Although the recent Diablo Cody-penned post-feminist horror flick "Jennifer's Body" didn't scare up much box office, it has resurrected an interest in both womens' surprising consumption of horror films, and the robust body of work surrounding feminism and the genre, in particular the trope of the "Final Girl," that strong-willed, determined gal who survives all of her male and less-pure female friends, flips the game on the psycho, and either escapes the killer (until they meet again in a sequel) or dispatches him herself. (Read more about The Final Girl, in Carol J. Glover's Men, Women and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film.)
And while not all of the following frighteners could strictly be called "feminist" in nature, they all feature fierce female characters and offer up plenty of scares:
The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
Written by noted feminist activist and author Rita Mae Brown and directed by Amy Holden Jones, this slasher flick touted its female-friendly pedigree on the back of the box-- a siren call for any Junior High group of gals looking for some Friday night fun. Rumor has it that 'Massacre' was originally conceived as a parody of the genre--the killer uses a massive drill to dispatch his victims (yes, it's that phallicly obvious), but producers churned out an earnest rendition with some unintentionally, classically funny bits. Valerie, the new girl in town, isn't invited to neighbor Trish's slumber party, but that doesn't stop her from getting involved when the local escaped insane murderer crashes.

I can't say I celebrate Halloween much. I just never developed a fascination as a child with vampires, monsters, goblins, etc. I still like a few Halloween-themed movies that have become modern classics like "Monster House," "Monsters, Inc." and "The Corpse Bride" and end up on top Halloween viewing lists, including Movie Mom's, but I have gone in search of some unusual movie choices for DVD watching this Halloween. Not all of these movie specifically reference Halloween , or even creatures from the beyond, but they have a mix of fun and humor mixed with a bit of darkness that make them interesting viewing alternatives for Halloween.
Any other untraditional. spooky but entertaining films I might be missing? Let me know!
Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Somehow I think all of Tim Burton's masterpieces have overshadowed this movie as a just-scary-enough movie choice for the whole family. I love Jim Carrey's performance as Count Olaf, a man who plans to outsmart three orphaned children so he can gain their inheritance. Meryl Streep's performance in this movie as Aunt Josephine is one that is often overlooked as well.
Bubba Ho-Tep
I stumbled across this cult classic over at Netflix and couldn't believe I had never heard of this very dark comedy about two retirement home residents (Ossie Davis and Bruce Campbell) and their battle again an evil spirit - and giant bugs. This movie was shot on almost no budget so it is a no-frills campy thriller that still has a surprising amount of heart.
A new vigilante movie made a bigger splash than expected this weekend, and I think the reasons for it are, well, timeless. "Law Abiding Citizen" hearkens back to the great vigilante renaissance of the 70's, but really goes back to one of the biblical themes of the Old Testament. There is something about us that wants to see "an eye for an eye." It's gratifying. It's fulfilling. It's inspiring.
Or is it?
What is it in the heart of all of us that wants justice? Where does it come from, that we want what's fair when someone or some thing really seems to have taken unfair advantage of someone else. Those who loved "Walking Tall," "Billy Jack," "Taxi Driver" and even "Batman" can testify to the visceral and gritty satisfaction that comes in watching "justice" being delivered on screen.
I don't think "Law Abiding Citizen" rises to the artful level of "Dirty Harry" nor the raw brazenness of "Death Wish," but it certainly ranks as a contender of the this decade's Strongest Vigilante Films list.
Dennis Lim explored the topic of vigilantes in film recently in his L.A. Times blog. So did Joseph Tirella when Jodie Foster's "The Brave One" came out awhile back. I like Steven Wyble's list which he started last year. And Amazon.com is one of the many sites that dedicates a categorical listing to the vigilante DVDs currently available.
It was one of the most challenging requests God ever made of His people when He said that the work of avenging a wrong would be His work, not theirs. Conversely, He often instructed his Old Testament leaders to be the instruments of His vengeance. Where does that leave us?

I suppose there are two ways to look at the documentary "As We Forgive." One way would be to dismiss it's premise quickly in light of several other documentaries that have already tackled the subject of the genocide in Rwanda in magnificent fashion. The other way to approach "As We Forgive" is to wonder in amazement why there has been so little media follow-up on the tragedy of fifteen years ago when close to a million Rwandans lost their lives.
