Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington


From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

Deacon Eric Meisfjord, Editor
P.O. Box 48, Spokane WA 99210
(509) 358-7340; FAX: (509) 358-7302

Media Watch

Reviews of movies, books, theater, and television

by Father Tom Caswell, for the Inland Register

  • January 19, 2012
    ‘Soulful Spirituality’ demonstrates prayer from variety of traditions; Scorcese scores a hit with ‘Hugo’

    2011

  • December 15, 2011
    From clever to profound to simple fun: ‘Moneyball,’ ‘The Descendents,’ ‘Tower Heist’
  • November 17, 2011
    ‘Norman’ is ‘a small film that packs a wallop’; ‘The Way’ is ‘a gift from the Sheen family to all of us’
  • October 20, 2011
    ‘The Cardinals’ offers history’s perspetive on Church life; ‘The Guard’ a fish-out-of-water thriller
  • September 15, 2011
    Farewell to Harry Potter; Spokane Shakespeare production featured stand-out performances
  • August 18, 2011
    Top marks for ‘Super 8,’ ‘The Tree of Life’; ‘Garden of Beasts,’ not so much
  • July 21, 2011
    Surprising performances: from Owen Wilson in Woody Allen’s latest, and Will Farrell in new serious comedy
  • June 9, 2011
    Terrific films from Netherlands, Denmark; new book asks (and answers), ‘Why Stay Catholic?’
  • May 19, 2011
    Diocese’s archivist tells the story of ‘China’s Saints’; ‘Win Win’ is ‘well worth seeing’
  • April 28, 2011
    Shades of ‘Groundhog Day’ in ‘Source Code’; ‘Lincoln Lawyer’ ruled an ‘enjoyable confection’
  • April 7, 2011
    ‘Unknown’ ‘sort of’ makes sense; ‘Adjustment Bureau,’ and conversations about God and religion
  • March 17, 2011
    ‘Rabbit Hole’ makes successful transition from stage to film; Jesuit’s vocation memoir reissued
  • February 24, 2011
    Ten best movies; stories of ministry, public and private
  • February 3, 2011
    Wayne-less ‘True Grit’ still ‘a movie you will want to see’
  • January 13, 2011
    High praise for ‘The King’s Speech,’ ‘127 Hours,’ cast of ‘The Fighter’; ‘The Tourist,’ not so much

    2010

  • December 16, 2010
    A look at Herman Hesse; prayer from Notre Dame; ‘Morning Glory’ is ‘enjoyable and relaxing’
  • December 2, 2010
    Sister Madonna Buder’s book ‘renews the spirit and inspires the dream’; Disney’s ‘Secretariat’ is ‘well worth seeing’
  • November 11, 2010
    Even at two-plus hours, Eastwood’s ‘Hereafter’ flies by
  • October 21, 2010
    Story of Facebook hits the big screen; a look at a 1948 Faulkner novel; and essayists reflect on aspects of Catholicism
  • September 30, 2010
    ‘Restrepo’ gives stark picture of life in Middle East combat outpost; Jesuit’s liturgy book performs ‘a great service’
  • September 9, 2010
    Two fine films fill the screen; Christopher Buckley reflects the death of his parents
  • August 19, 2010
    New books detail Catholic life, from prayer to priesthood and family dynamics
  • July 29, 2010
    Summer: time for a popcorn movie and a new collection from Sherman Alexie
  • July 1, 2010
    Pullman author’s memoir of life in Occupied France a highly recommended read
  • June 10, 2010
    Start assembling your summer reading list now
  • May 20, 2010
    Recent ‘New Yorker’ offers plenty of food for thought, as do ‘Help my Unbelief’ and ‘City Island’
  • April 29, 2010
    ‘Let the Great World Spin’ a ‘total delight,’ plus words from Sister Joan Chittister and a vocation story
  • April 8, 2010
    On film: ‘The Ghost Writer,’ ‘That Evening Sun’; Alaska pastor reflects on abuse crisis
  • March 18, 2010
    The 15 best films of 2009, plus books new and newer
  • February 25, 2010
    ‘Quest’ is ‘very helpful for prayer’; Clooney shines as corporate hit-man in ‘Up in the Air’
  • February 4, 2010
    See ‘Avatar’ for the effects, not the acting; 2008 presidential campaign revisited in ‘Game Change’
  • January 14, 2010
    ‘Invictus’ a tale of reconciliation; ‘Orson Welles’ an exploration of youth; economy forms backdrop of ‘Lives of the Poets’

