My Top 4 Movies of 2008

4. Expelled – This is a very intriguing documentary on Intelligent Design.  Famous for his role in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and his own game show, Ben Stein is now investigating why scientists have been black-listed from academia if they believe that an intelligent designer might have been behind the creation of the universe.  Certainly all scientists, including faithful Catholics, agree that evolution exists within species, however, this film takes the argument to the next level.  This is not your old creationism versus evolution debate.  Stein follows the theories of the current scientific majority to their logical conclusion.  Expelled is alarming, interesting and makes a compelling link to the abortion industry and Nazi regime.

3. The Island – What slippery slope are we falling down by allowing the research and destruction of human beings?  Our current Presidential administration (as well as Amendment 2 in the state of Missouri) fully supports the research and destruction of humans, as embryos, for “scientific purposes”.  If legislation is not enacted to protect humans from scientific research and destruction (as was done in Italy and Germany), The Island shows us what will soon happen in America.  This is an adventure movie with Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson.  The Island is not for kids, but it is an important eye-opener for us all. *The Island was not released in 2008, but it is fairly new and jumped high on my list of favorites this year, so please forgive me for this slight liberty. 

2. Juno – I argue that Juno not only deals powerfully with an untimely pregnancy, but also with the difficult subject of divorce.  Here we find a courageous teen that chooses to sacrifice nine months of a normal high school career so that another may have life.  You’ll fall in love with the character of Juno – her transparency, wisdom, wit and sincerity. 

1. Bella – A single, young woman finds herself pregnant.  Her co-worker chooses to love her through this difficult time by simply spending the day with her.  I cannot write any more details about this movie because I do not want to give away the story.  However, I will add that this movie is one of the most beautifully crafted I’ve ever watched.  I just love the music, characters, dialogue and especially the message.  If you like it as much as I do, check out the book, Behind Bella, to discover all the miracles and lives changed with people involved in the movie and later affected by the movie.

Movies like these remind me that there is hope in the world, even in Hollywood.