The Genesis Code

SAM'S RANKING: 8.22 out of 10

For many years, science and Genesis have appeared to be in conflict with each other, particularly with the origins of the universe. But what if both creationism and evolution were true?

That appears to be the focus in the trailer for "The Genesis Code," but after seeing the movie, we find out that it isn't.

If there is a central character, it would be Blake Truman, a professional college hockey player who is approached by Kerry, a student reporter. We learn relatively quickly that Kerry is a Christian, and the daughter of a reverend. How come it's always a Christian girl teaching a lesson to an arrogant atheist boy?

Blake isn't necessarily an atheist, but he doesn't believe in creationism, which in Christianity is Genesis. He refuses to correctly answer Kerry's interview questions (and the interview is never completed), but he is clearly attracted to her. She invites him to church, an invitation which he accepts with reluctance. As he sits in the chapel listening to her father's sermon, a flashback shown in black and white implies a shattered relationship with his mother, who we mostly see in a present day unconscious state in a hospital bed.

"The Genesis Code" surprised me in a way. It contained a surprising amount of cultural references (which in one case isn't exactly a compliment). Another surprise came at the end, which is too good to reveal but is definitely worth watching.

The biggest surprise was how little the film focused on, well, "The Genesis Code." Basically, the Genesis code is a theory Kerry's super-smart brother comes up with that both creationism and evolution are scientifically accurate. The theory is explained in one long, seemingly never-ending scene in a planetarium, but it's ultimately worthwhile because the conclusion is surprisingly clever. And there's also a reference to my all-time favorite show, "The Big Bang Theory." However, one would expect it to play a greater part in the film, because outside of the one long scene, very little of the theory is spoken of.

Instead, the film focuses more on Blake and his gradual conversion to Christianity, mostly through Kerry. Their relationship isn't necessarily a romantic one (though they do share a predictable kiss at one point), but they clearly are attracted to each other.

There are a few complaints to be lodged in here. The film goes about 10 minutes too long, and one emotional scene toward the end is completely ruined by the goofiness of Blake's friend. Also, Kerry's academic adviser (Catherine Hicks of "7th Heaven" fame) challenging her dogmatic adherence to her faith seems a bit unrealistic, as someone like that typically wouldn't challenge a student's beliefs (and would probably get fired if they did).

On a brighter note, the film features Oscar-winning legends Ernest Borgnine and Louise Fletcher as Blake's grandparents. They are no longer big names in Hollywood, but the fact that the producers cast them is impressive. Overall, the film is a good one, and whether you're a creationist or evolutionist you will ultimately be satisfied by "The Genesis Code."