In The Heat Of The Night (1967) This movie is as relevant now as it was back in the 1960s. The only thing that may date it is the cars. In some ways, this is a classic mystery movie. But in many other ways, it shines a light on race relations. A murder of a prominent person happens. When a deputy in a small town in Mississippi is asked to round up a suspect, he drives to the train station, to find one lone black man waiting for a train. He takes the man down to the police station, and is surprised to find out who he really is. That's just the first ten minutes! This award-winning movie of 1967 (5 Oscars, including best screenplay and best picture) shows how far race relations had gone then, and shows how far we still need to go in 2020.
CSA - The Confederate States of America (2004) This mockumentary asks these questions: "What if the South had won the Civil War? What if slavery was never abolished?" It takes a satirical and historical look at these questions. It's funny in parts, and intriguing. It explores how racism got into our culture, and shows that the U.S.A. is not so different than it might have been. This may be considered a controversial film, but it was produced 15 years ago, before the current president (45). It will definitely make you think, question your own beliefs, and, once in a while, will make you feel extremely uncomfortable. It's worth seeing and talking about. After you watch this film, I highly recommend hearing Writer and Director Kevin Willmott's commentary on it. He explains his choices of quotes from real people in helping to drive the narrative.
The Sensation of Sight, 2006 This is a realistic story of how we are all interconnected without even knowing it. A teacher, who is haunted by a traumatic experience at school, makes a dramatic change by leaving his family and quitting his job, to sell encyclopedias door-to-door. He encounters all sorts of people who are part of his life in greater or lesser roles. This is an excellent example of why we like movies. It is slow-moving, but compelling and impactful. It has a real-life feel, with pauses and moments of silence which are crucial to the story, but so often end up edited out of other movies. It keeps your attention, wondering "Why?" That one traumatic event causes ripples throughout a whole community in different ways.
Green Book, 2018 This is, essentially, a "buddy travel" movie. I'm not sure many other people would describe it that way, but that's how we see it. It starts out simply. A black piano player, who needs a driver to escort him through the deep South, meets a street-smart hardened man. The Green Book is a real historical item which was used by African American travelers in the South to find lodging and meals. The two men seem to clash at the very beginning, but a great friendship begins, and they learn the gift of compassion and understanding. This film has won three Golden Globes and is probably going to be nominated for an Oscar. It's one of those wonderful films that you have to see in a theater. It's showing now (January 2019).
Rendition, 2007 This is a surprisingly intense, sometimes extremely violent, amazing film. It's about an engineer (played by Peter Sarsgaard) who goes to a conference, but gets detained while on his way back home. The rest is an interconnected story about a man (Jake Gyllenhaal) in his first weeks in a high-ranking job with Homeland Security, and a concerned and then frantic wife (Reese Witherspoon) who is looking for her husband. Meryl Streep plays a reluctant but forceful senator who seems to know what is going on but is reluctant to reveal any details. The intensity builds, and finally captures your full attention. This kind of film may not have got the publicity it deserves. The violence is extreme, but perhaps necessary since it depicts how a person who is deemed an "enemy combatant" is tortured for information. It gives an insight into how the American government treats people who are believed to be a threat. What rights do we have, and who can take them away from us? These thoughts will stick with you.
Underground (Seasons One and Two), 2016 This amazing series grabs you from the first scene. Set in the 1850s, it’s more than just a period piece. It’s a revolution in thinking. It details a plantation and the slaves who want freedom. We may have all heard about the Underground Railroad in history class, but nothing brings it to life like this series. The crux of the first season is devoted to the Macon Seven – a group of slaves who decide that it’s better to run than live in chains. It also deals with the slave catchers whose sole purpose is to hunt down runaway slaves for large sums of money. Filmed on a real plantation, with real slave quarters, this series gives a feeling of being in the moment and being in the past at the same time. It’s just gripping, and extremely well written. You’ll be glad you watched this, because you will know and understand this part of history, which is hidden from most textbooks. It also makes you question: What would I do to be free? In this modern period of political turmoil, this series has a poignant viewpoint.
