Review of Creation (2009) by Amilcar A — 21 Feb 2010

Evolution is one of the most important topics to ever be discussed in science and is perhaps under attack by the religious nutwings more than ever.

With a phenomenal opportunity to come out swinging in its defense through a movie, Creation is restrained and weak. In a very mild attempt to reconcile Darwin with his faith, the film goes back and forth in trying to convince us that Darwin was tortured over his ideas.

While this might have been true, evolution deserves more than what this movie will give it. It is the culmination of the modern man. It demonstrated that our lives, developments and role in this planet are all subject to change and chance. There is no mythical or supernatural plan.

As a film, evolution delivers because it's well acted and the cast is generally good (though Toby Jones could have been used a heck of a lot more).

Creation also falls victim to a very common strategy with movies about famous people. It focuses more on their drama and personalities than on their accomplishments. I want to learn about Darwin as a scientist and not as a weeping father.

All in all, Creation is an OK movie. Sometimes it just feels to weak and conciliatory when it could have been powerful and combative.

I think everyone should watch this simply to help us understand the merits of science, the reality of our lives and the outdatedness of religious faith.