“Join or Die” documents the rise to prominence of Robert Putnam’s groundbreaking work Bowling Alone and what has occurred in the decades since. What Putnam charted was the critical importance of social clubs for society’s success. These include congregations, unions, rotary clubs, lodges and bowling leagues. Over the years, many of these organizations have been …
Citizen George (2024)
For a time such as this, it’s hard to imagine a more helpful film to watch than “Citizen George.” This is the documentary about George Lakey, an activist and trainer who has had a huge impact around the world, for causes of peace, justice, human rights, and the environment. Now in his late ‘80s George …
Leap of Faith (2024)
This film follows 12 ministers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on a year-long journey of discovery as they explore their differences and commonalities.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Home for the Holidays ranked among film critic Ed McNulty’s favorite holiday movies.
Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the Future (2018)
When I was a teen fan of science fiction my favorite artist was Chesley Bonestell whose vast output of space art thrilled thousands of fans of the genre. He was the go-to man for Hollywood’s George Pal who depended on his art and technical expertise for Destination Moon, When Worlds Collide, and War of the …
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Scoop (2024)
Director Philip Martin’s film is the first of two films about Prince Andrew’s debacle on the BBC program Newsnights¸ the Brits’ counterpart to CBS’s 60 Minutes. Released on Netflix on April 2024, it will be followed in September by A Very Royal Scandal (reviewed elsewhere in this issue). Scriptwriters Peter Moffat and Geoff Bussetil base …
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit (2019)
As Holocaust stories go, this is very mild, and thus a suitable film for introducing children to the subject. There are no Gestapo round-up of Jews, street beatings, or any trace of barbed wire, not to speak of ovens or mass shootings. Just a family story fortunate enough to have a father who can …
The Bear (2023)
I have reserved the word “great” for just a few films but am not hesitant at using the adjective with Christopher Storer’s comedy-drama series, which deserves its numerous awards—Emmy, Golden Globe. I have seen all three seasons, and not since All in the Family and MASH have, I been so moved while laughing out loud, …
Am I Racist?
I wish I had done my research before going to see director/co-writer Justin Folk’s mockumentary. Then I would not have been so confused at the end, misthinking the film was an expose’ of those profiting from the antiracist movement, rather than the smear that it actually is. This is a film in which the governors …
Good One (2024)
Like so many small independent films, writer-director India Donaldson’s feature-length tale debuted at Sundance this year. It is a simple story of a young girl, on the cusp of adulthood, coming of age during a hike in an upstate New York park. Do not let its slow pace or subtlety lead your attention to wander. Sam …