My Movies

A Family Film Guide

            1,300 years have passed in Narnia, though only one year has passed for the Pevensie children in Walden Media and Walt Disney Pictures latest production The Chronicle of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This interpretation of the fourth chronological volume of C. S. Lewis classic series (written 1950-1956) is literally roaring into theaters this week.

            The film opens with the birth of a child. This event causes Prince Caspian’s tutor, Professor Cornelius (Vincent Grass) to urge the teenaged Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes; Stardust), a Tamarine and heir to the throne, to flee the kingdom’s castle. His uncle, the usurper King Miraz (Sergio Castellito; Mostly Martha), wants to kill Caspian so his new-born son will one day reign. Cornelius gives Caspian the horn that had once belonged to Susan Pevensie (Anna Popplewell) and warns him to use it only in extreme necessity. 

            Caspian is injured and taken in by a kindly badger, Trufflehunter (Ken Scott; Charlie Wilson’s War) and the dark-spirited dwarf Nikabrik (Warwick David; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). With Miraz’s soldiers bearing down, Caspian blows the horn. It summons the Pevensie children from war-time London (1941) and lands them on a lush island in Narnia. They discover that since the children were last in Narnia, human Tamarines had invaded and exterminated most of the citizens. With the help of the good but grumpy dwarf Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage; The Station Agent) they journey to Aslan’s How where the Narnians have built a garrison at the broken Stone Table. Caspian meets them there. To help the oppressed Narnians and Caspian, the High King Peter (William Moseley) drafts a challenge to Miraz. The young people make decisions about war with dire consequences. Lucy (Georgie Henley) who thinks she has seen Aslan (voice of Liam Neeson; Batman Begins), seeks his help, only to discover that he has been there all the while.

The Film

            Director and co-writer Andrew Anderson has interpreted Prince Caspian through sweeping cinematography that is warm and beautiful. He has restructured the storyline while keeping the essence and key events of C.S. Lewis’ story in tact. By taking the time to develop the new characters in varying levels of complexity, this adaptation is non- linear, interesting and compelling. To their credit the writers have not reduced the moral dilemmas the characters face into simple black and white categories. Instead they show how difficult it is to know and choose what is right and good. The special effects are bold and magical. All the actors give solid, credible performances. The humor derives from the book and is well-placed, timed, and delivered.

Key differences between the film and the book are that the handsome Caspian becomes more of a central figure in the and there are too many prolonged chases and/or battle scenes. This has resulted in the film’s clocking in at almost 2 ½ hours – an hour too long for me.

            Yet Anderson has, in fact, turned Prince Caspian into a rather awesome, magical epic that is well worth experiencing. Aslan continues to be strong and gentle; Lucy’s relationship with him is genuinely affectionate, trusting, and confident. Lewis’ themes are subtly woven into the narrative and offer families and religious educators (and English teachers) much to talk about.

I think Prince Caspian is appropriate for children aged about nine and up because of the intensity of the fighting and violence (though completely bloodless). 

                                                     c. Disney  Enterprises Inc. and Walden Media LLC.
Photo Credit: Murray Close

Key Themes for Conversation

Faith, Hope & Love – The children discover a garden filled with apples. Lucy eats one of them. As the children and Trumpkin journey toward Aslan’s How, Lucy thinks she sees Aslan signaling them to take another route. The others don’t really believe her, and she doubts herself. Instead of following Aslan, she keeps going with the group. (What test of faith in the Bible do the fruit and the garden remind you of? See Genesis 2, 3). Talk about Lucy’s test and journey of faith, as well as that of the other characters. How did you feel when Lucy talks to Aslan about believing in what we cannot see? How did you feel about Aslan’s response to her? How did you feel when Nikabrik called upon the White Witch? What saved Peter from the temptation to trust her instead of Aslan’s promise?

What does hope mean to you? How did the Narnians, in particular, show hope in the film? Did they ever sound discouraged in having to wait so long for deliverance? What changed their sadness to hope? When Lucy asks Aslan why things cannot be as they were, what does Aslan tell her? What does he mean? How is Aslan the fulfillment of Lucy’s hope?

