Alien vs. Predator
The Alamo
A Trip to Bountiful
The Bourne Supremacy
Big Fish
Bobby Jones
Chasing Liberty
Cheaper by the Dozen
The Day After Tomorrow
Evergreen
Friday Nights (PG-13)
The Incredibles
King Arthur
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness
I,Robot
Miracle
The Mission
Mr3000
Ocean's Twelve
Paparazzi
The Passion of the Christ
Polar Express
Pride of the Yankees
Ray
The Rookie
Raising Helen
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Shark Tale
Shrek 2
Sky Captain
Spider Man
Starsky and Hutch
Therese
The Village
Welcome to Mooseport
Without a Paddle
Yankee Doodle Dandy

Alien vs. Predator (PG-13): Another sci-fi directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. I remember being frightened by Alien and amused by Predator. I was neither frightened nor amused as a sat through this flick. Two aliens going to battle and humans being used as pawns in their fight is an interesting idea for a movie. However, the acting and the character build up are dull. My Review: Needs a PrayerMovieReview

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG): A great family movie, based on the theme of the old comic book era. Gwyneth Paltrow as an unrelenting reporter and Jude Law as the incredible pilot gang up on the evil that is ready to take over and re-shape the world. My Review: Receives a Blessing MovieReview

Yankee Doodle Dandy (Not Rated): As you get out your American flags for Independence Day, consider renting this 1946 classic. In this film, George M. Cohen (who was born on the 4 th of July) is remembered as the great American writer of musicals and military marching songs. James Cagney stars in this film and gives a dance that made even Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly take notice. My review for this rental : Receives a Blessing

Friday Nights (PG-13): A small-town high school attempts to make it to the Texas state championship. Based on H.G. Bissinger's book, the movie shows the life of high school teens who live for sports. The world of football for these students and the small town adults appears to be the only world that matters. The violence in this football story is exaggerated. Not recommended for children. My review: Needs a Prayer

The Alamo (PG-13): Starring Billy Bob Thornton as Davey Crockett and Dennis Quaid as Sam Houston, this movie was a little too politically correct for a politically incorrect time. I also found that the main battle for the Alamo was a let down. Quaid was believable and helped to carry the movie. My review for this movie: Needs a Prayer- MovieReview for more details.

A Trip to Bountiful- 1986 (PG) (Video): I just watched this movie again. It is one of my favorites. Geraldine Page, (Oscar for best actress), offers a wonderful performance. About an elderly woman who finds a window to escape living in her son's residence and return to her hometown, Bountiful. The whole story is about our own journey to heaven and the struggles we must face along the way. Receives a Blessing - MovieReview for more details.

The Polar Express (G): Based on the children's novel by Chris Van Allsburg, this is a beautifully animated story about children who are at an uncomfortable age where fantasy and belief are challenged by disbelief. To confront their lack of faith in Christmas, they hop aboard a train that leads them to the North Pole. Tom Hanks is the star in this computer-animated film. Receives a Blessing - MovieReview for more details.

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (PG) - This movie offers a biography of one of the greatest golfers of all time. Played by Jim Caviezel ("The Passion of the Christ"), this story of Bobby Jones shows us a man whose greatness surpassed even his game. Some profanity. However, the movie moves quickly and was very enjoyable. My Review: Receives a Blessing. MovieReview for more details.

The Bourne Supremacy - (PG-13): This is the sequal to The Bourne Identity, about Jason Bourne (Played by Matt Damon) the CIA member who has amnesia. It's a fast paced film and, in my opinion, as good as the first film. Damon's acting makes this film. I was on the edge of my seat throughout. My Review: Receives a Blessing. MovieReview

Evergreen - (PG-13): A heart-wrenching movie about a mother and daughter who are forced to live with the shame of poverty. Overcoming the shame by putting on a good face, the mother must do her best to give her daughter hope. The daughter hides from her shame and creates a false identity. It is the dark side of American life, where people should live in prosperity. This movie will grab your heart. My review: Receives a Blessing. MovieReview

Cheaper by the Dozen (PG): This remake (with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt) is worth a try. I was particularly impressed when the father of twelve shares his disapointment over his 22-year old daughter's affair and reminds her boyfriend that an affair in the family house is not an option. Martin uses a line used by some parents in our parish: "We are trying to keep our house G-rated." My rating for this movie: (Good) Receives a Blessing. Please see the National Conference of Catholic Bishops - Movie Review for more details.

Big Fish (PG-13): Tim Burton's latest movie offers the viewer a chance to slip from fantasy to myth and back again. I suspect that most children would find it slightly boring. The movie is slow which is normally not my speed. However, I am glad that I stuck it out. The movie's presentation of a heart-warming father and son relationship is well worth the ticket! I give this movie a (Good) Receives a Blessing- MovieReview for more details.