I didn't have to watch very much of the film before my opinion of "As We Forgive" fell into the second category. The film centers around the stories of three different people in the aftermath of the massacre. In 2003, when thousands of murderers were released back into their communities, victims had to come face to face with the people who killed their families. What happened next was more than forgiveness; the painful journey of true reconciliation had just begun.

Forgiveness is good for your health - just ask spiritual heavyweights like Sister Helen Prejean, Deepak Chopra, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. But while their insights into the necessity of forgiveness and reconciliation are important to the health of the human soul are intelligent and articulate, the documentary "The Big Question" delivers its message the strongest through the forgiving words of those victimized by horrible acts of violence.
The documentary, produced by Catholic film company Paulist Productions, begins with recounting the massacre of Amish girls at a Pennsylvania schoolhouse in 2006. That night, the parents of the girls did something astonishing: they went to the shooter's home in an act of forgiveness. They even went to the funeral of the shooter - a man who had turned the gun on himself after the slayings.
There are certain things that we Americans tend to forgive. And things that we don't. So, where does Roman Polanski fall? Hmmnn. I don't think we, as a culture, are sure. You've probably heard that he was arrested in Switzerland...
Filed Under: celebrities,
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By now you've heard that Patrick Swayze has died. He described himself as a spiritual "seeker." And you've probably read or heard or watched quite a bit about his life. Allow me to add these few words, a few which...
Two new Westerns are out on big, beautiful Blu-Ray, which is a good thing. They're both wonderful and important stories, which is better. They both explore something deep in all of us--the quest for justice. And they both have something...
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Categories: DVDs,
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A video clip from the 2006 documentary "The Saint of 9/11," which chronicles the life of Father Mychal Judge, the Fire Department of New York's chaplain on 9/11, and the first official victim of the terrorist attacks.
Enter to win a 'Precious Moments: Our Angel Saves the Day' personalized DVD.
Here are few favorite movies that celebrate the working class this Labor Day weekend.
As the Emmy awards approach while the Fall season kicks into gear, AMC's "Mad Men" is at the top of both discussions. It garnered 16 Emmy nominations, more than "Desperate Houswives," "Grey's Anatomy" and "ER" combined. And for good reason....
A new kids' program from the creators of Sesame Street examines Jewish life and identity and life in Israel, and will feature several Hollywood celebrities.
The 80s cult classic 'thirtysomething' is now on DVD and I am thrilled about it.
Losing a parent is a life phase, something we're conditioned mentally and perhaps biologically to endure. Losing a child so reverses the pattern that parents grieving for children feel they've entered a strange and solitary new world. That world...
For years movie critics have been trying to figure out why we haven't had a great Iraq War picture. After six years, the Iraq War is still too "hot"--politically divisive and emotionally unresolved--for filmmakers to distill the experience of overextended...
Christian singer Todd Agnew speaks about joy and his new single, "Joy Unspeakable" off of the album "Need."
"The Soloist" is based on the true story of a homeless, schizophrenic musician (Jamie Foxx) and a journalist (Robert Downey Jr.) who covers his amazing story and develops a friendship with him. The DVD releases on August 4, 2009. We...
Watch an exclusive clip from the latest VeggieTales film, "Minnesota Cuke and the Search For Noah's Umbrella."
40 years ago this Monday, my neighbor, Neil Armstrong, walked on the moon. I'm not sure which is more unbelievable to me: the fact that it happened, or the fact that he and I now have mutual friends (I've never...
If you missed the recent PBS airing of "The Mosque in Morgantown," about "Muslim Bad Girl" Asra Nomani's fight to reform conservative mosques, good news--you can now order the DVD. And, to tide you over until it arrives, be sure...
I read with interest the post by fellow Idol Chatter blogger Kris Rasmussen, as well as several other articles regarding the news from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences that they'll now nominate ten movies for the Best Picture category...
David Carradine, the well-known, well-remembered and well-misunderstood actor, died on the other side of the world recently, and news emerged that his death was the result of either suicide, personal experimentation gone bad, or foul play. Now the news has...
Though there still may be a few weeks before I can dip my toes in Lake Michigan without freezing, summer is unofficially here. My workload lessens a bit and I am free to waste time on my favorite activities, including...
While I know summer is here and we are all looking for perhaps lighter fare to watch on a Friday night, I stumbled across a fairly recent release that is haunting but yet not overly dark. "Shotgun Stories"is the tale...