How many different kinds of love are shown in the film? Even though the Pevensie children don’t always agree with one another, do you think they love one another? How do you know? What kind of love does Caspian show for the professor? And the professor for him? What kind of love does Trufflehunter show? Who does King Miraz love? How do you know this? How did you feel when the heroic Narnians die at the castle? Why did they follow King Peter and Prince Caspian into battle? Why did the contents of Lucy’s bottle have the power to heal? Why is healing or helping others a sign of love?

Imagination -

What do you think is the difference between “seeing” and “looking”? Why do you think the characters talk about having “an imagination”? Why didn’t they all see Aslan when Lucy could? Aslan is often interpreted as a God-figure (as well as a Christ-figure) in C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. How do you imagine God to be? What does God look like to you? How do you talk to God in your heart? Is it like the way that Lucy talks to Aslan? (Would you like to try it? Close your eyes for a moment and pretend ...) 

Choosing Peace  – In the film Lucy offers a challenge to Peter and the others as they try to decide whether to pitch the battle at the castle or at Aslan’s How. She says that they are only considering two options: if they will die at the castle or at the How. What is the third option Lucy suggests to them? Do you think Lucy’s option would work in the world today? Why or why not? How does your imagination tell you the story would change if the children had taken Lucy’s suggestion?

Character or moral fiber – To have a good character means that a person makes right choices when alone or with others. Some of the funniest and most memorable moments in the film are when the characters make remarks about the personalities of the others. What qualities or virtues (habits of doing good), or negative traits did you notice in the film? (Courage, courtesy, chivalry, kindness, hospitality. love; lying, complaining, stubbornness, misuse of power.)  What did Reepicheep mean when he talked about his “huge humility”? Why do you think some people would think this was a funny thing to say? What did Aslan say about this? Do you think Prince Caspian was humble? What about Lucy and the other children and characters? Why? (Make a list of your favorite and another of your least favorite characters. Write one word beside each name that describes their character, that is, their virtues or character weaknesses.) What was the difference between Lord Sopespian and General Glozelle? Who said that no one can hate like humans can? Why did he say this? What is power? Why do some of the characters in the film want to be powerful over others and get rid of them? Is it ever right to want to be in power over others? Why or why not?

Decision making – Good character often is shown when people (or characters ina story) have to make choices between one, two or more things that may seem to have thesame importance. Upon reflection, however, a person will hopefully make the best choice for the common good of family, school, community, church and society based on what he or she knows to be right or wrong. If the person doesn’t know, he/she can ask for advice. Talk about when this happens in the film especially as it relates to resolving conflicts or arguments. Then, what decision(s) proves that Prince Caspian has a good, even great, character? What traits will make him a good leader? What would you have done in Caspian’s place when he has a chance to take revenge on King Miraz for his father’s death? What did Miraz do that was wrong? Why did he do that? Why is vengeance never a Christ-like option? (Do you think Azlan would have ever taken vengeance when he was slain in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Why? What about the Pevensie siblings reacted when they find out who will be returning to Narnia and who will not? What character strengths did they show?

The Environment – Why are the trees dead in the film? What brings them back to life? What parts of nature are shown to be healthy in the film? What parts seem unhealthy? Do you think there is a message in the film about taking care of the earth? If you do, talk about what you noticed. (Why is it a good thing to care for the earth?)

Other themes in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: Myth; the hero’s journey; moral issues such as murder and the existential/spiritual and physical effects of such unnatural acts; gender roles; multiculturalism; growing up; spiritual maturity; racism and genocide; freedom from oppression; key themes of Catholic social teaching  as reflected in the film (http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/socialteaching/excerpt.shtml); symbolism: light, water, etc.; sacramental signs and their meaning.

____________

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When the 4th season of "So you thing You Can Dance" begins on May 22 (Fox), I will be watching. I watched it for the first time last year and was blown away by many of the dances as the weeks went on, especially "The Hummingbird Dance." It's the one dance I remember. I watched it again this morning and felt the same way. I was also impressed by how serious and sincere these young people are about dance, and how talented they are. For the most part, I really admired how well they created and gave so much credibility to their art.

I took tap dancing lessons when I was in 2nd grade. I begged and badgered until my grandmother enrolled me and paid the $2 per lesson at the nearest Totten Dance Studio in San Diego. After the first "recital", well, I came out late and so they gave me a plastic trophy and said I didn't need to come back anymore. I got over it. It was a lot of physical work that included tumbling. I wasn't a very good tumbler! Well, we all have our gifts.

