Almighty God and the perfect, loving Father of our spirits. And we believe that, if we try our best here on earth and have faith in Him and His Son's Redeeming love, we can someday live with Them again.
I am not trying to tell ANYONE else what to believe. I do not force my opinions or beliefs on others. But I WILL stand up for what *I* believe. I find it somewhat frustrating and partly humorous when others try to tell me what they think the "Mormons" (and therefore, what *I*) believe. I have spent my whole life studying and praying about these beliefs of mine. They were not forced upon me by anyone, not even my parents. I can truly say that I know FOR MYSELF that Christ lives, that He died for all of us so we can repent and live with Him again. I deeply love Him and our Father in Heaven, just like every other devoted Christian out there. I wish people could understand better what Mormons really believe, and not just read what the news says about us. And, Fairytalelady, if you really have tried to understand, then I don't in any way think you're wrong to have posted your previous comment– I simply hope this (rather long, sorry) note has helped a little.
Sincerely,
Alambil
Alambil,
I also must disagree with you. I do not think that Mormons are not Christians. I KNOW that Mormons are not Christians (no offense, but it's true). As for the Trinity, trinity means "three in one" not "three in three bodies". See what I mean? You cannot believe in the true Trinity if you do not think that the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and God, are one and the same. If they had separate bodies, we would have 3 Gods, not one Almighty God. The Bible is the only word of God, the Book of Mormon is an addition that someone added based on THEIR BELIEFS, not necessarily what God told us. The Bible is God inspired, and no one has the authority to write down some of their beliefs in a book and call it the Word of God. I could say that I Queen Lucy was "inspired by some heavenly being" to write down things in a book, and then I could call it the Book of Queen Lucy; and just because I wrote I was "inspired by some heavenly being" does that mean that I should take that book and say that you believe God's Word AND the Book of Queen Lucy? NO!!! That would be absolutely wrong and evil of me to do so. The Bible is the ONE and ONLY book that Christians follow as their guidelines. Muslims think that Mohammad was inspired by a heavenly being, but does that mean that we should read the Koran and obey what it says?!?! ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! The Bible is the only book that I will ever put in my hope in, never the Book of Mormon or any other book. Sola Scriptura–Scripture alone. Not the Book of Mormon. And I'm very sorry if you feel offended by this, and it's also quite lengthy so I apologize. 😀
Sola Scriptura,
Queen Lucy
I must add one thing: Did you know that there have been minor errors found in the Book of Mormon? There have never been ANY errors in the Bible. If there were minor errors in the Book of Mormon, couldn't there be other, more major errors there too? Just sayin'…
Queen Lu
Queen Lucy,
I should have been more specific. When I mentioned the Trinity, I did not say we BELIEVE in the Trinity, but rather the Godhead. The "Trinity" is a 4th century idea that was created by men.
The Bible has absolutely NO errors? How can you be sure of that? There are so many different editions or versions of the Bible. We believe the Bible is true as far as it is translated correctly. What kind of errors are there in the Book of Mormon? Have you read it?
You say you KNOW Mormons are NOT Christians. How? In order for you to truly know, you need to get a copy of the Book of Mormon and read it cover to cover, with an OPEN mind. Then kneel in prayer and ask God if it's true. If you're really, sincerely wanting to know for yourself whether the things in the Book of Mormon are true or made up by a man, you'll get an answer.
Since this has nothing to do with Narnia, and because I'm sure neither of us are going to change our minds, I suggest we leave off here. But may I request that you don't tell everyone you know that Mormons are "not Christians"? If people out there REALLY cared, if they REALLY wanted to know that, they should find out for themselves, not because they read something on the news or heard something from their peers. I'm a firm believer that the only way to know for sure what a faith or religion is like is to experience it and live it for yourself– to try it out. That's why I don't criticize other churches or try to tell them what they believe, because I honestly don't know all the details and points of doctrine that they teach.
I don't expect you to change your mind. But to be honest, I WAS slightly offended by your previous comments. You can think what you'd like about the Mormon church, but please don't try to tell me what I do or don't believe. You can't "know" the things you claim to know unless you've sincerely tried it out and studied it yourself.
-Alambil
Hey, Alambil, I thought I would join this discussion and back you up, as I am a fellow Mormon. 😀
To everyone who believes that Mormons are not Christians, I am truly very sorry. As Alambil pointed out, "Mormon" is merely a nickname. Our Church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." According to our First Article of Faith: "We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." Queen Lucy, you pointed out that we cannot possibly believe in the Trinity. And I say we don't. We believe in what we call a "Godhead". In other words, God is God and is at the head. Christ and the Holy Ghost are two seperate beings who are under God, but act for Him and in His name. Like Alambil said, they are one in purpose. They act as one. In John 17:11, Christ prayed for His Apostles: "Holy Father, keep through thy name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." How can the Apostles be "one" as God and Christ are, except as seperate beings?
Now, as for whether the Bible is the only word of God, let me point something out: why would God speak to only one people, only once? I apologize for using a reference from the Book of Mormon, but I believe it is the word of God, and that this is what He has to say on the matter (2 Nephi 29:7-10):
"Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth? Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye recieve more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever. Wherefore, because ye have a bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written."