One of the most interesting media stories of our generation--in terms of personal development, professional growth and spiritual relevance--has been the journey of Amy Grant. From Evangelical Christian Music Star to Pop Music Crossover Success to Country Singer to Celebrity...
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and if this is the year to stay home, I suggest you gather with those you love and watch great war movies. On AMC, John McCain will host a weekend marathon of movies celebrating...
After a day or two to reflect--and allow all you TiVO-ers to see the final show--I hope "24" will be back, though I didn't expect to be thinking this as the show entered its final few weeks. You can watch...
Jason Dolley plays Newt in the Disney Channel's popular series "Cory in the House" and stars in "Hatching Pete," now out on DVD with another family-friendly feature, "Dadnapped." Jason found time to talk to me between finals in his college...
Have you seen the newest "Star Trek?" If so, you may want to chime in on Time.com's poll which asks your opinion on the best Enterprise captain of all time. Would you choose William Shatner as Captain Kirk, Patrick Stewart...
CNN recently invited its I-reporters to opine on the greatest baseball movie of all time to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of "Field of Dreams" and "Major League." At least one of those two is a must for your DVD collection....
For movie fans who love a truly inspiring movie, there are some wonderful and curious upcoming mega-films for which I'm still awaiting my Premiere invitations. (See more upcoming trailers on Premiere.com.) First up is "Star Trek," the prequel that brings...
Well here we are in the midst of "April showers" which I hope will soon give way to "May flowers," as well as a whole lotta sun! But while it's wet, it's also a good time to curl up with...
In the final days leading up to Easter, it is, of course, common to bring out the biblical epics on film such as "The Ten Commandments" or dramas like "Ben-Hur." You may even have the stomach to watch "The Passion...
In these three clips from the "VeggieTales: An Easter Carol" DVD, Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, and an angel named Hope show Uncle Nezzer what Easter is really about. The full movie will be broadcast on the Gospel Music...
Categories: Books,
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In this behind-the-scenes clip from the film "Faith Like Potatoes," based on the book by Angus Buchan, Buchan talks about a time when his Christian faith was put to the test by his Zulu neighbors. The DVD hit streets on...
Imagine a group of extraordinary beings who battle evil forces for the good of mankind, providing help and justice to those in need, all the while handling high-tech gadgets and sporting colorful, protective gear. This isn't X-Men, Justice League,...
I certainly was unabashedly harsh in my review of the indie hit "Fireproof" a few weeks ago. Despite its grassroots success, the overtly religious and way-too-cheesy drama about a firefighter's last ditch attempt to save his marriage is not what...
In the upcoming "Angel Wars: The Messengers" animated action series, a group of angels are sent to earth to fight fallen angels who seek to corrupt and destroy humanity. The DVD releases March 17....
I'm a little late in making a Valentine's Day romantic comedy movie pick, but then again, who say s that some of us don't need an even bigger reminder that true love is possible after Valentine's Day is over, huh?...
When I support a movie underdog, I tend to bang the drum relentlessly. I have said before here at Idol Chatter, that "Frozen River " is a great, completely overlooked film. Now that it is out on DVD this week,...
Christianity Today recently named its Top Ten Redeeming Films of 2008, and they really did a nice job of it. I'd switch the order and swap a few of them out, but more people should make it a point to...
I probably shouldn't like the indie comedy "The Deal" as much as I do. There have been plenty of movies spoofing the bizarre wheelings and dealings of the filmmaking process, and many of them have been better than this screwball...
Lately VeggieTales releases come in two kinds, the inspired and the merely inspiring. The latest VeggieTales release, "Abe and the Amazing Promise," due out February 10, fulfills the promise of every VT production: to get some Bible knowledge into your...
The last time I wrote about the film "Fireproof" I had admittedly not seen it yet. But now that it has become the indie hit of 2008 and has been released on DVD, I have taken the time to watch...
In this clip from the new 'VeggieTales' DVD, out on DVD February 10, Bob the Tomato and Junior Asparagus talk about going back in time and making a movie about Abraham from the Bible....
If the Bible were being made into a movie, who would play the characters? Paul Asay has a piece on Beliefnet's current homepage which poses some possibilities. Who would De Niro play? How 'bout Denzel? Adam Sandler? Glenn Close? How...
Fresh thoughts while my bride (of 23 years) and I watched the 65th Golden Globes, live from the same Beverly Hilton ballroom as our Senior Prom... The simple beauty of an awards show that sits friends with each other around...