Chasing Liberty (PG-13): My friends and I decided to see this flick because the movie we had intended to see was sold out. This unbelievably far-fetched film (starring Mandy Moore, Mark Harmon, Matthew Goode), about a president's daughter who wants "real liberty" and manages to escape the Secret Service to get it, is not intended for adults. Due to some graphic language, slight nudity, and suggested casual sex, it should not be for children or teens either. This movie - Needs Last Rites - MovieReview for more details.

King Arthur - (PG-13): The latest in Hollywood's attempt to make the Church a punching bag, King Arthur is filled with many historical errors. First of all, the movie tells us that Rome was in present day England and recruiting members for their Army in 467 AD. Rome Fell in 450 AD. It also suggests that these Middle ages makes the pope as the head of the Roman Empire. While the Pope did lead a Holy Roman Empire, it was certainly not at this period. The movie tells us that King Arthur had a personal hero in Christianity by the name of Pelagius. Arthur was saddened that Pelagius was killed by the Catholic Church for his political stance on free will. While Pelagius did live during the 5th century, he did not die a martyr. Although his philosophy was condemned, it was not for his desire to proclaim free will for all people. Pelagianism (after Pelagius) is considered a heresy in the church, because it promotes the philosophy that apart from Christ, we can earn our own salvation. The special effects were exciting, but that's all I can say in favor of this anti-Catholic film. My Review: Needs Last Rites

The Day After Tomorrow - (PG-13): The premise of this movie acts as a wake-up call for viewers. It suggests that our destruction of the o-zone layer will create a fury of Mother Nature that can't be stopped. The best we can hope for is another Ice-Age survival. The movie has some great special effects and keeps you engaged. Get out the popcorn and enjoy this one, but don't expect an Oscar for best film or best acting. My Rating: Receives a Blessing

The Incredibles (PG): This latest Pixar Film is a hoot! I loved every bit of it. The plot, the story-line, the characters, the humor, the visual effects and computer graphics - all were incredible! This is a fun family movie. Enjoy! My Review: Receives a Blessing

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958): I heard about this movie and finally got around to watching it this week on dvd. This 1958 movie with Ingrid Bergman is based on a true story about an English Missionary who has her heart set on serving the people of China. A good portion of the movie shows her leading 100 children over many miles of mountains to safety during the Japanese and Chinese war. Bergman's performance is wonderful. From the book, A Small Woman, by Alan Burgess. Receives a Blessing- MovieReview for more details.

I, Robot (PG-13): If you are a fan of Isaac Asimov story telling, you'll love this Sci-Fi thriller. Will Smith plays in this fast action packed movie. If you are a pop-corn-loving, movie-going fool (like me), you'll love this flick. The animation and special effects are incredible. My Review: Receives a Blessing

The Mission – (PG): Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons play in this 1986 masterpiece about South American Jesuit Missions that are on the brink of division by Spain, Portugal, and the Catholic Church. A very moving film about war, slavery, pacifism, forgiveness, and love. This DVD/Video is well worth viewing over and over. My Review: Receives a Blessing

Ocean's Twelve (PG-13): Not nearly as engaging as Ocean's Eleven. I found the star-studded crew to be too much. Brad Pitt was a low-light. The story dragged and the French thief character was strange. I am really stretching to give it this review ... Needs a Prayer. MovieReview for more details.

Mr. 3000 (PG-13): Bernie Mac is funny. I liked him in this movie. About a future Hall of Famer who suddenly discovers that he did not hit 3000 hits, as was previously recorded in baseball history, and so makes an attempt to return to the big leagues to regain his status. The movie was enjoyable, but becasue of the unecessary crudeness, it fails to be a family movie. My review: Needs a Prayer

Miracle (PG): I remember watching the historical hockey game with my parents in 1980 when the U.S. upset the Russians. We were in a recession, hostages were held in Iran, citizens were stilling trying to figure out what happened to them after Watergate, and we were still in a cold war. It was a time in our American history when our nation needed hope. I believe that this movie with (Kurt Russell) offers a true picture of what was going on in America and how the Olympic Gold Medal won by the U.S. was a glimmer of hope for many citizens. Russell offers a masterful performance. I believe that the movie runs a little too long as it tries to build up to the "big game" and for that reason my review for the movie is slightly critical:Receives a Blessing but Could Use a Prayer- MovieReview for more details.

Paparazzi - (PG-13): A celebrity decides to get back at a group of photographers for almost killing his family. The Paparazzi have a bad name (especially since the death of Princess Dianna) and this latest film, produced my Mel Gibson, shows how sleazy they can be. This movie was predictable and very flat in my opinion. My Review: Needs Last Rites

Pride of the Yankees: Now that the baseball season is underway, I thought I would review one of my favorite baseball movies. Starring Jacky Cooper, this 1942 film is about the great Lou Gehrig who, until Cal Ripken, held the record for most consecutive games played. Long before steroids, high ticket prices, and highly paid players, the baseball of Gehrig's era offered fans an opportunity to see truly wonderful sports' heroes. This movie includes an appearance by the Babe Ruth. My Review: Receives a Blessing- Movie Review for more details.

