Kelly Holt
"Of Gods and Men": A Modern Story of Faith
Matthew 10:34-39 — wherein Jesus says, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth," and promises that "he who loses his life for My sake will find it" — seems an appropriate passage to describe the account of nine Trappist monks caught in an Algerian village in 1996. Of Gods and Men is a French film, directed by Xavier Beauvois, with English subtitles, and is being shown in select theaters.
Jane Eyre: Classics are Classic for a Reason
The most recent incarnation of Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 romantic novel is a welcome one among modern movie choices. The movie generally follows the novel, and is refreshingly free of elements found in movies that earn R ratings. It does carry a PG-13 rating, but most likely only for the complicated story line and somber atmosphere of Jane's early life — certainly not for any sexual situations.
"The Illusionist": a Poignant, Well-Told Gem
If you prefer the charm of hand-drawn animation to the computer-generated sort, you’ll love The Illusionist. The primary character, an aging and outdated European magician named Tatischeff, plays one-night gigs traveling from town to town and country to country, often being cheated by his employers. Eventually he crosses paths with Alice, a teenager who plays at being grownup, and who believes him to be the magician he once was. Their ensuing adventure together is both humorous and haunting. The movie is enchantingly slow-paced, and the animation and sound styles create a nearly perfect stage for this character-driven story.
The King's Speech: A Story of Personal Bravery and Victory
The King’s Speech, a period piece set in the 1930s, portrays the story of Prince Albert (Bertie), the man who would never be King, and his relationship with Lionel Logue, a speech therapist, which would later become a lifelong friendship. Bertie’s older brother, David, is first in line for the British throne, and thank goodness, because Bertie suffers from a terrible stammer unsuitable for a public life that now involves not just looking good, but also sounding good. The latter thanks to the new-fangled invention called the “wireless.” The Way Back — A Gripping Story of Victory in Search of Freedom
If ever a movie could put the idea of freedom, and what people will do to get it, into perspective, it is The Way Back. Inspired by the 1956 book, The Long Walk, a true story by Slavomir Rawicz, the film is the latest from Australian director Peter Weir.
Texas Gov. Perry Preaches State Sovereignty, Seeks Federal Aid
In a move sure to please his conservative constituents, Texas Governor Rick Perry proclaimed the coming Easter weekend as three “Days of Prayer for Rain” in the Lone Star State, as drought-fueled wildfires have threatened hundreds of thousands of Texas acres. Rick Perry's Record as Governor of Texas
Rick Perry. No other two words can spark the ire, or even alarm, of informed Texans and other Americans when considering that the Texas Republican Governor might toss his Stetson into the 2012 Presidential ring. Perry, the 47th Lone Star Governor, holds the record for the longest gubernatorial tenure in Texas history. The reason for the ire and alarm is Perry’s presentation of himself as a fiscal and social conservative. The facts point a different direction.
W. Texas Town to Send Migrant Students to Socialist Conference in D.C.
On Tuesday, March 29, the school district of Ector County, Texas (ECISD) approved sending 9th- through 12th-grade migrant students on a grant-funded trip to Washington in June, where they will attend the Experience in Democracy (EID) Leadership Conference. However, many residents of Odessa, the county seat, are not happy about the curriculum or the fact that some expenses may be picked up by the school district after all.
Trans Texas Corridor: Here We Go Again
Battle-weary Texans who spent much of the last decade working to defeat the proposed — and hugely unpopular — gigantic north-south highway through Texas up to Canada, known as the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC), are being called to take a deep breath and gather forces once again. New bills have been introduced in the biennial Texas Legislature that would revive the old conflicts for sovereignty.
Pennsylvania County Rejects Agenda 21
T
he Mercury, March 8, reported that Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, will be letting its membership in ICLEI (International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives), lapse due to constituent pressure and dislike for ICLEI's message, Agenda 21.