On a faith-based site such as Beliefnet.com, one wouldn't expect to read much about the porn industry except perhaps for either a scandal plaguing some religious leader or some fire-and-brimstone preaching from perhaps even the same person. But some news...
Yes, there have been a thousand parodies of "A Christmas Carol," but one I had never heard of was a movie that came out last fall for about a nanosecond, the gentle satire "An American Carol." From the director...
The American Film Institute recently named its Top 100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time. I wish there was an Academy Award for the Most Inspiring Film of each year. Here are 14 of my favorite inspiring films of...
Moviephone.com has made the confident pronouncement that Brad Pitt's turn in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is not only excellent, but it is his best role ever. That's saying something--and it's an interesting question for us to ask...
In this upcoming award season, there will be much talk about the major categories but not nearly enough about, what I like to call, The Forgotten Category, the one that should exist: "Most Inspiring." Movies, after all, exist not...
Kris Rasmussen is certainly one of Idol Chatter's best bloggers, and her "Best Holiday Moments in Film" article is worth reading if you're a fan of Christmas movies, blogs, and/or blogs about Christmas movies. We all of have own tastes,...
In a scene straight out of the spirit of "National Treasure" or "The Da Vinci Code," a curator at the Louvre in Paris has discovered secret drawings on the back of a Da Vinci painting. "The extraordinary find was made...
While wracking my brain for an unusual but exceptional DVD choice this week for those of you about ready to head into Christmas vacation, I stumbled across Slate's list of overlooked holiday movies and was delighted to find one of...
In searching for a not wholly traditional Thanksgiving-themed movie for my DVD pick, an often overlooked indie movie from a few years ago quickly came to mind. "Pieces of April" , a film which features a pre-Tom Cruise Katie Holmes...
One of my all-time favorite television moms was Phylicia Rashad as the ever-capable, ever-glamorous, ever-wise, and ever-beautiful Clair Huxtable, lawyer, mother of five, and wife of the ever-bemused Cliff Huxtable. It was a joy to speak with her about this...
We all need to cry sometimes. And even if life's going pretty well for you--you have your health, a wonderful significant other, friends and family who love you, a good job, a few bucks in the bank --- once in...
Ben Stein's "Expelled," one of the most controversial documentaries of the year, is being released on DVD on October 21st. In the film, Stein, an intelligent design advocate, publically denounces the theory of evolution or "Darwinism." Beliefnet has 10 copies...
The indie film "The Visitor" has already received high praise from fellow Idol Chatter bloggers this year, but it was difficult to find in theaters. Fortunately, this gentle story of a recently widowed professor who befriends a young Syrian man...
I said earlier this week that I would recommend my favorite Paul Newman movie as my DVD Pick of the Week in remembrance of the great actor. "Nobody's Fool " is not only my favorite Newman movie, but it is...
Not even in the news-crazy political season that we're in could the news of Paul Newman's passing not make the front pages. He was sort of the closest thing we've had to a legend in our generation, and he would...
Paul Newman delivered dozens of great performances in films for parts of six decades, but among those great performances was the ability to deliver great lines, whether they be humorous, wise, deep, or simply surprising. Here are my twelve favorite....
Two movies featuring major stars sharing the silver screen are coming up soon, and I'm looking forward to both of them. I may even need to make it a double feature, since they're opening on the same night! A movie...
Some students--and teachers--have already been forced to give up their fun in the sun and others will be forced back into the world of textbooks and tests next week. (On the other hand, the cheers you are hearing are from...
Author and megachurch pastor Lee Strobel wasn't always such a high profile Christian--he was actually a spiritual skeptic until the early 80s. However, after interviewing dozens of scientists for his books "The Case for Christ," "The Case for a Creator,"...
It was a great pleasure to speak again with Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid." Jodi returns to the role for a new DVD called "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning," in stores this week. Tell me...
If you are as saddened as I am by the waning days of summer, I have the perfect movie for you. It's a gentle, breezy, frothy, old-fashioned story that celebrates all that was once great about the good ole' days....
Because of the ongoing coverage of the Olympics in Bejing, I have to tell you about the best political movie in years, in stores next Tuesday, "Please Vote For Me." The movie documents an experiment done with third graders in...
Add another one, Neil Diamond, to your "Done Too Soon" lyrics: Bernie Mac is gone at 50. Although he rose from a poor upbringing to become a household comedic name, there was always a sense that there was more genius...
