Saturday, February 16 at 9:30am to 12:00pm UH - University Hall, 1000 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045 In a lecture on film ethics, a minister once asked his students: “up until 50 years ago, people learned values, ethics, morals, and spirituality through their sacred texts and clergy. Today, much of our culture learns about these things through the movies. How can we enhance our lives through a deeper understanding of this powerful media?” This question and … [Read more...]
Using Popular Film and Television in Catechesis: A Conversation with Sr. Rose Pacatte, F.S.P.
February 1, 2013 By 3 Comments
Children’s Holiday Collection: Ten animated classic stories
December 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
This wonderful collection of animated classic stories is a perfect stocking-stuffer for children of all ages. Created by Billy Budd Films in New York City, the films are child-friendly and most are done in wonderful claymation. The entire collection runs for 247 minutes allowing for variety and guaranteeing return visits by youngsters. Of all the films "Martin the Cobbler" by Leo Tolstoy is my favorite. Tolstoy's daughter Alexandria, is the narrator. The Christmas stories on … [Read more...]
“The Bible” trailer released today
December 12, 2012 By 18 Comments
Here is the trailer for the new television series on The Bible from producers Roma Downey (Touched By An Angel) and Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor, Celebrity Apprentice) comes THE BIBLE, an epic ten part mini-series that will debut on The History Channel on March 3, 2013. This new epic 10-part miniseries will premiere on The History Channel on March 3, 2013 (just two weeks or so into Lent!) It is produced by Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Voice) and Roma Downey … [Read more...]
PBS to revisit ‘Downton Abbey’ with Sunday special Nov 25
November 22, 2012 By 1 Comment
"Who will marry whom?" and "Will Mr. Bates get out of prison?" are two of the driving questions that lingered as season two of PBS's highest-rated Masterpiece series came to an end in 2011. As a teaser and fundraising event, PBS is airing a special, hosted by Angela Lansbury, that revisits key moments of the first two seasons, sums up where the series left off and entices with clips about Downtown Abbey's upstairs/downstairs folks post-World War I, coming up in season three. The new season … [Read more...]
Best Thanksgiving Movies (aka Sister Rose’s favorite Thanksgiving movies)
November 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
These are my all time favorite Thanksgiving movies. I will add comments as to why as soon as I can but I wanted to put up the list in case you were looking for a movie to see today or tomorrow. "Pieces of April", "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", and "What's Cooking" are for more mature viewers; "The New World" is more contemplative in scope and may require more attention that kids can give. Pieces of April - click on the title for my brief review; I love this movie where the … [Read more...]
Seven Psychopaths – derivative retread hell
October 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
"Seven Psychopaths" is what a filmmaker makes when he thinks no one is looking. Writer/director Michael McDonagh has hit the skids of derivative and retread hell – think “Pulp Fiction” only on a smaller budget, if that’s possible. He says his new film has a moral conundrum (NY Times Magazine October 14, 2012) but if it does he does not commit to it. McDonagh also says he finds Shakespeare boring. Fine, everyone has a right to their own opinion. But why did you choose … [Read more...]
The Pianist of Willesden Lane to open in Boston Nov 23 – Dec 16
October 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
This enthralling and deeply moving true story, starring pianist Mona Golabek, will have a two-week run at the Paramount Center, Emerson College, Boston. It has drama, humor, romance - the whole package. It is about hope, resilience and the power of music. I will post my review in the next week or so but this is an experience that will renew your faith in humanity and inspire your faith because it is how Christians and Jews can be together. It is excellent for children 12+. I cannot think … [Read more...]
“Weaving Life” “Where Do We Go Now?” and a “Girl with a Book” Images of peacemaking in the Middle East
October 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In the last month or so, a narrative film, a documentary and a poster on Facebook came across my desk. The films were sent for review, but the Facebook poster (or image) arrived in my newsfeed this morning, unbidden, a "share" from my youngest sister. "Weaving Life" a documentary on The Life and Death of Peacemaker Dan Terry - is a film from MennoMedia that will air on participating ABC stations beginning Oct. 21 (check local listings). It is the story of Dan Terry, one of 10 humanitarian … [Read more...]
Red Dog – a true story
September 8, 2012 By 4 Comments
I saw this interview on The Tonight Show with Josh Lucas and his new film Red Dog. The interview was on YouTube and then it was not. Red Dog had the biggest box office ever in Australia but is going straight to DVD here on November 6. The preview has the gist of this true story. I ordered a copy and will review as soon as I get it. Wonder why no theatrical release? Sure seems like one of the good ones. … [Read more...]
Cinema’s independent summer road trip Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom, The Intouchables, Beasts of the Southern Wild
September 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Along with a few million people, I watched as four richly textured films opened this summer and gently held their own against crowd-pleasing blockbusters. From the darkened theater we traveled near and far. The starting point for our journey was the United Kingdom, but we jetted swiftly to India in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." The film's title is the name of the retirement destination for "the elderly and beautiful" that seven disparate Brits read about in a brochure. … [Read more...]
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