    2009

  • December 17, 2009
    Top-notch storytelling, acting in ‘The Blind Side,’ ‘Everybody’s Fine’
  • December 3, 2009
    Coen Brothers’ latest film contains echoes of Job
  • November 12, 2009
    ‘Strikingly beautiful’ biopic of John Keats; new mystery from James Lee Burke
  • October 22, 2009
    Jesuit with Spokane ties tells stories of Africa’s children; ‘The Informant!’ a ‘dark comedy’
  • October 1, 2009
    ‘Hopeful and life-changing’ book from Barbara Taylor Brown; ‘Julie and Julia’ enjoyable, not great
  • September 10, 2009
    ‘Hurt Locker’ best Iraq War movie so far; ‘(500) Days of Summer’ is ‘well worth seeing’
  • August 20, 2009
    Montana priest publishes memoirs; Johnny Depp gives ‘understated’ portrayal of Dillinger in ‘Public Enemies’
  • July 30, 2009
    ‘Sister’s Keeper’ a ‘no-holds-barred cancer weepie’; Huston’s ‘Wise Blood’ a fine DVD
  • July 2, 2009
    ‘Up’ a ‘wonderful family film ... you don’t want to miss’
  • June 11, 2009
    Despite errors and exaggerations, ‘Angels & Demons’ a ‘good thriller,’ but don’t take it seriously
  • May 21, 2009
    New biography examines Flannery O’Connor; at the cineplex, ‘The Soloist,’ ‘State of Play’
  • April 30, 2009
    Novel, ‘National Geographic’ provide insights into Russian history, religious culture
  • April 9, 2009
    Drama treasures from TV’s Golden Age released; Grisham’s latest novel an enjoyable read
  • March 19, 2009
    Contemporary Catholicism, Blessed Pope John XXIII grace this week’s bookshelf
  • February 26, 2009
    New books; plus, the 10 best films of 2008
  • February 5, 2009
    New work released by David Guterson, Clint Eastwood
  • January 15, 2009
    ‘Australia’ an epic disappointment; ‘Doubt’ delivers complex ideas, powerful performances

    2008

  • December 18, 2008
    A memoir of faith, a film about the Holocaust, and Christmas music from Spokane Valley
  • December 4, 2008
    Illustrated books celebrate the gift that is a child; ‘Changeling’ features powerful performances
  • November 13, 2008
    A return to the Western with ‘Appaloosa’; books examine Catholicism in World War II Germany, and the question of human suffering
  • October 23, 2008
    Catch ‘Brideshead Revisited’ on DVD (but keep the book handy); a new mystery from James Lee Burke
  • October 2, 2008
    In non-fiction: a year of seminary formation reveals joy, hope, tragedy; French film is ‘best in months’
  • September 11, 2008
    With twists and turns, ‘Frozen River’ ultimately about family; one final book from NCR columnist
  • August 21, 2008
    End-of-summer entertainments to be found in books, on film; Ellsberg edits Dorothy Day
  • July 31, 2008
    Holiness and history mix on summer’s bookshelf
  • July 3, 2008
    Books in depth and in passing, with a dash of Public Television for good measure
  • June 12, 2008
    Independent film brightens summer movie viewing; forgiveness in the face of Amish schoolhouse killings
  • May 22, 2008
    Theology and travel combine in Spokane priest’s pilgrimage memoir
  • May 1, 2008
    At the movies: ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’; fiction and leadership share the bookshelf
  • April 10, 2008
    ‘Pray All Ways’ available in new edition; ‘Lunch with the Saints’ cards a happy addition to brown-bag meals
  • March 20, 2008
    The 10 best films of 2007; on the bookshelf, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’
  • February 28, 2008
    New books detail life and history in Eastern Washington
  • February 7, 2008
    A plethora of media choices in the midst of winter
  • January 17, 2008
    ‘Great Debaters’ is ‘food for the soul,’ ‘Juno’ is ‘one of the best films’