Okay, I admit it, the answer to this week's trivia is really just another chance for me to gush about the best discovery I made all summer long: the TV series "Slings and Arrows," which is available on DVD. When...
Going to camp is a ritual almost everyone has experienced, but like every other cultural ritual, it sure has changed over time. At least that's the conclusion I came to watching the sweet documentary : "Summercamp!". Swift Nature Camp in...
If the candidates' shticks and the talk shows are boring you, why not spice up your election season--and start some smart conversations with those you love--by buying or renting one of my Top Five Election DVDs of All-Time. With respect...
Once again Idol Chatters are about to get a glimpse into the scattered and dissonant nature of my soul as revealed through my movie choices. When thinking of recent DVD releases to pick, I felt obligated to recommend the sweet,...
If you want to save money on gas, money on tickets and even more money on popcorn and drinks at theater prices, the July 4th weekend is a great weekend to check out some of the great movies that carry...
As we all set out to celebrate the 4th of July this weekend (and even though I have recommended several excellent Fourth of July films already), I decided it was time to dig back into my film archives and...
You probably remember child stars Kirk Cameron and his sister Candace for their roles on "Growing Pains" (Mike Seaver) and "Full House" (D.J. Tanner) respectively--but did you know that they are now both Christian entertainers? Kirk is currently working with...
It's tough to recommend a movie as bleak as "Four Months, Three Weeks, Two Days." It's certainly not fluffy, escapist summertime fare. However, the movie, which won at the Cannes Film festival last year, does what great films should do--...
In my quest to unearth hidden movie gems this summer season, I have stumbled across a heist movie I have heard little about. In fact, heist movies aren't really my thing, but "Flawless" out on DVD this week, is an...
Summertime has become a time for me to catch up on TV series I haven't had time to watch during the rest of the year, or, in some instances, foreign TV series that I have never even heard of, or...
Revealing the true geek that I am, I must admit I'm always hoping that one day someone will make a truly great movie about the art form and rhetorical skills of debate. The teen comedy "Rocket Science" wasn't it and...
I believe there were a handful of movies last year that served as a type of litmus test for your own personal level of cynicism and disenchantment about the world. "Juno" was one of those movies, but the tiny indie...
The Beliefnet Film Awards may be over, but we still thought you might be interested in checking out some of the winning films and performances. We have four sets of DVDs to give away—which each include a copy of "Amazing...
Though I have a few friends and acquaintances who are die-hard fans of "Battlestar Galatica", I have stubbornly refused to believe the show is as good as they say. They wax poetic about the writing, the acting, the deep spiritual...
Major confession: if I have ever listened to National Public Radio's "This American Life" series (hosted by show creator Ira Glass), it was only at the prodding of a friend who insisted I check out a specific episode or because...
To me, the title sounded something like an inquest into the Kennedy assassination or the 9-11 Report, but from the first scenes, "The Final Inquiry" clearly takes us back to biblical times, complete with thieves on a cross, a solar...
There are very few Westerns that I have been able to sit through, much less actually enjoy, and at two-plus hours I didn’t think I would really make it all the way through the latest adaptation of the life of...
One day, while casting a reality show in Dallas Texas several years back, I happened to drive our rental car down Elm Street in Dealey Plaza. Thinking I was touring a random downtown street, I quickly recognized the distinctive white...
I go beyond a cliché when I say that Monty Python's "Life of Brian," finally out on DVD, couldn’t be made today: not because the theocrats have won, but because the anti-Christians take themselves so seriously it’s hard to imagine...
There was a time—especially back in the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s, where Westerns made up a large portion of a year’s annual movies. From Roy Rogers to John Wayne to Clint Eastwood, from the days of cowboys-and-Indians to the towns...
Several documentaries have focused on the plight of the people of Darfur recently ("Darfur Now") but one that has made the top ten list of several of my favorite film critics is "The Devil Came On Horseback". While it is...
While Christian publishing has profited greatly from the trend of major movie studios looking to capitalize on the Christian marketplace, the average evangelical movie buff can't say the same. Instead, we are treated to low-budget, unchallenging fare such as Fox...
New DVD releases have provided slim pickings for anyone looking for some quality movie watching, so I have decided to go back in time and mention a little-seen but favorite movie of mine that is great viewing for the whole...
Unless you attended a film festival this year or you happen to live in New York or Los Angeles, you undoubtedly missed one of the best films of the year. I raved about the romantic drama “Once” this summer because...