Ray (PG-13): Wow! A very good movie about the legendary singer and writer, Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx could get an oscar for this one. Though the movie was long, I was glued to the screen. The raw life of Ray Charles (good and bad) and his music are perfectly sewn together by Taylor Hackford, the biographical producer of this blockbuster. Intended for adults. Receives a Blessing Movie Review for more details.

Raising Helen (PG-13): This movie, about a succesful woman who must suddenly take custody of her neices and nephew, shows how priorities in one's life must change at every turn in life. Kate Hudson performs beautifully in this picture. I was deeply impressed with the movie's message of the importance of discipling children even at the risk of being an unpopulor parent: Receives a Blessing. MovieReview for more details.

The Rookie (G): Another great baseball movie. A great story about the game's oldest rookie, Jim Morris, the former Tampa Bay hurler, and his small town story that turned into a big league reality. (2002). My rating: Receives a Blessing. MovieReview for more details.

The Passion of the Christ (R): I was stunned by this controversial film by Mel Gibson. After reading and hearing reviews prior to its release, I was prepared for a great deal of brutality in the movie. There was a lot of blood (Actually, a little too hard to believe). I did enjoy the fact that the entire passion of Christ is portrayed with Satan in the background to show that our Lord's struggle is also other-worldly. I don't know if I will run off to see it again, but I will be talking about it for a long time. Because of the excessive (unbelievable?) violence, children should not see it, even with parents. Receives a Blessing but Could Use a Prayer- MovieReview for more details.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (PG): This movie, produced in 2002 and now on DVD, tells the true story of three young aboriginal girls who escape from an Australian camp designed to make them conform to white standards. Until the 1970's, this camp would encourage breeding in order to transform the black color of Australia to - after a few generations - the more "perfect" white complexion. A very moving picture. The documentary on the making of the film (also on this DVD) is equally moving. I highly recommend this for family viewing and discussion. My Review: Receives a Blessing. MovieReview for more details.

Shark Tale (PG): This latest Pixar Movie is great fun. One of those "cater to kids but let adults have fun too" movies. It is amazing how far computer graphics have gone. The images and story line keep you laughing. My Review: Receives a Blessing MovieReview for more details.

Shrek 2 (PG): I enjoyed this movie, but I must admit that this sequal does not stand up to the first. I enjoyed the Puss in Boots character. Pinnochio was a little odd. If you are a Shrek fan, the movie will not dissapoint. My Review: Needs a Prayer. MovieReview for more details.

Spider Man (PG-13): Too much talk and not enough action. The boring moments between Peter Parker and his grandmother take away from the movement of the film. What's with Kirsten Dunst and her drowsy eyes? She looks like she is about ready to fall asleep any time during the movie. Great effects, and even though it was trying my patience, the movie was still entertaining. My Review: Could Use a Prayer MovieReview for more details.

Starsky and Hutch (PG-13): Why I decided to see a movie version of this 1970's television program, I do not know. In fact, I don't remember enjoying the show even then. The movie was an attempt to spoof the original TV drama about two tough cops. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson attempt to make this one funny. It isn't! In addition, the rating was set too low. Due to the level of violence and sexual content, it should have been R rated instead of PG-13. My review - Needs Last Rites- MovieReview for more details.

Therese (PG): This movie, is a heart-warming film story about the simple life of the famous Catholic Saint and Doctor of the Church, Therese of Lisieux. The acting crew lacks talent, and the script drags. However, the final scene is worth the price of admission. My Review - Needs a Prayer.MovieReview for more details.

The Village - (PG-13):William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver play in this movie about a town that must separate itself from the creatures that live outside its borders. The movie has an interesting, but predictable, twist. Without Hurt, I don't think this movie would have garnered any attention. My Review: Needs a Prayer. For more on this movie, go to: Movie Review

Welcome to Mooseport (PG-13): Ray Romano and Gene Hackman play in this very poor attempt at comedy. The story, about a mayoral race between the former president of the United States and a plumber, could have been very funny; especially with better than average actors. Unfortunately, even Hackman can't deliver. A pretty dumb movie. My review: Needs Last Rites - Movie Review for more details.

Without a Paddle (PG-13): This comedy had some funny moments. It's too bad that it had some unecessary language and overdone sexual inuendos. It would have made a great PG or even G movie for younger kids. Filled with a lot of slap stick humor. My rating: Needs a Prayer - Movie Review for more details