Rated PG-13 for some disturbing content and some language.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh (Out of Sight, Traffic and Oceans 11-13)
Starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law and Kate Winslet
What we really need is a cure for bad movies like this one.
Contagion follows the rapid progress of a lethal airborne virus that kills within days. As the fast-moving epidemic grows, the worldwide medical community races to find a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. At the same time, ordinary people struggle to survive in a society coming apart.
As I walked into the theater to watch Contagion, I kept thinking – great cast, great director, pretty decent storyline…this is going to be a great movie! As I sit here writing this review I still can’t believe how lame Contagion really was.
Before we get into all the nonsense, I’ll start with a few good things about the film. And sadly it’s really just one thing…the cast. Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Laurence Fishburne all did a great job with what they had to work with; and what they had to work with was a tired, been-done-before story that never went anywhere.
I kept waiting for something fun or exciting to happen whether it was the relationship between Gwyneth Paltrow and Matt Damon and a mystery man or the relationship between Laurence Fishburne and a custodian. But time after time it was as if Steven Soderbergh was setting us up for a game-changing event, only to just take it away and never revisit it again. I was disappointed every time.
If you have seen the movie Outbreak there is no need to go see Contagion. It’s the same story – a new virus pops up and kills a bunch of people. Then there is a race against time to find a cure. Honestly that’s it, that’s the movie. There is nothing exciting or dramatic that happens along the way. What a disappointment.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity. The most disturbing parts of the film are when we see the victim with the disease writhing on the ground, foaming at the mouth, and suffering terrible seizures and also Beth’s autopsy. There is 1 f-word, 10 or so s-words and other milder profanity.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: The story of Contagion is all about how quickly a virus can spread across the globe. The characters race against time to find a cure or protect themselves and their families.
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Well as Christians, we are called to spread, not a virus, but a message of God’s amazing love and grace. In fact the last thing Jesus said to his disciples before ascending into heaven was, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
How do you feel knowing that God wants you to help spread His message?
What about this is exciting? What about that scares you?
On a scale of 1-10 how prepared are you to clearly and effectively tell someone about Jesus?
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: Read 1 Peter 3:15, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Take a few minutes to work through the Training Tool called “Presenting the Gospel: Five Facts You Should Know from the Bible: by Jonathan McKee https://thesource4ym.com/trainingtools/article.aspx?id=30
Now that you feel “prepared,” finish up by making a list of a few friends that need to hear this amazing message. Then commit to pray for them and for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