After success at several film festivals this year, director/producer Dallas Jenkins second feature film (he produced “Hometown Legend” a few years back), the unconventional Christmas story, “Midnight Clear, is out on DVD this week. Based on a short story written...
It was my favorite movie of the summer, it will probably make my top ten list of movie favorites for the entire year, and now it is the perfect choice for a feel-good movie to rent this Thanksgiving week. Yes,...
Thanksgiving weekend is a wonderful opportunity for us to be reminded of what we’re thankful for. As spiritually minded people, it’s also an important chance to reflect on who it is we’re thankful to. Then, it’s usually an awesome weekend...
Israel is turning 60 next summer, and along with all of its beauty and religious resonance, it has also become known as a place of conflict, of heavy headlines, and unfortunately more than occasional violence. But apparently, within popular culture...
Yes, my DVD choices this week reveal the variety in my movie tastes as well as perhaps the scattered, unstable nature of my brain. While I laughed myself silly watching “Chalk”, I was deeply, emotionally disturbed as I watched “Pierrepoint”,...
The film "Amazing Grace"--which was released on DVD yesterday--tells the story of William Wilberforce, who led the successful effort to abolish slavery in 18th-century Britain. He was inspired by a former slave trader who wrote the widely known hymn. To...
If you love “The Office”, hate preachy teacher movies like “Dangerous Minds”, or you just need a holiday gift suggestion for your kid’s teacher this year, I have the perfect DVD for you. “Chalk’ ( I am guessing the title...
Modern documentaries usually rely on politics or social issues for cinematic inspiration, which is why “Into Great Silence” is such a surprising accomplishment. The movie has little dialogue and no significant action – unless you consider singing Gregorian chants significant...
The American Film Institute recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of "100 years, 100 movies," a listing of its top 100 movies of all time. Since the start of the series, AFI has also cited movies that are inspiring, great movie...
Halloween is here and it’s a good day to give my five reasons why "Halloween" is the most inspiring Halloween movie of all time. "What?" you say, "How can a movie about Halloween be inspiring?" Here’s how: 5. "Halloween" was...
So what does God look like to you? A few weeks ago, we posed this question, promising that the best 10 responses will win copies of "Evan Almighty on DVD." More than 300 of you submitted entries, and here are...
"Thou Shalt Laugh 2: The Deuce"--like its predecessor and namesake "Thou Shalt Laugh"--features Christian stand-up comedians whose acts are clean and appropriate for the whole family. This one is hosted by Tim Conway, of "Carol Burnett Show" fame. (Patricia Heaton...
With an onslaught of documentaries and dramas trying to dissect the war in Iraq, my vote for an excellent movie that explores the downfall of political and religious ideology is the recently released 2006 Cannes Film Festival winner, “The Wind...
"Evan Almighty," starring Morgan Freeman as God and Steve Carell as a modern-day Noah, is out on DVD, and we've got 10 copies to give away. But first, we want to know: What do you think God looks like? The...
A couple of weeks ago, we posted a giveaway contest for free DVDs of "Beyond the Gates." The question was "What's the hardest decision you've ever had to make?"--and you responded with stories of gut-wrenching, heart-breaking life choices that make...
"The Syrian Bride" is an Israeli movie that points to some of the absurdities and everyday tragedies of a long-term conflict like that between Israel and its neighbors. The movie focuses on a Druze family living in the Golan Heights,...
When it comes to hot DVD box sets, one name I would not usually get excited about is Barry Manilow, who's releasing an upcoming five DVD set. After all, I'm a guy! Seriously, I think Barry Manilow is one of...
9-11 and 3:16. What do those two numbers mean to you? For Max Lucado and his publishing teams, the first is the release date of a host of new products, and the second is the product itself. “What if hope...
What's the hardest decision you've ever had to make? That's the question that hovers over "Beyond the Gates," and it's one that can win you a free copy of that movie on DVD. Post your answer in the comments box...
Several weeks ago I posted a review of the indie film “Away From Her” and its authentic but painful portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease. Many Beliefnet readers responded to that post with their own accounts of their struggles in caring for...
In between all of the big-budget action adventures and horror films in theaters earlier in the year, one thriller slipped under the radar, but resurfaced on DVD a few weeks ago. "The Lookout" could have been nothing more than another...
