1. Over the Rhine – The Long Surrender (more…)

Originally, my list of 2009 favorite films was published as a three-part series at Image’s Good Letters blog. You can read that here: Part One, Part Two, Part Three.

But as promised, I’ll be revising the list as I catch up with 2009 releases that I missed during my long hours of writing Raven’s Ladder.

Here are a few thoughts on 2009′s moviegoing year, and the latest version of my list. (more…)

It’s far too early for me to share a “Favorite Films of 2009″ list. After all, there are about 40 highly praised films from 2009 that I haven’t seen yet.

But I *can* share a list of Favorite Films I Saw in 2009 list. (more…)

First, a couple of notes:

• An abridged version of this list and commentary was published in three parts at Image earlier this year.
• This list will be revised. Keep checking back and you’re likely to see new additions to the list.

Okay, to borrow one of 2008′s most memorable big screen moments: “Here… we… go!”

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First, a preview…

HD here.
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The master has spoken.

I have a rough-draft list of my favorites for 2008, and it’s almost identical to this one. Wild. That rarely happens with any critic, especially Ebert. But my current favorite film of ’08 is on this list, so if you want to start guessing… go ahead. I’m really, really surprised and delighted to see it there.

The Browser: News & links to raise your eyebrows & furrow your brow.
New headlines may be added as the day goes on. Stay tuned.

• NPR has the story of Rev. Gloria White Hammond, who brings a “ministry of healing” to those who are suffering in Darfur.

  Today, as I read this story of faith, love, and compassion, I’m reminded that Washington State’s Governor Gregoire has allowed the following statement to be posted beside a Nativity Scene in the State Capitol:

  “There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”

  Then why do the hopeless turn to the churches… not just for a message of hope, but for an outpouring of generosity and care during hard times? Why did America’s slaves express their hopes and dreams most poignantly through gospel music, rather than through expressions of casting off all belief in God?

  The truth will set you free. The music of freedom is gospel music. The holiday of freedom is Christmas, in which we celebrate the birth of one who would suffer persecution, rejection, and an excruciating death, in order to demonstrate once and for all that death has been defeated, and that we can all be free of fear and slavery.

  I think that display in the Capitol makes its point very powerfully: One is a defiant statement of contempt for the choices of others. (Ahhh… Washington… the state of “tolerance.”) The other is a work of art, full of mystery, which draws people of all ages all around the world and kindles questions of hope in their hearts.

  Which path appeals to you?

  Merry Christmas, everybody.

• Jeffrey Wells asks, “If — I say if — a Brando biopic were to happen, is there a better actor to fill the role?” Which actor is he talking about? Find out. Me, I heartily agree with him.

MORE:

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These are the albums that I’ve enjoyed most so far this year (in no particular order).

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I’ll admit it. I did not keep up with the world of music the way I have in the past. On average, I listened to a new album every week, but the time I’d planned to spend writing about them was swallowed by film-writing assignments and fiction deadlines. It’s been a demanding year in so many ways.

Thanks to the vigilance of friends and colleagues like Josh Hurst, Andy Whitman, Thom Jurek, the folks at All-Music Guide and Paste Magazine, I did discover recordings that gave me relief, strength, inspiration, and hope. Some were profound, some just plain fun. And, as always, I want to share them with you. So here is a list of ten albums that made a difference to me.

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About this list:

Once again, I find myself looking forward to hearing a long list of albums that have come highly recommended… but I haven’t had the time to give them proper attention. (That’s what a full-time job, weekly review-and-column deadlines, and three book deadlines will do to you.)

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