    2007

  • December 20, 2007
    Blessed Mother Teresa's ‘dark night,’ ‘Golden Compass’
  • December 6, 2007
    ‘Bella’ is unique among autumn’s movie offerings
  • November 15, 2007
    ‘White Cascade’ tells of the courage of ordinary people; movie choices offer youthful idealism, personal heroism
  • October 25, 2007
    New books from James Lee Burke, Nancy Horan; ‘Frontline’ documentary offers themes of life, death, sacrament
  • October 4, 2007
    Jesuit’s new book recounts ‘Judas’ theater experience; at the cineplex, ‘3:10 to Yuma’
  • September 13, 2007
    Four movies to consider as the summer blockbuster season winds down
  • August 23, 2007
    Movie guide a great resource for parents, film buffs alike
  • August 2, 2007
    ‘A Mighty Heart’: ‘great acting ... impressive storytelling’
  • July 5, 2007
    Independent film offers fine performances, insights
  • June 14, 2007
    A novel idea: faith provides theme for mystery writers
  • May 24, 2007
    'My Life with the Saints,' 'Home of the Brave'
  • May 3, 2007
    New book provides discussion starters for movie fans
  • April 12, 2007
    Life and death: ‘The Lives of Others,’ ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’
  • March 22, 2007
    Movies from A to Z: 'Amazing Grace,' 'Breach,' 'Zodiac'
  • March 1, 2007
    Books tell tales of African-American priest, life in St. Paul, Occupied Berlin
  • February 8, 2007
    At the multiplex: the 10 best (and nearly best 5) of 2006
  • January 18, 2007
    ‘The Good Shepherd,’ ‘The Pursuit of Happyness,’ and a new novel from Alice McDermott

    2006

  • December 21, 2006
    Just in time for Christmas: 'The Nativity Story'
  • December 7, 2006
    At the movies: Bond’s back; Eastwood’s ‘passionate’ war film; Mirren triumphs
  • November 16, 2006
    'Flicka' remake 'a wonderful family film'
  • October 26, 2006
    Scorsese fills ‘The Departed’ with Catholic imagery; at the bookstores, ‘The Kite Runner,’ ‘The Theocons’
  • October 5, 2006
    ‘Hollywoodland,’ ‘The Illusionist,’ and a few short takes
  • September 14, 2006
    Books chronicle family relationships, Molokai’s captives
  • August 24, 2006
    ‘Lady in the Water,’ ‘Scoop,’ and an ‘ideal’ volume on Church history
  • August 3, 2006
    'Betrayed' American nuns; at the movies, 'Pirates,' 'Prada'
  • July 6, 2006
    A delightful ‘Prairie Home Companion,’ and a ‘memoir of faith’ from Barbara Brown Taylor
  • June 8, 2006
    ‘Da Vinci Code,’ Opus Dei, and choice summer reading
  • May 18, 2006
    Spokane on the big screen; ‘Blink’ examines the science of snap decisions
  • April 27, 2006
    Spring sees new books and Spike Lee’s ‘most commercial Hollywood movie’
  • April 6, 2006
    ‘World's Fastest Indian,’ ‘A Church in Search of Itself’
  • March 16, 2006
    Jones’s ‘Three Burials’ is ‘a deeply religious movie’
  • February 23, 2006
    Media Watch revisits the best movies of 2005
  • February 2, 2006
    ‘Munich’ is dark and difficult, ‘Narnia’ a ‘very good family film,’ and ‘Glory Road’ a ‘feel-good movie that makes a difference’
  • January 12, 2006
    ‘The Ninth Day,’ ‘The Family Stone,’ ‘Syriana’

