UNCONSTITUTIONAL: THE WAR ON OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES

UNCONSTITUTIONAL: THE WAR ON OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES - 2004

RATED - NR but probably PG

RATINGS - 29 Amazon (4.5/5), 24,746 Netflix (3.9/5), 223 IMDB (8.2/10).

STARRING - A cast of political characters as themselves.

STORY - Our country has been here before. During WWII, we put innocent Japanese citizens in internment camps because they were all considered to be security threats to our nation. In retrospect, most people can see what a horrible decision that was. Maybe it was not so clear at the time given the state of the world. When the horrible attacks of 9/11 occurred, it seems that same mindset reappeared and certain people are paying the price again for the evil deeds of others. Is it right to take away the liberties of people who happen to have a skin color or name similar to the terrorists? How far do we go in balancing security and individual freedom? Is the USA PATRIOT Act really making us safer? Was there enough thought and discussion before passing this bill that was rewritten during the wee hours of the morning and not one member of Congress read it through before voting? These and other controversial issues are discussed in this documentary as well as interviews with people whose lives have been affected by the PATRIOT Act such as a US Olympian whose name has made him a target. This is not a partisan issue as you see Bob Barr and Barney Frank teaming up in challenging the administration's actions. These past few weeks have shown us once again how politicians can 'use' a 'crisis' to push through governmental controls and once our freedoms are gone, they don't ever come back. The film makers have tried to present a balanced story although I'm sure not everyone will agree. It is a very difficult job trying to balance security versus freedom and one worthy of every one's involvement. How much freedom are you and I willing to give up to feel secure? Is this what our founding fathers had in mind? A worthwhile investment of your time. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/17/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, WIKIPEDIA

THE LAST HURRAH

THE LAST HURRAH - 1958

RATED - NR but probably G/PG.

RATINGS - 15 Amazon (4/5), 8,591 Netflix (3.6/5), 815 IMDB (7.4/10).

STARRING - Spencer Tracy, Basil Rathbone.

AWARDS - Nominated for 1959 BAFTA Best Foreign Actor (Tracy).

THEMES - Politics, relationships.

STORY - The films begins with Mayor Frank Skeffington (Tracy) coming down the staircase of his large home and stopping to put a fresh flower in the vase under the picture of his deceased wife. He is soon joined in his large home office by his loyal staff who prepare him for the day's activities and getting ready to run for a fifth term. Soon he opens the door and one by one visits with the hundreds of people that have lined up outside his home to see him, a daily event. He's an old time politician, taking in every event in the city that concerns his people. He's got the people on his side but not the establishment whom he regularly 'blackmails' to get things done for 'his' people. They decide to go after him in this election and put up their own candidate backed by the local paper. It's a fresh, young man who knows how to use the 'new' medium called TV. What follows is classic Tracy with humor and drama as the contest turns into a horse race. The film is widely thought to be based on the life of Boston mayor James Curley. If you like Tracy, politics and a good story, this is worth the time. If, as they say, all politics is local, then this is a classic political film. Terrific acting by all involved and a heart wrenching ending. Enjoy. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 09/06/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, TCM(Spoilers)

PURPLE STATE OF MIND

PURPLE STATE OF MIND - 2007

RATED - NR but most likely PG for language and mature themes. Best suited for mature teens and older.

THEMES - Faith, politics, red state, blue state.

STORY - This is the story of a conversation between two old friends. They roomed together as sophomores at Davidson College in 1985. They were both devout Christians. It was Craig Detweiler's first year as a Christian and John Marks's last. Craig went on to become a film producer, minister and seminary professor. John pursued a career in journalism including 60 MINUTES. When he was laid off from 60 MINUTES, he remembered a question asked of him by a Christian couple he interviewed for a special on the hugely successful Biblical End Times series called LEFT BEHIND. They asked him if he would be one of those 'left behind' and it affected him deeply. He wrote a book called REASONS TO BELIEVE about his journey in and out of the evangelical faith. Now they get back together to discuss their lives, their families, their beliefs and where they disagree and, more importantly, where they agree. Rather than the insane rhetoric heard on talk shows on TV and radio, they ask honest questions and give honest answers. It is not about winning an argument - it is about trying to understand the other person. It brings the national debate about the 'culture wars' to a new and more positive level. Perhaps there is still hope that, despite great differences, people of different faiths (we all believe something) can find what we do have in common to work together to solve problems that affect all of us. What does it profit a person if they win the culture wars and lose their friends? While it won't satisfy everybody and many Christians will disagree with some of Craig's views, it is a starting point for those who want to have a serious conversation and not a shouting match. Some of the questions (and answers) will surprise, shock and even embarrass you. No matter what your faith (or lack thereof) perspective, we all should be ready to answer the toughest questions. This may turn out to be a syllabus for 'Culture Wars 101'. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 03/22/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, WEBSITE, REVIEW