All the best to the dancers and choreographers. I hope this season will be even more inspiring than last time.

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Are you a fan? I am and have been since the show debuted.

I do tire of the audition process because it's always the same. I feel badly for the contestants whose feelings are hurt, but I hope that people who want a career in entertainment will realize how difficult television is and learn a good lesson. I want them to disern long and hard before they take the step to audition. As I have said before, I wish parents would be more truthful with their kids in the first place. On the other hand, the families of many of the contestants are on hand to support their daughter, son, cousin, friend and this is always good to see. 

So it is manipulation and exploitation on the part of American Idol - its deemed "good" television and this makes it profitable for Fox. At this stage of the game, from the final 25 on, no contestant goes into the process without knowing they could be made fun of, painfully, or launch a career.

Having said this, I am still a fan of American Idol because I love to see these artists do well; what an occasion to celebrate how God has blessed them and us. The final three, David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado, are all good, but my vote goes for David Cook. Though he is the favored, and has a fine voice, I think David A. might need to mature (life-experience) as an artist and that Syesha is so outstanding that she will have a career no matter what. Her rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come" was genuine and beautiful.

I also want to say that I voted for Chris Daughtry (and the only one in our community who did) and always said he was the best of that season, and look how well he is doing. And I am not a fan of rock. David Cook, like Daughtry, sounds wonderful, rock or not.

Finally, I love Brook White - what a talented young woman and my community (the other three fans!) really like Carly Smithson.

In the scheme of things, does American Idol matter? It matters tosome people, and it entertains millions. It provides a way for us (nuns) to talk together about things that don't matter and things that do. The show helps us build community because we are communicating and reminded to respect the opinions of others.

When American Idol seems to wander from respect for the people on the show, judges, contestants, whoever, it can let us down. But when it upholds the dignity of the people and the arts, including the audience, it entertains, and uplifts us, and succeeds wildly.

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Just letting you know about these events.

Please visit websites for more information. And please feel free to forward this to anyone you think may be interested.

1) Catholic Media Convention

Toronto, Canada

May 28-20, 2008

Catholic Press Association (USA & Canada) & the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals (SIGNIS- USA and Canada)

http://www.catholicmediaconvention.org/

2) Catholic New Media Celebration                             Atlanta, GA June 22, 2008

http://celebration.sqpn.com/about/

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Happy Days are Here Again in A Plumm Summer

A conversation with Henry Winkler

In 1966 the F.B.I. was called in to investigate, of all things, a puppet-napping of the star of a children’s television show in Great Falls, MT.

David Brinkley is said to have reported at the time, “Justas coast-to-coast networks threaten to make local children's programming a thing of the past, we get this report from Billings, Montana. Froggy Doo has been kidnapped. That's right folks, Froggy Doo, local TV legend and certified puppet, disappeared during a live show in front of hundreds of young fans. And if that's not strange enough, J. Edgar Hoover himself has sent two agents to Montana to investigate the disappearance of Billing's favorite frog. I kid you not".

On April 25 Froggy Doo’s story is coming to theaters in A Plumm Summer directed and co-written by newcomer Caroline Zelder. A Plumm Summer is a low-budget independent film about family relationships with a surprisingly strong cast.

A Plumm Summer

As the heat of the summer bears down on the Montana landscape, the father of a small family, Mick Plumm (Daniel Baldwin; Backdraft; The Squid and the Whale) must face the impact of his alcoholism and failure to hold a job on his marriage (his wife is played by Lisa Guererro, Sunset Beach) and family.

His 5-year old son Rocky (Owen Pearce) has a sunny disposition, but his 13-year old son, Elliott (Chris J. Kelly) is convinced that his dad doesn’t even know he exists. Just when the summer seems too long and boring, the news that Froggy Doo is stolen hits the news. The boys and their friends join together to investigate the mystery of his disappearance.

One of America’s favorite stars, Henry Winkler (Happy Days; An American Christmas Carol; Holes; Click) plays Happy Herb, the host of the children’s show. In addition to finding Froggy Doo, Herb must heal a relationship of his own. A Plumm Summer is all about family members seeing each other, recognizing the gift of each person and being open to reconciliation and grace.