The Leisure Seeker, 2018 What would you do if you could take one last trip while you are still in reasonably good health? This is the question John and Ella seek to answer, on a whim. Their adult children think they're somewhat misguided, and can't keep up with their adventures. This is a combination of a wonderful travel movie and coming to terms with yourself. It's an amazing movie with a wonderful cast, particularly Donald Sutherland, who gives an Oscar-worthy performance. There are a few surprises, but it's wonderful to see a film that shows aging parents with dreams, desires and an almost child-like goal.
The Dark Horse, 2016 Gen has had a rough time. When he is released from a mental institution, he struggles to find his way and his purpose. But he has a great love - the love of chess, which he wants to share with a group of hard-luck kids. His love of the game, and his past, make him uniquely suited to inspire these kids. Revealing any more would reveal the magic of the movie. This film (base on a true story) is the kind of little gem you hope to find.
Forget Me Not, 2010 This film gives you a lot to think about. There are no well-known big stars, but this does not diminish the power in this movie. Two people cross paths on a random night (or is it?), and reveal their souls to each other. If you've ever had a night when you tell a stranger your life secrets, you'll appreciate this film. The true magic comes when the girl introduces the guy to her grandmother, who is in a nursing home. The plot thickens, with some twists and turns. It's so rare to see a story, that could really happen and probably has happened, told in such a sweet, funny and gentle intimate way. This, if you really love movies, should not be missed.
Lemon Sky, 1988 Lemon Sky is one of the best movies we’ve seen in years. It is the story of Alan (Kevin Bacon) coming to California to live with his father (who he doesn’t really remember), his stepmother, two stepbrothers and two foster sisters. It’s a brilliant story in which Bacon actually talks directly to the viewer. It’s a coming of age story, but it’s more than that. It’s about how we remember things, how things have influenced us, and how we discover ourselves. It shows how we can disappoint our parents. This is a story that unfolds slowly and dramatically. This was a 1988 made-for-TV movie, but it is absolutely one of the reasons we love movies. This is one movie you don’t want to miss. It’s also one that should be watched several times in order to pick up the brilliant subtleties of the dialogue.
The Shape Of Water, 2017 This movie is a modern-day fairy tale. When two cleaning women are asked to clean up a classified area, they get curious. They discover a captive, who seems to be other-worldly. One of them realizes that this creature is being abused, so she takes time to get to know it. This is a movie that makes you think about whether you would protect another person or creature. Would you risk your job, your dignity, your life? It also shows how mean people can be to something that never fights back. Would you be mean just because you knew there were no witnesses, and no one to stop you? This Oscar-nominated film is being shown around the country in theaters (February 2018). It is an indie film that gained attention when it was nominated for an Oscar and won Golden Globe awards. It also won several Academy Awards for Best Picture. It is definitely a film that should be seen on a big screen.
Graves, 2016 This is a bit different from our usual recommendations. This is an Epix cable TV series.This is the story of an ex-president, Richard Graves (Nick Nolte), who has an epiphany. He realizes that many of the policies which he enacted when he was president 25 years ago have made this country worse. Spurred on by a young and insightful waitress (Callie Hernandez), and his own guilt, he decides to make a change, to attempt to right the wrongs of his past administration. It comes as a shock to his wife (Sela Ward). It comes as a welcome change to his son (Christopher Lowell) with whom he had a difficult relationship. But it leaves the people who admire him as the president he was, baffled. The true beauty of this series’ first season is its optimism for change, and the bluntness of the sometimes politically incorrect ex-president. At its core it’s about redemption and the fact that we are never too old to change. After binge-watching this first season - three times! - we just had to recommend it to you. This is a cable series, so be ready for foul language.