    2005

  • December 15, 2005
    Jane Austen, Johnny Cash, Truman Capote, and books old and new
  • December 1, 2005
    'Good Night and Good Luck,' 'Jarhead,' 'Shopgirl'
  • November 10, 2005
    'Elizabethtown,' 'North Country,' 'The Rosary'
  • October 20, 2005
    This week: movies, books, and a Catholic children’s magazine
  • September 29, 2005
    ‘Constant Gardener’ in theaters; ‘Fumbling’ at bookstores
  • September 8, 2005
    ‘Broken Flowers’ is ‘one of the best movies of the year’
  • August 18, 2005
    ‘March of the Penguins’ processes against Hollywood’s slide
  • July 28, 2005
    Ian McEwan's 'Saturday'; Stephen Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds'
  • July 7, 2005
    Dramatic, uplifting boxing tale stands out among summer's comic book movies
  • June 9, 2005
    An American Protestant novel filled with Catholic themes; ‘Crash’ takes on ‘key questions of life and death’
  • May 19, 2005
    'The Coming Catholic Church,' 'Millions'
  • April 28, 2005
    'Dear Frankie,' 'The Upside of Anger'
  • April 7, 2005
    'Ice Princess' at the multiplex; a Hitchcock classic enlivened by Robert Benchley
  • March 17, 2005
    'Because of Winn-Dixie'; a roundup of 2004's best films
  • February 24, 2005
    Three films offer thought-provoking reflections on profound themes
  • February 3, 2005
    Scorcese directs DiCaprio in 'The Aviator'; Bill Murray in Wes Anderson's 'Steve Zissou'
  • January 13, 2005
    'Spanglish' 'Phantom of the Opera' among movie offerings

    2004

  • December 16, 2004
    'National Treasure' less than stellar, thoroughly enjoyable
  • December 2, 2004
    Great viewing at the movies: 'The Incredibles,' 'Ray'
  • November 11, 2004
    'The Motorcycle Diaries,' 'I (Heart) Huckabees'
  • October 21, 2004
    'Friday Night Lights' rises above sports movie clichés
  • September 30, 2004
    From a stranger on a train to 'Vanity Fair'
  • September 9, 2004
    At the movies: 'Garden State,' 'The Village'
  • August 19, 2004
    'Bourne Supremacy' provides lively international thriller
  • July 29, 2004
    High praise for 'The Terminal,' 'Spider-Man 2'
  • July 1, 2004
    ‘Stepford’ a ‘$90 million trifle,’ but new, darker Potter ‘stands out’
  • June 10, 2004
    New novel from Kent Haruf; 'Perfect Storm' director delivers 'Troy'
  • May 20, 2004
    Two popular movies reviewed: 'Man on Fire,' 'Mean Girls'
  • April 29, 2004
    Tales of family at the movies, on the bookshelves
  • April 8, 2004
    New book analyzes abuse crisis; in theaters, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’
  • March 18, 2004
    Extreme violence distances audience of ‘The Passion of the Christ’
  • February 26, 2004
    From the book shelf: nonfiction from Peter Steinfels, Philip Yancey
  • February 5, 2004
    Part Three of 'Lord of the Rings'; 2003's Top 10 movie list
  • January 15, 2004
    Comedy and tragedy at the movies: 'Something's Gotta Give,' 'House of Sand and Fog'