A Conversation with Henry Winkler

 I had the opportunity to interview Henry Winkler last week via phone; me from my office in Culver City, CA and Henry on his cell phone driving to work. Henry was born in New York in 1945 and is a Golden Globe Award-winning American actor, director, producer, and author. Henry is perhaps best known for his role as “The Fonz” on Happy Days (1974 – 1984).

RP: What did you like best about making A Plumm Summer?

HW: Working with children; telling a children’s story. Ever since I was in high school I have worked with children; I was a counselor in an after school program in Manhattan. I realized then that I got along better with children than adults – and this was a film about the world of children. Then there was the fly-fishing for trout in Montana.

RP: From your voice it sounds as though you consider fly-fishing almost a spiritual experience.

HW: It is completely zen; a washing machine for your brain. You cannot concentrate on anything else. It’s just you the fish and the running stream. You are literally drained of yourself. I was dreaming of bringing the entire Middle East to go fly fishing. It creates so much peace.

RP: If it is not too personal, can you describe your inner, spiritual life?

HW: I like my religion: I am Jewish. I like the tenacity shown in Jewish history. And I have often thought that since we are created in God’s image when we talk to God and ask him for something we are talking to the highest and best parts of ourselves as well. They say that God only helps those who help themselves. Then there is a saying that inspires me: “If you will it, it is not a dream.” This phrase is the grease for the axel that turns the earth around; this is one of the cornerstones of being alive on this earth, in this universe. It is a truth as opposed to a good thought.

When I was younger I went to Synagogue to have my one on one chats with God. I used to knock on the wood of the chair in front of me because I thought there were so many people talking to him at the same that I needed to knock to get his attention. And you know what? My life is blessed. All of the complaining that I do? In actuality I have no complaints.

RP: What one quality do you think is necessary for young people who want to become part of the entertainment industry?

HW: What’s that one quality?  I would reduce the entire journey, and it is a journey, to two words they would be preparation and tenacity. If you completely integrate these two words they will get you where you want to go. One out of five children has a learning challenge but no one way, shape, or form correlates to how brilliant that child, that person is, if they prepare well for what they want to do and are tenacious about achieving their goals.

RP: How important is character in the entertainment industry and in life?

HW: This is a great question. I think that character is one of the main ingredients in the choices that a person makes in life. There is an acting axiom that you write in your notebook on the first day of acting class: in your choice is your talent. What you choose to do with your life in this industry will give you either a short term view of your life and career or longevity.

RP: Where are you now in the arc of your career?

No matter what I have done in my particular industry, I am always at the beginning. I never kid myself that what I have done matters to the powers that be. It always feels like I am at the beginning. I feel energy and excitement, but it takes a lot of that energy to push that rock [of a new project] up the mountain one more time.

RP: How would you describe the relationship between the entertainment industry and the family?

HW: In general, I don’t think the media understands the family. The real truth is that if the media trusted the family with the truth instead of moving away from the emotionality of living they would connect better with the audience. The industry always seems to want to dumb down productions but I have seen that children want to be taken on an inner journey. There are exceptions. Take a crazy film like Super Bad – there was an inner truth and a journey and this softens the film’s [distasteful] language. At their heart the characters were real, identifiable people and we cared about them; they grew as people and changed.

RP: You seem to get children.

HW: We underestimate the child. We are afraid that the child won’t get it, the truth of the story, and will become what he sees. But I know from my own children that they do imitate what they see in the culture but their souls do not become that. My son didn’t become a gangster because he put on the accoutrement of rap - the baggy pants, and all. His soul is in tact. You have to trust that your child is listening to the best of you. Underneath the baggy clothing is the best of that child. 

RP: I have read that you are dyslexic and that school was hard for you. How did you get the idea to write a series of books about a character that has learning challenges?

HW: I grew up thinking I was stupid so I turned down the idea of writing the Hank Zipzer books the first time by my agent mentioned it. But the second time he brought up the idea of writing [with Lin Oliver] about the adventures and trials of Hank Zipzer many months later, I told myself: I knew this kid, this character; I was this character.

RP: What are the books about?

HW: They are about this kid at school and they tell about the frustration and the comedy of what Hank faces. They are for grades 3-6. But above all, the books are funny before anything else.

RP: What has been the response to the books?