Hidden Figures, 2016 This is one of those amazing films that somehow blends humor, drama, important historic events, civil rights, and women's rights, with a remarkable story. And it has a great soundtrack, too! This is the story of Katherine (Taraji P. Henson) who is a genius mathematician, from a young age. She ends up working at NASA, playing a key role in John Glenn's space flight. In fact, it's the largely unknown story of a group of black women who were superior mathematicians, yet still had to deal with class and race and sexual discrimination. Although the story takes place in the 60s, it gives inspiration to anyone who has had to struggle to make their voice heard. Nominated for Oscars and Golden Globes, and with wonderful performances from Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, and supporting roles by Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst and Jim Parsons, this movie will make you ponder: How much would you do (and how much patience would it take) to get the job and life you deserve? 10/24/17
Thunder Soul, 2010 Have you ever had a teacher inspire you? That is the heart of Thunder Soul. This is a story of an amazing high school jazz band which had an amazing teacher. The true magic of this movie is the footage of the band, both in the 1970s at the height of their winning streak, and in the present time when they’re in concert, 30 years later. And there is that wonderful teacher, still cheering them on. This film is more timely than ever, when you consider that many music programs in public schools are being cut. This is a prime example of how music affects people not only when they learn, but throughout their lives. It also shows how a great male role model can inspire boys to be men.
A Better Life, 2011 Are we all really so different from one another? This movie is, in its essence, the story of a hard-working man who wants to make a better life for his son. He takes jobs where he can, and wants his son to go to school. When he sees the opportunity to own his own business, he takes it. But there’s a flaw in the plan – a circumstance that he can’t avoid. This makes the whole film take a more realistic turn into the life of an undocumented worker. Now may be the best time to watch this movie. It’s more timely now than when it was released. You realize this man could be your neighbor, or a fellow church member.
The true beauty of the film (but terror for the character) is when something is stolen, and he must figure out a way to get it back. It’s then that you realize how an undocumented person lives in fear every moment of their life. With an extremely good performance by Demian Bichir, this is riveting to watch, and unexpected in its intensity. The evolving relationship between the father and son is beautiful to watch. It makes you realize that your father probably sacrificed something for you – what that is, you need to find out for yourself.
Dear Wendy, 2005 This is the kind of movie that makes you realize why you love movies, and yet we'd bet you've never heard of it. It’s hard to describe, but it’s sort of a coming-of-age film about five loners who happen to find each other. There is also a romanticized near-obsession with the love of guns. These people form a group to learn the power of the gun, and vow never to use it on anyone. A strange and unexpected twist forces them to re-think this position. This is a movie that is surprising. It’s intensity sneaks up on you, and just pulls you in. It begs the question: Is the love of guns a love of confidence, like a magic feather? Or is it really a love of the power of what a gun can do? This is a movie that will leave you thinking.
Manchester By the Sea, 2016 At the surface, this seems like a simple story about a man who has to travel back to his home town when his brother dies. There is a nephew whom he hasn’t seen for a while, but that’s just the start of the complex web of memories and consequences that unfold throughout this movie. This plays out like a slice of real life, with memories and past relationships impacting the present. It tells how a tragedy can be so severe that it changes the path of a person’s entire life. Casey Affleck won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the main character. It is sad, and sweet, and funny in places. The script is uneven the same way life itself is. It shows how an action can ripple through a community.(This has prolific use of the “f”-word, but if you can ignore that, it’s a wonderful film.) This is in theaters now (January 2017) and definitely worth a trip to the cinema.
The Overnighters, 2014
What would you give up for a stranger? Would you put your church in jeopardy? What about your family? Your job? Your career? This is exactly the dilemma faced by the pastor in “The Overnighters.” This is currently (July 2016) being shown on PBS stations. When a bunch of people come to North Dakota for a promise of good paying jobs, but don’t find them, they turn to a well-meaning pastor who takes them in. His congregation is not happy. The community, who at first understands, also seems to turn on him. This film makes you ask yourself, what would you do in the same situation? Thought-provoking and sweet at times, this is a surprisingly powerful documentary. Did the pastor do the right thing? Was it worth it? You’ll ask yourself these questions after you see this.