Now, Queen Lucy, about your point about being "inspired" to write something down and call it scripture. Then what do you call the Bible? The word "Bible" means library, and is made up of a "library" of the writings of many different prophets, over a long period of time. It is the same with the Book of Mormon. It is made up of several different books written by several different prophets over a long period of time. And those prophets studied the words of prophets who are currently in today's Bible, like Isaiah. Joseph Smith did not write, and never claimed to write, the Book of Mormon. He merely translated what was written by ancient prophets of the Americas. You also claimed that the Bible has never had any mistakes. So why, may I ask, are there so many different versions of it? And why do some of them contradict each other? Just like the Bible, the Book of Mormon, while it is the word of God, was *printed* by men. And men make mistakes. Those mistakes have been and are being corrected. Please do not completely reject the Book of Mormon just because of a few typos.
Sorry about the really lengthy, post; I just thought I would throw in my two cents. 🙂
Thank you, Fire Fairy. You put in words what I was struggling to figure out how to express. =)
Too stimulated? That doesn't make any sense.
Once again, I disagree with you. The Godhead, you are saying is basically like 3 gods all working together for the common good. The Trinity is a more unified idea, that I, as a Christian believe. The trinity, God, the Holy Spirit, and God's son, are one and same. God says in the Ten Commandments that "I the LORD your God am a jealous God" Notice how he says I, not WE?? If he had meant we, as in a Godhead, I think God would have said "We" but he clearly says "I". And no, I have NEVER read the Book of Mormon, and I never intend to. As to the Bible never having any errors, I firmly believe that is absolutely correct. You, on the other hand think that there could be errors. Let's take this a step further. If there were errors that could mean that Jesus didn't come to die for our sins. Therefore you can't really know and believe that Jesus did that since you think there might be errors. A true Christian is someone who believes in God, who believes that Jesus came to earth as a man to die for our sins. You can't be a Christian if you can't know this for sure. I, however, am absolutely positive in my heart and my trust and faith in God that the Bible is word for word true. I did look at a website, though, that was on the Book of Mormon, and it said that it had minor errors, so if there are minor errors, couldn't there be major, major errors. You have to be going from the Bible. Not the Book of Mormon. Plus, the Book of Mormon being written over several hundred years by various people, is not very reliable. 😛 Sorry, but it isn't. And how do you know they were writing down what's true, and not just their personal opinions on the matter? In the case of the Bible, I believe the people who wrote it were truly inspired by God, not just randomly writing things. Well, how do you KNOW that Mormons ARE Christians? Read the Bible cover to cover, not he Book of Mormon cover to cover.
The Bible is God's Word. There, GOD'S WORD! The Book of Mormon is NOT God's Word. I am very sorry, Alambil, that I offended you, but I simply could not leave it off here. And I do think it has something to do with Narnia. C.S. Lewis was a Christian and I know he would back me up. 😀 Hey, I'm a 15 year old girl defending her faith! I have read and studied the Bible many, many times, and I still find it fascinating that God has done everything that he has done. Truly, if you think about it. Do you think God would create the Bible for us, and then throw in another book (the Book of Mormon)? I don't believed so. The Bible is God's Word and no other book is it's equal. And where are there contradictions in the various versions? I can't think of any at the moment…
Once again, I am very, very sorry if you feel offended by this, but I might as well tell you that quoting from the Book of Mormon was pretty offensive as well. I will be praying for you both, that your eyes may be opened to the truth of the gospel, and that you might truly understand what Christianity is all about.
In Christ,
Queen Lucy
P.S. Any of you other Christians out there, I would appreciate a little help with this! I'm 15, and standing up for my faith, why don't you stand up for what you believe too?!?! 🙂 Just an idea… no pressure.
Queen Lucy,
I'm sorry, but you do not read carefully enough. If you would have listened to what myself and Fire Fairy were saying earlier, MANY, if not all, of the comments you just made would be void. You CANNOT expect to not even TOUCH the Book of Mormon and then think you know all about it. And because I'm getting REALLY tired of restating myself, I am not going to say anything further. You want answers to the arguments and accusations you just threw in our faces? Go back and reread our comments.
I am now leaving this conversation, as the only thing it's doing is making me frustrated and upset and insulted. I thought I would have had more decent and polite conversation on a Narnia site.
-Alambil
Alambil,
You yourself are using circular reasoning, so maybe you should read more carefully my comments and then you'll understand. I too am leaving this conversation because you obviously have hardened your heart to the truth.
Queen Lucy
I'm really very sorry this conversation ended on such a bad note. =( I had hoped we could have an intelligent discussion without it becoming an attack-fest. If either of you come back, I would like to talk to you again so we could get back on common ground. Please don't have hard feelings toward each other because of a difference of opinion.
Dear Fire Fairy,
I'm sorry. Truly. I don't hate anyone because of their beliefs. But I am just continually shocked and hurt by the number of people out there that absolutely HATE members of our church and see it as their place to argue about what they think we believe, and then to "warn" the rest of the public about us. It makes me so so upset, but that's another thing you can't see when people are typing. It just… makes me want to plop down on the floor and cry. =( They don't understand, but they think they do…. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to offend anyone on NarniaWeb by the things I said. I was trying to stick up for what I believed.
Sincerely,
Alambil