HW: The reaction to the books has been more than I ever imagined. I get letters form parents, librarians, teachers, and children from all over the world (the books have been translated into three languages since Niagara Falls, or Does It? in 2003.) I got one letter from a kid that said, “I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my body.” Another: “How did you know me so well?” And another: “Not one word, chapter, or paragraph is boring.” Then parents tell me that “My child is a reluctant reader but has now read five of your books”, well, what could be greater than that?

RP: Some people say that peace will be achieved through the arts. Do you agree with this?

HW: The arts in school should never be an after-thought. The only way that you can unlock the child is through the arts. The arts present the only way children will know how to unlock themselves. The U.S. is the only country that completely diminishes art in education. The arts are an essential part of education.

RP: Why should families see A Plumm Summer?

HW: Entertainment is the most magnetic when it is the most humane. There are no special effects in this little movie; instead it is all about the effect of the heart. There are no explosions except the explosion ofthe heart. The relationships between the dad and the eldest son; between the mom and the dad; the bond between the two brothers; the children growing up and learning and having responsibility that summer – and the relationship of my character with his wife is repaired. No matter who you are in the family, there is something for you in this film.

RP: What words of wisdom do you have for the faith audience?

HW: To be aware of whom you are and to be open to others, to move outside of yourself; this will give you the gift of the world.

________

Sister Rose Pacatte, FSP is the Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City, CA, the TV/film columnist for St. Anthony Messenger, a contributor to The Tidings and a media literacy education specialist.

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You can find my review at St. Anthony Messenger's website:

http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Apr2008/Eye_On_Entertainment.asp

While I often will write two reviews for a film, I decided that this was about all I can say about "Expelled."

If my column length had permitted it, I would have added links to what a Vatican scientist said about "intelligent design" in 2005: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10101394/

And I would really have wished the filmmakers would have included a Catholic perspective (they mention "Catholic" only once in the film), including a reference to St. Thomas Aquinas' philosophical arguments/proofs from natural reason for the existence of God:

"The fifth proof arises from the ordering of things for we see that some things which lack reason, such as natural bodies, are operated in accordance with a plan. It appears from this that they are operated always or the more frequently in this same way the closer they follow what is the Highest; whence it is clear that they do not arrive at the result by chance but because of a purpose. The things, moreover, that do not have intelligence do not tend toward a result unless directed by some one knowing and intelligent; just as an arrow is sent by an archer. Therefore there is something intelligent by which all natural things are arranged in accordance with a plan---and this we call God."

Visit http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/aquinas3.html for all five proofs.

The Catholic Church (notably in the 20th century especially) has a rich body of teaching on Scripture, science, and evolution. Here is an excellent article from Catholic Answers that addresses Catholic beliefs and the issues about evolution:

http://www.catholic.com/library/adam_eve_and_evolution.asp

The filmmakers might say that "Expelled" is not about evolution or intelligent design but about academic freedom. Perhaps this is true. It is interesting that evolution/intelligent design is the only area of academic intolerance the film addresses (if I recall well.)

Science, reason/philosophy, and theology are not incompatible. However, one is not the other. They can support each other (St. Thomas Aquinas also taught that philosophy is the handmaiden of philosophy - but he doesn't seem to have addressed the science that his teacher and mentor, St. Albert the Great is known for.)

At the end of the day, I don't think the film adds great clarity to any aspect of the evolution/intelligent design debate - though it may raise some temperatures.

To be fair, the film says that the debate they (the filmmakers) have framed will be settled by the evidence - that no one seems to have systematically presented to date. (They might argue that academia doesn't permit it; but since when do limitations hold back the search for truth?) 

Bring it on.

(Some questions comes to mind: were all those academics really fired for only the reasons noted in the film? What information was left out? Did we get the whole story? What's motivated the filmmakers? Injustice? And what else?)

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Summer Theology 2008

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

Center for Religion & Spirituality

www.lmu.edu/extension/religion (click on Summer Theology)

Meeting Jesus at the Movies

Sister Rose Pacatte, F.S.P., MEd in Media Studies

RELX 855.01

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings, June 15 - 17. Sunday class to meet at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 6657 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 7:00-8:30 PM.  Monday - Tuesday classes 7:00- 8:45 PM at LMU.  Sunday night's lecture at Blessed Sacrament is both the first night of the course and also a stand-alone, free-and-open-to-the-public event. (Sunday co-presented with Sr. Gretchen Hailer, RSHM),

http://www.lmu.edu/Page43261.aspx

Cinema can provide marvelous opportunities to help ourselves and others meet Jesus in daily life. These very visual and practical presenations will look at a variety of film clips from major motion pictures through the lens of the Gospels and offer suggestions for an authentic experience of cinema divina.