Birth of a Nation, 2016
This Sundance Award-winning film is as close to an historical account of Nat Turner’s slave revolt in the 1800s as we will ever get. Nate Parker, who plays Nat Turner, gives an amazing portrayal of this complicated, risk-taking preacher slave. The intensity and drive of the story and characters make this an unforgettable experience. One of the best parts of this film is the love between Nat Turner and his wife Cherry (Aja Naomi King). It seems sadly rare to find a loving marital relationship in film, and this one is a fine example. The true beauty of this film is the depth and motivation of each character, and the beautiful Carolina scenery. It is about a slave revolt, so there is graphic violence, but it is realistic, not exaggerated. The film takes great care to not shock its audience with the violence that has to be portrayed in the lives of slaves of that time. It also shows how the Bible can be used both for and against slavery. In essence, it’s about one man’s ability to lead his fellow men. Some people think that this revolt was the catalyst for civil rights movements, all the way through history to this present day. It’s a part of history that most people don’t know that much about. It is an important film which may put some of today’s civil rights struggle into better context. This film has been controversial and full of Oscar buzz. It’s a piece of American history that people need to know about, portrayed raw, not sanitized. It poses the question: What would I do if I were part of a major injustice? The film will leave you speechless, in your own thoughts. This film is available on Blu-Ray and DVD (January 2017). It is definitely worth seeing.
Did you ever think that maybe you could be the voice for the underdog? This is the premise of “Beware the Gonzo.” It's one of the best teen dramas out there. In fact, you don't have to be a teenager to enjoy it. “Gonzo” Gilman (Ezra Miller) has his very important and revealing article cut from the school paper. Feeling an injustice has been done, Gonzo decides to make his own paper. With a band of underdogs, bullied victims and misunderstood peers, Gonzo publishes a paper that not only ruffles feathers in the student body, but the staff as well. But with encouragement from his father, Gonzo continues his underground paper. After chasing headlines, breaking stories, betraying confidences, and the paper's staff revolting, Gonzo contemplates what injustice really is. This is a Tribeca Film Festival entry from 2010. It may not have been theatrically released, but it is a great example of why people love movies.
This enthusiastic documentary about the 2000 election definitely still has relevance today. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014) decides to go to both the Republican and Democratic 2000 conventions, to see the differences, to hear the issues, and meet the people both inside the convention and out. Hoffman exposes issues that are not on the political plate, but still very important, like crime and prisons, drug use, welfare reform, homelessness, and police brutality – things that candidates even today may be unlikely to comment on during their campaign. The politicians of today are arguing about the exact same issues as in this documentary. Hoffman also interviews several experts to see why presidential candidates act the way they do. Hoffman attends another kind of convention, where people talk about the issues which the candidates neglect. This “Shadow Convention” consists of business leaders, senators and political activists who talk about issues that should be in the candidates' national conversation but are not. This film is an important overview of the presidential election process. It really makes a difference to know what your candidate stands for. The ideological differences are noticeable before the primary, so choose your candidate wisely. The point of the film is that people should vote. The NRA and AARP don't hold rallies or demonstrations – their members vote, so they don't have to. Today's voter needs to be informed and current. Although not necessary, it is truly fascinating to hear Hoffman's director comments in the bonus features. It gives a real perspective to the lengths he went to gain this kind of access to the political community. He talks about the anxiety with his crew while filming some segments of the film.
The Stanford Prison Experiment, 2015
How much would it take to break you? On the other hand, if you had ultimate authority, how far would you go? This is the basic question that is pondered in The Stanford Prison Experiment. It started out as an interesting idea, thought up by a professor of psychology. This film is surprisingly intense. Based on true events, it is more relevant today than when the actual experiment was done in 1971. It is important. You may never look at yourself or your fellow human being in the same way.
