16 blocks

Ok, I'm still up too late, but I've got to post a couple thoughts about this movie, 16 Blocks, before I forget.

I just bought the new DVD for 16 Blocks, which boasts on the front cover, "Including an alternate ending never before seen in theaters." I have to admit, that advertising played a part in my purchasing the movie. It's mostly because I thought it was a good movie, but I did want to see what the alternate could be.

Well, the ending was good, but I won't spoil it. What struck me this time through the film (I had seen it in the theatre) was the idea that people can change. Early on in the movie, the criminal played by Mos Def is saying to the officer played by Bruce Willis something about how people can change. Of course, the officer doesn't believe anyone can change, and he himself just wants to get through with his own life to his death.

The movie explores the idea more, and in good ways, but seeing it made me think about how sometimes non-christians can get grace and change more than Christians. I have a pretty good time of giving grace to others, I think, but when it comes to myself, I'm so harsh. For some reason, I just have a very hard time giving myself grace, accepting change in myself. And there are places where I need to change, but it's just so hard sometimes.

Anyway, if this is true, what they say in the movie about people being able to change on their own, then how much more should I be able to change with the help of God. I mean, God is making a new work in me, making a new creation of me, so it should be possible to change. But sometimes it seems nearly impossible. *sigh* That's about it for now. I'm not going to be coming up with any conclusions right now, and I'm so tired that my mind probably isn't working right.

Good night.