How movies can “save” people

Last updated on: April 10, 2014 at 11:55 am By Sister Rose

You know, there is something about all these new faith-based movies that bothers me. While they are well intended (and looking to make good box office just like regular Hollywood movies), they aren’t really art. They are created to give, promote, propagate the “Christian message” to people who, for the most part, already believe and are willing to forgive the sermon-like confessional (apologetic) nature of the movie. These message movies (e.g. “God’s Not Dead”) differ from movies that tell stories... Read more

“Haters of the Lost Ark” Jon Stewart finds “God” in “Noah”

Last updated on: April 9, 2014 at 2:46 pm By Sister Rose

I must say that Jon Stewart takes some of the bite out of the controversy about filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s film “Noah” that came out on March 28. Stewart’s commentary and his choice sound bites from some commentators are nothing less than hilarious. By the way, “Noah” made almost $200 million worldwide already meaning that many people have gone to see it and are most likely talking about it and perhaps reading the Bible to check out the... Read more

“Joan of Arcadia” Lenten Film Series #6

Last updated on: April 9, 2014 at 12:37 pm By Sister Rose

In today’s episode of The Lenten Film Series, Joan of Arcadia sits down with God in the form of a master chess player to play an unforgettable game of chess–rules and all. Don’t miss this eye-opening scene! It’s blended with my interview with series creator Barbara Hall who has just completed filming the pilot for her new television show “Madam Secretary”. Click here for the link to the questions for reflection and conversation about this week’s “Joan of Arcadia.” Click... Read more

“Does porn hurt children?” NYTimes reporter asks

Last updated on: April 7, 2014 at 2:56 pm By Sister Rose

Last week I saw this article on New York Times website: Does porn hurt children? by David Segal, a business reporter for the NYTimes. The answer is yes but causal links cannot be established and probably never will be. He outlines the difficulty in researching the answer to this question because of the ethics involved, never mind the illegality of showing porn to kids for the sake of research. Then he has some recommendations that are consistent, though not as... Read more

Salut Salon – sensational string quartet from Germany

Last updated on: April 6, 2014 at 3:54 pm By Sister Rose

Thanks to Deacon Greg Kandra (The Deacon’s Bench) for posting this wonderful YouTube video that will make you smile even if you don’t feel like it. These ladies of “Salut Salon” are artistic and fun. Their performance is another reason why we need arts education, folks. They call themselves “a Chamber Music acrobatic ensemble.” This paragraph is from their website (that Google will translate for you): “Ludwig van Beethoven is often quoted as saying: “I will grab fate by the... Read more

‘God’s Not Dead” lacks imagination and mystery

Last updated on: April 4, 2014 at 3:51 pm By Sister Rose

It would be too easy to disparage “God’s Not Dead” from almost any perspective except that it has made almost $25 million since its domestic release on March 21. This is more than respectable for an independent Christian film. It is a mark of success that most filmmakers would die for. But herein lies the problem for me. This story of a freshman college student, Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper), who, along with his fellow philosophy students, is forced by Professor... Read more

Sister Rose makes PEOPLE magazine!

Last updated on: April 4, 2014 at 9:58 am By Sister Rose

At the press screening for NOAH last week at Paramount Studios Sr Jennifer and I sat next to PEOPLE magazine writer Alynda Wheat and her sweet mother (we spent the wait time talking Candy Crush strategy). After we chatted about the film – now look! We have a date to go to the press screening for Exodus come autumn. This is in the April 14, 2014 issue. I know ALL of you read PEOPLE magazine so you probably saw this... Read more

National Film Retreat 2014 announced

Last updated on: April 3, 2014 at 3:08 pm By Sister Rose

It’s been a couple of years since we have had the National Film Retreat and I am so happy to tell you all IT IS ON again – and we are going back to our roots in New Jersey! The first National Film Retreat was held at St. Pius X Retreat House in the Diocese of Camden in 2000. This year we are going to the Jersey Shore and it’s going to be great. The National Film... Read more

U2’s Bono answers “Who is Jesus?”

Last updated on: April 3, 2014 at 10:57 am By Sister Rose

In this brief interview posted over at CharismaNews, Bono, frontman for U2 answers that essential question, “Who is Jesus?” and others. Bono is known for his work -and music – for the poor, social justice, and the environment. It comes from somewhere …. Read more

I AM with director Tom Shadyac LENTEN FILM SERIES Week 5

Last updated on: April 2, 2014 at 10:33 pm By Sister Rose

Today’s latest episode of our Lenten Film Series from the INNdustry with Sister Rose on the INNetwork features director/filmmaker Tom Shadyac (known for his comedies Liar, Liar; Bruce Almighty; Evan Almighty; Ace Ventura Pet Detective) talking about a serious brain injury and how it changed his life. His film I AM follows his journey – perfect for Lent. Click HERE for the film clip and my interview with Tom. Hope your Lenten journey is filled with peace and joy.... Read more