Hollywood, religion get along in Nativity
· When religion and Hollywood mix, controversy almost always results. In 2004, Mel Gibson's _The Passion of the Christ_ provoked both fanatical support and charges of anti-Semitism. However, depicting Jesus' birth is far less controversial than portraying his death, and the nativity story being the cause for the celebration of Christmas has broader reach in American culture. Released right in time for the holiday season, Director Catherine Hardwicke's _The Nativity Story_ presents an unbiased and more contemporaneous view of the birth of Jesus. Many moviegoers can appreciate this film from a cultural -- if not personal -- perspective while delighting in the film's superb acting, excellent visuals and realistic portrayal of the lives of Mary
Jimmy Stewart works wonders for holiday blues
· Actor James "Jimmy" Stewart starred in many memorable movies. He earned an Oscar for his role in _The Philadelphia Story_, masqueraded as a cowboy in a half-dozen westerns and worked under Director Alfred Hitchcock in classics like _Rear Window_ and _Vertigo_. However, at this time of year as the weather turns colder and plastic Santas start to go up in strip mall windows the thought of Stewart conjures memories of his role as the down-and-out George Bailey in _It's a Wonderful Life_.
Starlight Mints’ accessible Drowaton escapes definition
· The Starlight Mints are the epitome of indie-pop.