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Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (M) Packaged as a quirky coming-of-age story, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl surprisingly becomes a magnificent drama with an unexpected depth. In among the story of a self-centred teenage boy emerges a memorable portrait of loss, love and life. The central character from Jesse Andrews’ source novel is Greg (Thomas Mann), who lives a shallow high school existence devoid of meaningful relationships. His only friend Earl (RJ Cyler), partners with Greg in avoiding most of high school’s trappings and, together, they make film parodies. When Greg is asked by his mother to visit Rachel (Olivia Cooke), a classmate who has been diagnosed with leukaemia, lives change. Greg and Rachel try to make the best of an initially awkward situation and their relationship transforms as they come to rely on each other’s support — and friendship — through this traumatic time. It’s a rare film that engages so well with themes of loss and death, and offers discussion starters about life. One of the key queries that comes out here is: what do we choose to do with this gift of life? The storyline about friendship is woven together with a confronting evaluation of life, even life after death. It is entertaining, but also provokes excellent talking points for teens about the complexity of life. Russell Matthews 46 Insights August/September 2015
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Testing Tradition and Liberating Theology, Dr Val Webb Testing Tradition and Liberating Theology is a little Aussie gem from our own pre-eminent lay theologian Dr Val Webb. Webb’s goal in this book is to unlock theological process from the rarefied academic world of the seminary and encourage everyone to do their own theological thinking; making theology accessible for the average reader. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history of theology through the past 2,000 years, presenting an intelligible overview of key theologians and their contribution to the development of theological thought. Her précis provides plenty of revision to what we may already know, as well as moments of revelation and discovery. What could have been a dry read is flavoured by an autobiographical thread, which covers Webb’s own theological journey from the early certainties of evangelical faith to more complex current contextual understanding. This perspective won’t sit comfortably with many who favour the neo-Barthian (look this up in her book) fondness that dominates much Uniting Church thinking. Testing Tradition and Liberating Theology submits that there are many ways to think theologically, and Webb leaves the reader to make their own decision. Bruce Mullan
Insurgent (M) For centuries, the walled city of Chicago has enjoyed peace. Harmony established by dividing society into five factions: the Abnegation, who value selflessness; Erudite, who cherish knowledge; Dauntless, bravery; Amity, friendship; and Candor, truthfulness. Everyone knows where they belong. Apart from those who show aptitude for more than one faction: the Divergent. Tris (Shailene Woodley) and her boyfriend, Four (Theo James) are two such people. This sequel to Divergent has Tris on-the-run from ruthless Erudite leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet). She and her posse seek refuge in Amity’s friendly community. But, determined to maintain “peace”, Jeanine won’t stop until she takes out Tris, the city’s greatest threat. What gradually emerges is a reason behind Jeanine’s relentless persecution of Divergents — as well as why Tris is so important for society’s future. While being pursued, Tris tries to reveal the truth about Jeanine to Candor and the surprisingly wellorganised group of Factionless. Insurgent is an interesting film for teens as it navigates further through the themes of forgiveness, justice, truth and sacrifice developed in it’s predecessor. As the second in what will ultimately be four films, this is a worthy chapter of young-adult fantasy. Adrian Drayton insights.uca.org.au
31/07/2015 5:39:54 PM