Christian Hamaker
Christian Hamaker writes on film and culture from a Biblical perspective. He holds a Master of Arts in Religion from Reformed Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with an emphasis in Film and Popular Culture, from Virginia Tech. He has been married to Sarah Hamaker since 2000. They have two daughters, and expect a third child in November of 2006.
Contributing Film and Culture Writer
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Inspiring Argo Could Have Used More Intrigue
An intelligent film about intelligence agents, minus the sanctimony and political score-settling of other recent films.Friday, October 12, 2012
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Wimpy Kid Sequel Suffers from Stunted Growth
Like the transitional adolescent phase the story depicts, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, based on the book series by Jeff Kinney, is a bit awkward and unsettled.Friday, March 25, 2011
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Limitless Doesn't Break the Mold
Part anti-drug message movie, part paranoid thriller and part star vehicle, Limitless is only partly enjoyable.Friday, March 18, 2011
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Jane Eyre Sometimes Gloomy, Sometimes Lively
Dark in the beginning, Jane Eyre catches fire with its introduction of Rochester and his verbal sparring with Jane.Friday, March 18, 2011
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Rango More a Cinephile’s Dream
With striking framing and imagery, Rango will stir the souls of cinephiles with its visual references to the likes of Sergio Leone and John Ford, as well as non-Western films like Chinatown.Friday, March 4, 2011
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Gnomeo & Juliet is Kid-Friendly Shakespeare
An update of the Romeo and Juliet story for the young set, Gnomeo & Juliet has several laughs and a mostly gentle spirit. If that’s what it takes to expose kids to Shakespeare, I’m all for it. The...Friday, February 11, 2011
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Dave Eggers, the Lost Boys of Sudan, and the Church
Valentino Achak Deng is one of the “lucky” ones. He’s still alive. But he spent most of his childhood and formative years in the Sudan separated from his parents, fearing that they had been killed...Wednesday, November 7, 2007
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Blogging the Oscars
From the basement, in my pajamas.Monday, February 26, 2007
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Deja Vu Wades into Unfamiliar Waters
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
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Little Children Inhabit a Land of the Lost
Friday, November 3, 2006
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Penn Dominates a Handsome "All the King's Men"
Top-billed by Sean Penn, with equal screen time for Jude Law, and supporting work from Patricia Clarkson and James Gandolfini, "All the King's Men" could be an Oscar contender. Its literary...Friday, September 22, 2006
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Tricky Illusionist Plays With Our Expectations
Not all it could be, but it has one big trick up its sleeve — and it’s a doozy. Is it magic, manipulation, or a little of both? If it’s judged to be the former, the film will prove rewarding; if...Thursday, August 17, 2006
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"World Trade Center" - Hope Rises From the Rubble
Immediately following September 11, 2001, it was difficult to imagine how filmmakers might render the event in years to come. Would they bring their own agendas to the films or let the historic...Friday, August 11, 2006
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Scoop Sags Under Weight of Allen's Self-Serving Script
It’s somewhat surprising to discover that Allen has followed the triumph of "Match Point" with yet another light, dialogue-heavy comedy that runs out of gas long before it reaches the finish line....Thursday, July 27, 2006
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Lady in the Water Not a Typical Shyamalan Splash
Friday, July 21, 2006
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Pirates 2 - Dead Man's Chest Contains a Few Jewels
Friday, July 7, 2006
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Superman Returns Stays Earthbound
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
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No Cross Words for This Engaging Puzzle Documentary
"Wordplay," the new film documenting New York Times crossword puzzle-meister Will Shortz and the annual crossword competition he founded, provides object lessons in fair play, vocational calling...Monday, June 26, 2006