One thing that I don’t do is movie theaters. I generally lay low and wait for a film to come out on DVD before I go see it; this even goes for films that I like. It takes a lot to get me to go spend several dollars extra for only one viewing of any particular film. As much as I admire Tolkien, I saw the Lord of the Rings trilogy after it was already a trilogy, and only five dollars in the sale rack at Wal Mart. Many at my church were not very happy when I did not go see the controversial Passion of the Christ film, not because I had anything against the film, not because what it represented bothered me, but because I knew it would come out later for home viewing without my paying the ticket master what could have been used for wiser investments, such as new items for the model railroad. There have been films in the past, however, that have been significant enough that I braved the crowds, the worry over missing show times, and the grumpy popcorn lady, and went to go be a part of something.

Several months back I heard of a film called Expelled. This was more of a documentary than anything else, but in it, Ben Stein examines questions about the argument over the origin of mankind. I heard that it was not so much about different theories about how it all started, but rather an examination of whether or not there was a fair playing field where these ideas could be discussed.

I have always been a lover of wisdom, and therefore, a lover also of knowledge, and this kind of thing peaked my interest. I counted Expelled big enough for me to get in my truck and drive down the local theater to have a look-see. I was not disappointed. The presentation of thought provoking ideas was excellent. The interviews were well executed and very fair to both sides of the origins argument. There were multiple sources that lent their ideas to this film to make it a very balanced and well informative work. I had to smile when they showed part of an interview with Dr. John Pokinghorn, even though I was probably the only one in that room who had ever previously heard of him.

I also loved the sense of humor the film kept throughout. There were multiple times that they were able to effectively use clips from old, black and white films that lent an air of lightness to an otherwise loaded issue. Keeping one’s sense of humor is always key when addressing an important issue, and the use of these comical mental images kept us smiling and interested throughout the picture.

I know that Expelled did not show in every theater, and I know that there are those who, like I almost was, are succumb to whatever forces that be that keep them from going to the movies, but if it is at all possible for you, I would recommend that you find a way to see this film. It is worth your time and money, and it promises to be a very thought provoking experience.