Canter Bridge

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

The matching white casts worn by spunky Seabiscuit and anger-in-motion jockey Red Pollard (Toby Maguire) near the end of this beautiful movie remind us that the story it tells is not about a horse. Nor is it, as some have alleged, just about the people with the horse standing in as equine eye candy.

It’s about both. Two white casts. Two stories of healing from the pits of disposability, anger, hopelessness. ‘We all get a little banged around’, Jeff Bridges’ elegantly acted character tells us. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

This hilarious, light-hearted flick will not tax your mind.

It’s classic Jim Carrey, but the truth is that Tea Leoni and Alec Baldwin almost steal the show with strong supporting comedy roles. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

Moira Allen’s well-written and attractively-presented guidebook hits time and again on a central theme: follow the rules. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

Authors who write about debt and getting out of it, overspending and overcoming it, tend to fall into two categories: there is the P.E. coach who is going to whip you into shape, shout to you that you can do one more crunch, and perhaps throttle you if you screw up.

Then there are the understanding therapists who want to help you understand the source of your compulsion and assemble around you a small team of trusted advocates who will stick with you through your relapses and help you to get well. (more…)

Read Full Post »

when did film music get this good?, September 1, 2007

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

Carter Buswell’s eclectic score underscores the emotional urgency of the film it accompanied. Of the two products, it may prove the more enduring. (more…)

Read Full Post »

A review like this requires full disclosure.

Sara Arias is a Costa Rica friend of mine who was during my years spent in her country a student and parisioner of mine. At the Iglesia Bíblica Nazaret that was our shared church home she served as a vibrant and thoughtful worship leader. Indeed, it gives me little pleasure to note that she was one of the few members of that guild who understood that worship was neither about her nor about exacting a certain behavior intended chiefly to raise the self-esteem of musicians. (more…)

Read Full Post »