Expelled - the Movie

Expelled is a film produced and being released in the United States (18 April 2008) which seeks to expose the campaign aimed against scientists who hold to a creationist view of the universe. Professional academics have suffered attacks at all levels within their professions; including lost job opportunities.

The title 'Expelled' picks up on the fact that in every generation there is a 'rebel'; and for our present time it the rebel is personified in those who hold the anti-establishment politically-incorrect view that our world is the product of a creator God.

The film has created a huge reaction and hullabaloo. The pre-release controversy surrounding Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed didn't quite reach the fever pitch that preceded The Passion of the Christ, but it has nonetheless "bought" the filmmakers more free publicity than they ever could have afforded.

Producer Ben Stein has interviewed prominent atheist and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, and captured the author of The God Delusion acknowledging that he is more inclined to believe that life originated on earth as a result of a visit from aliens, than to entertain the scientific possibility that an Intelligent Designer could exist. But if there were a designer, Dawkings certainly wouldn't call him "God." No surprise here, but Dawkins, one of the many experts interviewed in the film is reportedly a bit upset about how he comes across in the movie…

According to the publicity for the film:

EXPELLED uncovers the dramatic exposition of the current and often hidden persecution of educators and scientists who are being denied tenure and even fired in some cases, for their belief in the evidence of “design” in nature, challenging the idea that life is a result of random chance or the result of evolution.

Unlike other documentary films, EXPELLED doesn’t just talk to people representing one side of the story. The film confronts scientists such as Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, influential biologist and atheist blogger PZ Myers and Eugenie Scott, head of the National Center for Science Education. The creators of EXPELLED crossed the globe over a two-year period, interviewing scores of scientists, doctors, philosophers and public leaders. The result is a startling revelation that freedom of thought and freedom of inquiry have been expelled from publicly-funded high schools, universities and research institutions.

The extensive grass roots campaign for EXPELLED, spearheaded by Motive Entertainment president, Paul Lauer, will include nationwide screenings and endorsements with key leaders, promotional materials, a promotional resource DVD, publicity, radio promotions and Internet. In addition, a pre-launch campaign will include unprecedented partnerships and a widespread campaign together with educators, youth, scientists, families and the media nationwide.

<Click here> to see a 'super trailer'.

The currency of and interest in this debate presents a great opportunity to discuss the Christian faith.

Latest news:
“Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed,” the pro-intelligent design documentary featuring actor Ben Stein, made history this weekend as it propelled full speed into the top 10 box office. It opened as the widest and one of the most commercially successful releases for any documentary film.
Read on...

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Footnote: When asked about the film's release in the UK the answer came back:
We are working on a Canadian release next and as the movie gets more momentum, we will expend the release options. Keep checking the Web site www.expelledthemovie.com for possible release updates and the future release of the DVD which is planned for later this year.

Christians Together, 22/04/2008

Feedback:

	Editor	24/04/2008 12:42
This past weekend the film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed opened in theaters around the country. The documentary, hosted by Ben Stein, takes a look at the debate – or lack thereof – and the controversy surrounding the theory of intelligent design. Expelled examines how many scientists have been chastised, denied tenured positions, or even fired for suggesting that Darwin's theory of evolution may not be the best explanation for life on earth. The film argues that "big science" is using intimidation and censorship to stifle academic and scientific debate. Instead of encouraging scientists to ask questions, examine the facts, and follow the evidence wherever it may lead, our universities and scientific institutions are using their influence to suppress those who are bold enough to question the accepted evolutionary theology. Expelled did well at the box office, despite being almost universally panned by mainstream media critics (a rather hostile review by the New York Times actually described the film as a sleazy "conspiracy theory rant"). Expelled took in $3.2 million in its opening weekend. It managed to break into the top 10 at the box office, despite only showing on about 1,000 screens nationwide (wide release films typically show on 2,000+ screens). While $3.2 million certainly isn't spectacular for a mainstream movie, it is quite good for a documentary. In fact, Expelled had the third best opening in history for a documentary, and could end up as one of the top 10 highest-grossing documentaries of all time.
	Editor	14/05/2008 18:03
“Among German historians, there’s really not much debate about whether or not Hitler was a social Darwinist. He clearly was drawing on Darwinian ideas. It drove pretty much everything that he did. It was not just a peripheral part of his ideology,” commented Richard Weikart, author of From Darwin to Hitler and a featured guest on the Coral Ridge Ministries’ television special. Read on.... http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080501/32207.htm
	Megan Erhardt (Guest)	08/08/2008 19:53
You can expect EXPELLED to hit theaters in the UK by the end of this year. I don’t have many details yet but the producers have worked out an international deal. Thanks for your interest. Megan Erhardt CRC Public Relations 2760 Eisenhower Ave., Fourth Floor Alexandria, VA 22314