Blessed by Less. This is certainly not the mantra that many of us will be living by as Christmas approaches, and we prepare to give and receive gifts. In her book of the same name, Susan V. Vogt offers readers a challenge, to live more lightly on earth. If there is one thing that a year abroad taught Amy and me, it is that that lightness can be a blessing like no other. (more…) Read more
If you’re a fan of Donna Tartt‘s work, then you know you have to wait for quite a while between novels. If you’ve read those novels, then you know they’re worth every day of the wait. Such is the case with The Goldfinch, Tartt’s latest novel, an expansive coming-of-age tale like few you’ve ever read. (more…) Read more
I love it when theological conversations seamlessly connect my real and “reel” lives. Such was the case when I went to see Philomena after church yesterday and watched as our discussions of power and control played out before me with extreme beauty, sadness, and grace. (more…) Read more
Justin Timberlake fails to inspire in his 20/20 experience. It was one missed opportunity after the next for Justin Timberlake at Staples Center on Tuesday night. What promised to be an amazing pop celebration ended up being an unimaginative and poorly produced 32 song disappointment. The night was designed to demonstrate how Justin is a continuation of the great soul and pop music that he was raised on. As the band emerged from the stage, donning tuxedos and placed behind... Read more
You’ve got several choices for holiday films in theaters now from Best Man Holiday to Free Birds to Frozen. Along with these is Black Nativity, writer/director Kasi Lemmons‘ adaptation of the classic Langston Hughes play of the same name and a musical that celebrates the birth of Jesus while making subtle, but powerful, connections between that birth and contemporary socio-economic realities. (more…) Read more
A couple of weeks ago, I attended my very first press junket, a typical Hollywood affair in which a bunch of journalists and bloggers are herded through luxury hotel rooms and suites to interview directors, producers, and actors affiliated with an upcoming film. The film of the hour was Black Nativity, which releases today. Lucky for me, the film stars none other than Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Tyrese Gibson, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, and Jacob Lattimore. These larger-than-life stars... Read more
Katy Perry’s Prism lacks in creativity but has moments of profound self actualization. In between forgettable pop grooves and cliche lyrics, Katy speaks from a place of relational experience that shows a level of responsibility and honesty not often found among her peers. Musically, there is nothing to get excited about. Overly polished tracks with layers upon layers of vocals makes this music perfect for the stadium tour that is soon to follow but ultimately uninteresting. What does make this... Read more
“It’s evolution baby!” Pearl Jam played an invigorated three hour set at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on Sunday night. The 33 songs spanned their entire career (including 5 covers) and showed that the band still has a tremendous amount of power and sense of urgency in their art. What surprised me about the show was how it wasn’t the radio hits that took center stage. Sure they played Evenflow, Better Man and Alive but it felt like they did... Read more
What to write about Catching Fire? It’s really good. If you’re a fan of the books, you’ll love it. If you haven’t read the books, you might be a little confused. (more…) Read more
One of last year’s best documentary feature nominees is now one of this year’s most talked-about films. Dallas Buyers Club narrativizes How to Survive a Plague, which dealt with the AIDS crisis of the 1990s and victims’ efforts to obtain medicine to treat their illness(es), and focuses on the true story of Ron Woodroof’s battle with HIV in mid- to late-80s Dallas, Texas. While I didn’t find Dallas Buyers Club as emotionally riveting throughout, Matthew McConaughey gives an unforgettable performance conveying Woodroof’s emotional, spiritual, and physical trauma... Read more
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