How much do you know about killer whales? I'll bet you've been to Sea World, where you saw trainers swim with these magnificent animals. Blackfish is an interesting look at killer whales through the eyes of trainers and marine professionals alike. Starting with the death of a trainer, followed by an in-depth history of the captivity of these whales by water parks, this film looks at the way killer whales are treated in captivity and asks whether they should be confined as they have been. There is an inter-woven biology lesson in this. You learn about their history and how they live in the wild. This is a celebration of the beauty of whales and a plea by people who love them that they be treated better. This film is an interesting balance of whales in captivity, the spin of the water park industry and the opinion of marine professionals who study killer whales in the wild.
700 Sundays, 2014
Everybody has a funny family - the family that lives on in our stories and memories. Billy Crystal is at his best in an astonishing monologue, in which you get to know him, his parents, brothers, and extended family. This movie makes you contemplate your own family - whether from the viewpoint of being the child or the parent. The thought you have afterward is, what is my legacy to my family? This warm, intimate and heartfelt story will keep you laughing and glued to the screen.
CoExist Comedy Tour, 2013
When a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Buddhist, and an atheist walk into a bar, what in God's name could possibly go wrong? After one comic bails, a live comedy concert film that started as an exercise in co-existence turns into a documentary, as the filmmakers desperately go in search of a funny Christian. Did you ever think that maybe we could solve all our problems with laughter? That is exactly what the documentary The CoExist Comedy Tour is all about. When I picked it up, I thought it was just a concert film, with six comedians. But it's actually more than that. Yes, it's comedians from different religions, which is a twist (oh-and there's an atheist too). It's actually a look at intolerance, from the people who face it.
Comedians: John Fugelsang, Sammy Obeid, Tapan Trivedi, Tissa Hami, Moshe Kasher, Keith Lowell Jensen
Amazing Grace, 2006
If you could right a wrong, would you fight for it? That's what Amazing Grace is all about. And if you think it's an overnight process without consequences, you're wrong. William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) is a member of British Parliament. He sees slavery as a real injustice, but doesn't have a real passion for it until he meets an ex-slave. Set in the late 1700s, the movie shows how one man's passion breeds a movement. It shows the process of persuading the public to right a wrong. When he thinks he has lost his fight, he meets a woman with the same passion. This meeting, which develops into a great love, reignites the fight and drive. Casualties result in William's personal and professional life, but his persistence finally pays off. You may know the end of the story, but the genesis is fascinating. It does prove that one person with iron-willed persistence (and some powerful friends) can make a difference.
Her, 2013 What is a relationship? Is it a connection? Can you have a relationship with a machine? These are the questions you will ponder as you watch “Her.” It's more complex than it sounds. It makes you wonder what really is the basis of a relationship – friendship or otherwise. Set in a future time in LA, the movie follows Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) as he goes through a heart-breaking divorce. When he sees an ad for an operating system, he decides to buy it. It's amazing how connected he becomes to the system. This movie explores the closeness we have with our gadgets, but it also explores the real loneliness of everyday people as they go about their lives. It makes you wonder whether we are passing by chances to meet someone in a coffee shop because we're texting someone who isn't even present. It also explores the idea that a computer can think and have desires. Then what do you do? It's a great movie with a lot of philosophical questions. It will change the way you look at your smart phone.
4 Little Girls (1997) It's hard to remember the Birmingham bombing of a church in the 1960's. Spike Lee's documentary points out, though, that this is something that should be remembered. This movie not only tells about the actual event, but how it affects those four little girls' parents, siblings, aunts, families and community. One of the most touching moments is the interview of a former classmate, who is still, to this day, touched by this event that happened fifty years ago. Another important part is the interviews of high-ranking government officials of Alabama. The interview of George Wallace in his frail later years is riveting and stunning to watch. This is not just a story that happened in Alabama. It happened to us as Americans, and it's an event that should never be forgotten. We highly recommend that you watch the bonus features on the dvd. The interview with Spike Lee is important and not to be missed, even though it's not included in the main film.