I was probably the biggest cheerleader here at Idol Chatter last season for NBC's small town football drama, "Friday Night Lights." I appreciated the intelligent way it dealt with serious teen issues as well as how it incorporated small moments...
"The Live of Others" won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film last year for its haunting but restrained depiction of life in East Berlin in the 1980s before the Berlin Wall crumbled. Yes, that means you have to deal...
Watch a clip from "The Ultimate Gift": Movie Review: If you enjoyed the idea behind "Brewster's Millions," and can put up with the kind of preachiness that Steven Seagal ("One Deadly Ground") and Michael Moore ("Farenheit 911"), then "The Ultimate...
Because I needed a serious attitude check this week, I perused the video store looking for something that would make me realize that whining about my personal circumstances is really petty. That's when I discovered the critically acclaimed but hard-to-find...
In this season of unending presidential coverage, debates, campaigning, newsmagazine teases, ad infinitum and ad nauseam, I figured it'd be a good time to reflect on some of the most inspiring presidents of our generation--on the big screen and the...
I ought to know not to judge a flick by its trailer. It's the cheap pick-up line, the carnival barker, the radio hit that makes you think the whole album is pop schlock. And so, when I saw the trailer...
Many a fellow film critic has looked at me in shock and dismay when they discover that I have never seen the cult comedy/ horror spoof “Shaun of the Dead.” So when the creative team behind that movie released their...
If you're a person of faith looking for a great sound that you can share with your friends and kids--or if you’re a Christian who struggles to be bold and stand up for your faith--then BarlowGirl’s "How Can We Be...
I know what some of you are thinking: With the thriller "Zodiac" out on DVD this week as well as the recently released, family-friendly, Hallmarkish "Sweet Land," how could I make something to do with Shakespeare my DVD pick of...
Call it my devotion to the peculiar, but I think there's something about a non-linear film. It challenges you to pay attention more closely--to look for clues at every turn. From Pulp Fiction to Memento, these flicks are about more...
Was Daniel Radcliffe doing some heavy marketing or a sublime giveaway of the next book’s ending in his recent interview for Entertainment Weekly? After answering some nice questions from Steve Daly about his personal and physical growth, his fame, and...
Who knew that the story behind the tale of Peter Rabbit could be a perfect date movie, a family friendly drama, and a feminist--not to mention environmental--manifesto all at the same time? In the style of “Finding Neverland,” “Miss Potter,”...
Before reality television saturated the networks, and even before Michael Moore was applauded as innovative for his up close and personal satirical style in documentaries like “Roger and Me,” Albert and David Maysles produced “Grey Gardens,” a controversial documentary that...
In case you haven't seen it yet, Beliefnet recently posted an interesting gallery on how its readers have credited the "law of attraction"--the idea that we create our reality with our thoughts, popularized by the controversial best-selling book and DVD,...
I never had the chance to see "The Last King of Scotland," which tells the tale of psychotic Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, when it first came out. I was expecting a very different movie than the one I saw when...
Who says Middle Easterners and Muslims don't have a sense of humor? Because in these tense times, if you can't make fun of the situation you're in, then you're up the creek. And so my husband and I laughed until...
Categories: DVDs,
Television
Watching TV these days is sort of like a travelogue in prime time as the slick and trendy shots of Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, and New York are beamed into the homes of over-cubicled and under-vacationed Americans each night. These...
I'd like to think that Christian vegetables--like VeggieTales' Larry the Cucumber--will never be passé. There is, however, a new kid on the block in evangelical children's entertainment: Max Lucado's "Hermie, a Common Caterpillar" series.The series' latest DVD is "Milo, the...
If you are looking for repetition (You are what you think! You are what you think!), unintentional comedy (think Parker Posey's Libby in "Waiting for Guffman"--but real), a reason to roll your eyes a lot, and are hoping to "get...
The HBO documentary "Thin" aired last night, telling the story of four women struggling with anorexia and bulimia. A film directed by Laura Greenfield (also the author of "Girl Culture"), "Thin" introduces viewers to Shelly, a nurse who has been...
The documentary "Jesus Camp" directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady finally rolled around to my neck of the woods (Burlington, VT) this weekend. I was eager to see if the film was as "frightening" as so many journalists and...
What are the odds that Matteo the talking diary, a pen named Quill Simona, and two doves called Piccolo and Fiona will become beloved animated characters just like Bambi, Pinocchio, or Winnie the Pooh?The producers of "John Paul II, The...