To state that The Oceans movies are worthless is a bit harsh. Sure, the tacked on sequels were nothing more than an excuse for Clooney, Pitt, Damon and the crew to have a little fun together, but Ocean’s 11 is a very smart, well crafted film. One could even argue that Ocean’s 12 delves into the good vs. evil. And it’s easy to cheer for the “criminals” when the “good guy” is a grade A jerk (Andy Carcia aka Terry Benedict). My favorite of the “cheering for the bad guys” has to be Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. Why exactly do we want them to escape time and time again? Because love conquers all. You don’t want them to commit crimes, but you also don’t want them to meet their demise. That, I believe, to be in our nature…that we want to see the best in others.

That having been said, can’t vibe with a lot of your inference in some of these films. You failed to mention that Tom Hanks character found hope in the symbolism of angel wings in Castaway–the wings that he painted on the sail of his raft–the raft that set him free from the island. That he found his hope in such a symbol at the end of the film. I’m merely suggesting that it’s more complex and gray than black and white…perhaps a struggle with doubt as opposed to a declaration of any sort. I certainly don’t see how it could be definitively declared antithetical to the gospel.

And while I love The Notebook (greatest romance ever put on screen as far as i’m concerned–Gosling and McAdams were fearless) it’s not as if Noah and Allie had a “wholesome” relationship. Again. Love conquers all, right?

Enough counterpoint. Interesting food for thought, though my perspective is certainly from a different angle.

I know you may have to knock the dust off this post being that my comment is two years down the line, but I’d love to suggest the film “A Life Less Ordinary,” as well as “Slumdog Millionaire,” both of which were directed by Danny Boyle.

The main theme of the movie is politically incorrect but it is the fact that some people are special. This is true in every area of human endeavor. Einstein was special in physics. Luther and Calvin were special in theology. George Washington was special in statesmanship. It doesn’t mean they are of more value as human beings than the lowliest of us. But it does mean they contribute more to society.

People with “superpowers” need to be unleashed if they use their powers for good, like Mr. Incredible. They need to be reined in if they are using their “powers” for evil, like Syndrome. When these powers are used together for good, as you point out, there is an even greater synergy. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. But it begins with unleashing the power in the individual.