A Dog Year (2009)
Sometimes you just need to save something. That's exactly what John intends to do. When a fan decides to send (by airplane) a troubled and abused dog named Devin, John thinks it'll be a simple project. But Devin turns out to be more challenging than anticipated, partly because John is going through his own issues. It's a sweet and funny story, headed by Jeff Bridges (who plays John). You don't have to be a dog-lover to like this one. Sometimes you realize that in order to save someone, you must accept help and advice, and try to save yourself first.
Nebraska (2013)
Nebraska is at its core a father-son
movie. Walt (a seventy-ish man) is convinced that he won a million
dollars through the mail. His wife thinks it's a scam. His sons think
it's a scam. But Walt believes. So Walt starts walking because his
wife won't drive him. It's going to be a long walk because Walt lives
in Billings Montana and the prize money is in Lincoln Nebraska. After
Walt repeatedly proves his determination, his son decides to take a
few days and drive him to Lincoln Nebraska. The film's true
beauty (and universal appeal) is that it seems Walt's son doesn't
know him very well. And, it begs the question: do we ever really know
our father? If we went to the town where our father was raised, we
would find out some surprising things about him. Everyone knows some
one like Walt. Full of wonderful performances, and filmed in
beautiful black and white, this kind of film does not come around
that often. This movie begs the discussion of how well we know our
parents and whether we really understand our parents' dreams. This
film is available on Blu-Ray and DVD. It was nominated for 6 Academy Awards.
Gentleman's Agreement (1947)
A reporter has a great angle on how to do an anti-semitism article. He has a new job at a paper in New York City. Since no one knows him, he decides to tell everyone he's Jewish (which he's not). The rumors start flying right from the initial announcement. Within forty minutes, his secretary asks him about it. This is a thought-provoking and timeless movie, especially when you consider it was done in 1947. This story envelops every aspect of his life, including his son being bullied by the neighborhood kids. It shows what prejudice is, and how we can all stand up for what we believe. It also shares some good ideas to discuss with your children about this subject.
Carvivale (2003-2005)
This is a change of pace - a miniseries. You will find no better example of the epic battle between good and evil. The true beauty of this HBO miniseries is that you don't know at first who is good and who is evil. The plot is consuming, the photography is cinematic and beautiful, and the acting is superb. The story is remarkable - there are at least 40 people in a fast-paced adventure that keeps you interested in all of them, and thinking about the show after you've finished watching it. It's definitely worth the twenty-four hours needed to see the whole two seasons.
The Elephant in the Living Room (2011)
This thought-provoking and yet gentle film explores the adoption of exotic animals – lions, tigers and bears, and snakes. The true beauty of this film is the relationship between an enforcement officer (Tim), and an owner (Terry) of two lions. The two men are similar and yet different. In essence, the film is about loneliness and the things we use to combat that feeling. Terry uses lions. Tim contemplates his role with the animals – is he doing them a favor by capturing them? Whatever side you are on, this film gives you some questions to ponder.
Shame
This movie may be shocking to the viewer, and it was meant to be. It is about addiction — in this case, sexual addiction, but the movie explores all of the struggles that come from addiction, and the loneliness, and the hold it takes over one’s life. In New York City,Brandon's carefully cultivated private life -- which allows him to indulge his addiction -- is disrupted when his sister arrives unannounced for an indefinite stay. This movie is definitely for the open-minded, and people who wish to learn about addiction and the effect it has on peoples’ lives. You've never seen an addiction movie like this one.
Just so you know, it's NC-17, however, the sexual encounters aren't arousing - they're more mechanical, showing the desperation and sad loneliness of the character.
