“Life is about finding the meaning, joy and purpose in all the chaos,” declares Allyson, the main character in the movie “Mom’s Night Out.” The film is intended to be a funny, faith-based, family-friendly portrayal of four moms who are desperate for a night out, leaving their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours while they are away. “Mom’s Night Out,” according to the film’s co-producer, Andrew Erwin, is intended to “celebrate moms in all their beautiful forms.” Interestingly, though, it has stirred much criticism. While 86 percent of moviegoers who saw the film said they would recommend […]

Fall is here, and has brought a few promising films with it. Fall is a kind of transitional period; it isn’t summer blockbuster season anymore, but we haven’t reached the endless list of Oscar contenders that usually get packed in toward the end of the year either. In this season, we find a variety of films both big and small in scope and creativity. The following is a list of movies that, judging by their trailers and early reviews, look to be the best that will be gracing our theaters this autumn. Gravity – PG-13 After a freak accident leaves […]

As we wrestle with the question of what social justice truly means, here is a list of films with stories and themes that exemplify the subject. The topics of these films range from slavery to murder, and even genocide, and some contain genuinely disturbing material. Consider carefully, and even prayerfully which films you will watch, particularly if you plan to watch them with your family. These films depict some of the deepest darkness within humanity, but sometimes that harsh truth is exactly what we need to see in order to be motivated to affect change. Amazing Grace – Rated PG […]

Summer is here, and with it comes a season of fun and exciting films. Certainly there are less Oscar-worthy dramas vying for our attention as theaters fill up with action, adventure and comedy genres. These flicks often lean a bit more on flash and fun than depth and substance, but that does not mean they will not make for a great movie experience. We have already seen a few big blockbusters earlier this summer such as Iron Man 3, Star Trek: Into Darkness and Man of Steel, but take a look at what is still in store for July and […]

Late in his life, F. Scott Fitzgerald scrawled a line in a notebook that has often been repeated, “There are no second acts in American lives.” There are days when I believe this, or at least live like I do. I feel the discouragement of a familiar cycle running its course. The prospect of ever being free from this path can seem thin and unconvincing. I betray my discouragement with hunched shoulders, lowered gaze, shameful countenance and weary disposition. This is a one act play with no set or costume changes and no dramatic plot turns. With no context, it […]