Sunday: Meeting Jesus at the Movies  (stand alone)

Monday: Meeting Jesus at the Movies II

Tuesday: Cinema Divina

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If you missed last Sunday's new episode of Desperate Hosuewives (picking up where the Writers' Strike left off), be sure to catch the re-run this Friday night, ABC, 8pm.

Why?

Here's the write-up from the website:

"Katherine is unable to keep some of her secrets; Susan's young, attractive cousin reveals more than expected; a surprise wedding ceremony has its share of secrets. "

But the reason to watch (and if you are in any kind of ministry, to record) is because this episode is all about what faith and worship mean in practice. Lynette, battling cancer, sees Bree and family on their way to church on a Sunday morning, and decides that her family needs to go. Of itself, this may seem trite. But the dialogue, the conversations between the characters, is priceless. Lynette and family go to the Presbyterian church with Bree (though Lynette's husband was raised Catholic; wait til you hear one of their son's description of who Jesus us...) but Lynette has questions that the sermon doesn't answer so she stands up and queries the minister. Bree's embarrassment makes her dis-invite Lynette so the next week they go to the Catholic Church.... but what has suffered is the friendship between Lynette and Bree - and how this is resolved is what faith in life is all about. 

At the end (this is television, so I get to give away the ending), when Lynette and Bree are laughing and talking again, with a Bible in front of them, they are not reading the Word, they are being the Word. This is not extreme drama; it is ordinary, filled with light, and fine.

If you are engaged in evangelization in any way, this thread of the show will launch many conversations; it will show what any number of lectures and homilies won't be able to do.

Now, Gaby, the token Catholic who stays Catholic for all the wrong - and right - reasons, is surprisingly well-informed about the canonical status of her marriage ... again, the dialogue offers lots to talk about. Her very ineptitude at living her faith evokes conversation about what it means to be who she loudly professes herself to be. (The priest's knowledge about ritual and canon law seems flawed, but I think Gaby so exasperates him that he goes along. This says as much about his faith as Gaby's.

The women of Wysteria Lane are not perfect, they are greatly flawed - and seemingly criminal. But they have hearts and souls and it looks like the writers are back on track with the heart and humanity, truth and consequences apsects, of the show.

This episode is about asking questions and asking and asking, even when it makes others socially uncomfortable. Lynette may not be seeking next week, but this week she is. In their own ways, all the characters on DH are.

If the tornado episodes re-run, be sure to get them. Again, humanity and heart can emerge even from shows with a bottom drawer reputation in the faith community.

If you have access to the first season of DH, check out the Valentine's Day episode. The thread about Lynette and Mrs. McCloskey is the epitome of what living faith is all about.

Be surprised.

(And remember that the only consistent thing about television is that it is inconsistent. Not every show delivers, but many do.)

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Just by chance I got to see this film on Saturday with my sister Libby, visiting from Sacramento. Enchanting, life-affirming, foot-stomping, inspiring, and fun.

The film follows the Young@Heart Chorus from Northampton, MA - median age: 80 - for about seven weeks before they are to go on tour with a new program. Led by Bob Climan for 25 years, the group learns several new songs and deals with life in a way that transcends the sickness and limitations that come to us all as life goes on.

This synopsis may sound as bland as white bread, but both my sister and I laughed and cried - and so did most of the audience at the Landmark on Pico - more than we have in a long, long, time.

This is a documentary that I will watch over and over.

For all those who think Hollywood doesn't have good things in the pipeline, see this film and bless the Lord and the wonderful people in the film, and all those who made it possible. Young@Heart attests to the universal language of music - and how it can rock your world, filling it with hope, faith, and love.

This is a story for the ages.

Check out a couple of short videos on YouTube.com:

Themes to talk about:

Live

Death

Dying well

Hope

The presence of God

Human dignity

Community

The common good

The Last Rites (Anointing of the Sick)

Life-affirming

Optimism

Suffering

Joy

The power of music to bring faith and life together

Praise

Marriage; fidelity

Generosity

The Spirit who gives life

Heart

and so much more....

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