Tyler Perry's Good Deeds
Mr. Deeds has a great life - a good education, great job, and a beautiful fiance. He feels there’s something missing - there needs to be more to his life than what it is. A chance meeting, with a woman who pulls into his executive parking space, finally sparks an awakening. This movie asks the question that we all ask ourselves: “Am I really being fulfilled or am I just doing what is expected of me?”
August - Brave
August 7th, 7:00 pm Brave, 2012 Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous princess. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the land. Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources to undo a beastly curse before it's too late, and to discover the meaning of true bravery.
Pleasantville
July 10th, 7:00 pm. Pleasantville, 1998 Have you ever thought that your life would be better if it were in a 1950s TV sit-com? That's what David (Tobey Maguire) wants more than anything. Through a magical chain of events, he along with his twin sister Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) end up in the 1950s TV land of Pleasantville, complete with separate beds and black-and-white reality.
At first, David revels in the pristine-ness of it all. Jennifer, always the trouble-maker, stirs things up. There are some twists and turns, especially with David and Jennifer's relationship. And, a comic-devious Don Knotts is some great icing on this wonderful cake.
The surprising part of this film is how it shows "the good old days" weren't so good, and the roles of everyone, while at first comforting, are revealed to be something else. This film has a good sense of humor and is wonderfully light-hearted. It takes a thoughtful look at censorship, sexism, racism, emotional depth, and true love. And, the music is great too.
Henry Poole Is Here
June 5th, 2012 Henry Poole Is Here, 2008 Henry Poole is having a bad year — so he decides to move back to his old California neighborhood. All he wants is solitude, but a well-intentioned but nosey neighbor just can’t let Henry alone. The neighbor swears there is a miracle on Henry’s wall — which Henry thinks is nonsense. She gets the whole neighborhood - in fact, the whole town, to believe in Henry’s wall.
Is there a miracle? Or is it just as Henry insists: a bad stucco job? The girl next door believes. The grocery checker who is appropriately named “Patience” believes — but will Henry? This film has a dose of romance, and explores the idea of miracles and true faith. The real miracle might just be finding a friend when you really need one.
Would you believe a miracle if it showed up on your porch?
Pay It Forward
May 8th, 2012 Pay It Forward, 2000 A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance.
An Inconvenient Truth
April 10th, 2012 An Inconvenient Truth, 2006 A documentary on Al Gore's campaign to make the issue of global warming a recognized problem worldwide.
Lord, Save Us From Your Followers
March 13th, 2012 Lord, Save Us From Your Followers, 2010 Filmmaker Dan Merchant explores the friction between faith and culture in America just before the 2008 presidential elections, through interviews with Al Franken, "liberal evangelical" Tony Campolo, Michael Reagan, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and others.
Latter Days
February 7th, 2012 Latter Days, 2003 A love story about a Mormon struggling with his missionary position.
What Would Jesus Buy?
January 10th, 2012 What Would Jesus Buy? Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Choir tour the country to save people from the Shopocalypse, the destruction of America by commercialism and rampant consumerism.
Gandhi
December 6th, 2011 Gandhi, 1982 Biography of the lawyer whose philosophy of non-violent protest led the people of India in their revolt against British rule.
Chariots of Fire
November 1st, 2011 Chariots of Fire, 1981 Two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Tuesdays With Morrie
October 4th, 2011 Tuesdays With Morrie, 1999 A sports columnist reunites with his ailing professor.
Get Low
September 6th, 2011 Get Low, 2009 Inspired by the true story of Tennessee recluse Felix "Bush" Breazeale, who planned and had his funeral while he was still alive.
Religulous
August 2nd, 2011 Religulous, 2008
Maher is an outspoken athiest and has no qualms about it. In this documentary, he makes some important points. To be fair (as fair as he is), he criticizies all religions—not just Christianity. If you profess to be part of an organized religion, you need to be aware of the history and legacy it represents.