    2003

  • December 18, 2003
    Movies: Ron Howard's 'The Missing,' Edward Zwick's 'The Last Samurai'
  • December 4, 2003
    Movies: 'Love Actually,' 'Master and Commander'
  • November 13, 2003
    'Joan of Arcadia' on CBS; Eastwood's 'Mystic River'
  • October 23, 2003
    Movies: 'Lost in Translation,' 'Luther'
  • October 2, 2003
    From comic books to Nicholas Cage: 'American Splendor,' 'Matchstick Men'
  • September 11, 2003
    At the movies: ‘Open Range,’ ‘The Magdalene Sisters’
  • August 21, 2003
    Theaters feature movies for people who have given up on movies: 'Finding Nemo,' 'Seabiscuit'
  • July 31, 2003
    Summer reading: ‘Images of Jesus,’ ‘Office of Innocence’
  • July 3, 2003
    Summer’s new books, fiction and biography, explore personal, global impact of Church
  • June 12, 2003
    Movie time: ‘Matrix Reloaded,’ ‘Diary of a City Priest’
  • May 22, 2003
    Summer movie season breaks open early with ‘X-2,’ ‘Bend It Like Beckham’
  • May 1, 2003
    New movies include family fare, Adam Sandler
  • April 10, 2003
    Spring brings flowering of books for young and old: "Seven Lonely Places-Seven Warm Places: The Vices and Virtues for Children," "Letter to a Priest"; plus, 'Romeo and Juliet' on stage in Seattle
  • March 20, 2003
    Our critic lists the 10 best movies of 2002
  • February 27, 2003
    Two films have multiple Oscar nods: 'Chicago,' 'Adaptation'
  • February 6, 2003
    ‘The Courage to be Catholic,’ ‘About Schmidt’
  • January 16, 2003
    New Spielberg at the movies ('Catch Me If You Can'); children’s words gathered in touching book ('Well Said: Children’s Words of Wisdom')

    2002

  • December 19, 2002
    Book recounts World War I’s informal Christmas Eve truce of 1914; ‘Harry Potter’ back in theaters
  • December 5, 2002
    Novel: ‘In the River Sweet’; Film: ‘Frida’
  • November 14, 2002
    'The New Rabbi': Synagogue’s search resounds with many faith communities; at the movies: 'Monsoon Wedding'
  • October 24, 2002
    In bookstores: ‘The Emperor of Ocean Park’; at the movies: ‘Barbershop’
  • October 3, 2002
    Movie time: ‘The Good Girl,’ ‘The Four Feathers’
  • September 12, 2002
    'The Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed': Holy Names Sisters’ effort to ‘reclaim’ St. Ignatius’s spiritual exercises is a ‘tremendous gift’; on video: 'Last Orders'
  • August 22, 2002
    New book by Joyce Rupp celebrates God’s gift of creation; At the movies: ‘Signs’ not for the faint of heart
  • August 1, 2002
    A little ‘Godfather,’ a little Edward Hopper combine to produce visually stunning ‘Road to Perdition’; and, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'
  • July 4, 2002
    News coverage of abuse scandal varies widely by region; at the movies: 'The Bourne Identity'
  • June 13, 2002
    Ramifications of misconduct examined in film ('Unfaithful'), novel ('Atonement')
  • May 23, 2002
    Two movies: ‘Hollywood Ending,’ ‘Italian for Beginners’
  • May 2, 2002
    'The Rookie’ is a genuinely enjoyable family film; ‘Changing Lanes’ asks ‘the ultimate human questions’
  • April 11, 2002
    Movie reviews: ‘Ice Age,’ ‘We Were Soldiers’
  • March 21, 2002
    French director’s influence apparent in two new releases: 'Gosford Park,' 'Black Hawk Down'
  • February 28, 2002
    Movie reviews: ‘Amelie,’ ‘In the Bedroom’
  • February 7, 2002
    A peek into ‘A Beautiful Mind’; 2001’s 10 best films
  • January 17, 2002
    Sci-fi and fantasy stand out at the box office: 'Vanilla Sky,' 'Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'

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