The Reader is a quiet, thoughtful film that begins with a tension of sexual awakening and coming into manhood…and a feeling of tumult to come. It’s a slow reveal delivered to us intelligently, and requiring the intelligence of the viewer as we discover, for instance Hanna Schmitz’ (played beautifully by Kate Winslet through all her…
Grand Torino and Slumdog Millionaire share certain themes and characteristics. 1) Both are love stories–though “Grand Torino” is a bit of a sneaky one, and “Slumdog Millionaire” is more along a classic fable line. 2) Both reveal depths of an exploration of cultural difference with deft sensitivity…though, again, “Grand Torino” sneaks up on you with…
In my St. Louis neighborhood movie theater inside the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, I viewed two Oscar nominated Best Picture candidates: Frost/Nixon and Milk. By this time, I’m sure you know their stories, so I’ll use this space to note how similar they are. 1) They are both about political figures. Duh. 2) They both…
Kevin C. Johnson, author of the blog “The Blender” writes an interesting review of “Tell Me Something Good.” Photo shows most of the cast members from the show. See Kevin’s article for a good description of the cast: how they were chosen, and how the younger and older members blend together. The Black Rep’s “Tell…
“Morsels of Mischief” by father-daughter team Tom and Chris McClarren offers a full meal of detailed and evocative memories of an unusual childhood in a Catholic orphan home. Filled with tensions as well as sweet and bitter-sweet memories, these Orphan Tales escape nostalgia and sentimentality by their honesty and the directness of Tom McClarren’s voice….
Click here to read an earlier Riehlife post relating to Dempsey’s writing process for “Two Candles.” Ernest Dempsey uses the defining image of light as the threading metaphor through his collection of 74 selected poems contained in 84 pages. Light as an archtypal image is the perfect connecting theme as Dempsey’s mind roams classic philosophic…
Last night, Joel P.E. King’s “Real Life” received a reading at The Space, on Vendeventer. A national producer attending gave it a thumbs up at the end of the show and will be taking it all the way. It was like being present at one of those reality shows, and very exciting as we enjoyed…
Freida Wheaton of Salon 53 is a strong supporter of Dance St. Louis (click here to learn more) as both donor and board member. Last spring a table filled with Freida’s friends, had the pleasure of enjoying an evening of dining and performance to raise funds for the organization. So, I was only too happy…
Fisher was a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her work has appeared in many prominent magazines. She has contributed to ten non-fiction books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. Wife-mother-author Fisher lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The best…
By Justine Toms Reviewed by The Brussats Small Pleasures: Finding Grace in a Chaotic World By Justine Toms Hampton Roads Hardcover $18.95 ISBN: 9781571745866 Reviewed by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, authors of “Spirituality & Practice: Resources for the Spiritual Journey.” You can find their work online at www.spiritualityandpractice.com. Justine Toms is cofounder and managing…