Bully Documentary Hits a Raw Spot

The movie "Bully" has been given an R-rating because it contains strong language--language kids are subjected to from their peers. The entire purpose of the film is to demonstrate how hurtful those words are and why we're seeing so many bullying-related problems. Sadly, the R-rating means it will be difficult for teachers to show this film to kids who really need to see it. This movie hits a raw spot for me. Someone I love was horrendously bullied. When he "fought back" like adults so often tell kids to do, it had disastrous results. Here's that story  'Bully' Documentary Hits a Raw Spot 

Best Movie for Lent and Easter: Jesus of Nazareth

Lent is the penitential season is which we prepare our hearts for the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. As Christ journeyed through the desert and was tempted by Satan, we journey in a spiritual way. We practice the spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting and alms-giving. There are dozens of helpful books to guide us on our Lenten journey. The Bible is of course our source of wisdom. In this digital age, however, many people look to the television as the primary source of information. Here's a review of the a great Easter teaching tool. Best Movie for Lent and Easter: Jesus of Nazareth 

TLC Caves to Pressure, Pulls All-American Muslim

TLC (The Learning Channel) has caved to pressure from Florida Family Association and pulled the controversial show "All-American Muslim." Ratings were low, says LA Times, and thanks to FFA's haranguing, many sponsors dropped the show.
I'm a Christian; I'm also an American who believes in freedom, of religion and of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As an American, I don't think one faction, like FFA, should dictate the nation's viewing choices. Read more at TLC Caves to FFA Pressure, Pulls 'All-American Muslim'

Best Movies For Chinese New Year, Asian Culture

Best Movies and Films to Watch for Chinese New Year One of the best ways to learn about a culture and people is to read books and watch movies based in that country. Chinese New Year begins early in February. Here are best movies and films based in China to explore Chinese New Year. I didn't include "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Snow Falling on Cedars." Both of these films make great cultural analysis pieces, but they are both a bit to mature for most students. They are also set in Japan. Read on...

Best Educational Movies for Thanksgiving Lessons

Best Educational Movies for Thanksgiving Lessons Thanksgiving, as a holiday has some urban legends clinging to it. Historical inaccuracies distort our perceptions of Thanksgiving, the pilgrims (more accurately Puritans), native Americans and 17th century life in New England. I'm not going to make an attempt to lay these inaccuracies to rest, because I'll be the first to admit, I wasn't there and I don't know (even though I may look old enough to have sailed on the Mayflower and some days I feel old enough). Here are movies that explore the history and culture of the original colonial settlements. These films give a more rounded sociological picture of Thanksgiving, native relations and the early American lifestyle. Read more...

Books and Movies for Veteran's Day

Books and Movies for Veteran's Day Veteran's Day remembers and celebrates the lives and efforts of soldiers, sailors and airmen the world over and especially those who gave the last full measure. It has been said of World War One that it very nearly obliterated an entire generation. In the wake of this most dreadful time followed prohibition, speakeasies, organized crime, the Jazz Age, the Stock Market crash, the migration of masses from the farm to the city and ultimately the Depression and World War Two. The disillusionment felt after World War One was expressed in literature, music, art, education, theater, finance and politics; Progressives rocked and shocked the world. Here are films about veterans, WWI, revolutionaries and nihilists. They will help students get a clearer picture of this most disconcerting time in history. Read more...

Best Non- Scary Halloween Movies for Children - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

Best Non- Scary Halloween Movies for Children I am self-confessed coward about scary movies. I don't watch them. I was pretty careful about what I let my children watch, knowing that they were easily frightened. Looking for some non-scary Halloween movies? Here are some you're sure to enjoy. These films are funny, silly and utterly charming. Read on...

The Story of Charles II and the Royal Oak

Royal Oak, the Tree That Saved a Monarch's Head Henry IV, as penned by the Bard, observed that "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown." Cicero portrays his "Sword of Damocles", ever-poised to sever the heads of monarchs. Britain's history is rife with such royal chops. It's to this habit and some quick thinking by Charles II that Royal Oak, Michigan, owes its name. This isn't a movie list, but it does contain some interesting history. Here are suggested movies about Charles II. From the BBC, The Last King-- Charles II The Power and Passion. Here it is on Youtube. Read more...

Best War History Movies for Memorial Day

Best War History Movies for Memorial Day Memorial Day, the last Monday in May was designated to remember our beloved dead and especially to honor those killed in war or in the line of duty. Not sure how to commemorate Memorial Day? Why not watch one of these movies? Educate yourself about the wars, battles and police action that the United States has been a part of in its history. This list of films includes one movie based around each war in American history. Read more

Showtime "The Borgias" Redefines Debauchery

Showtime "The Borgias" Redefines Debauchery : "The Borgias were a15th/16th century Spanish family that took power in Italy. Rodrigo, Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia had a hand in Europe's Renaissance; they also dispensed poison, simony (the selling of Church indulgences), political intrigue, and murder (to name a few of their cardinal sins). 'The Borgias' is a new showtime mini-series that promises to redefine debauchery."

Starz Channel "Camelot": Historical Drama Sizzle or Fizzle?

I'm a historati; as such, I fancy myself capable of predicting which historical dramas will sizzle and which will fizzle. Much fanfare is being given, Starz channel "Camelot" mini-series. Will it be a  jewel in the crown or a royal flop? Let's pick over the carcass and cast our lots. Read on...

Films to Teach Children about Earthquakes and Tsunamis

The Japanese earthquake and tsunami caused death, evacuation, fires, nuclear reactor issues and widespread devastation. Here are free resources to explore earthquakes and tsunamis with children to help them process the event. Read more

"Food, Inc." Documentary Lesson Plans and Activties

"Food, Inc." is a 2008 documentary that explores America's corporate-controlled food industry. "Food, Inc." looks at genetically modified foods, corporate farms, health conditions and other dangerous industry practices. Educators, "Food, Inc." provides resources for health, economics and science classes. "Food, Inc." has practical applications for government, civics, marketing, business and sociology classes also. Click here

What Are Your 2010 Film Nominations for the 83rd Oscars?

Nominations are in for the 83rd Oscar Awards. In the lead for Best Picture is "The King's Speech" (Colin Firth). Other picks include "True Grit", "The Social Network", "Inception", "The Black Swan", "The Fighter", "127 Hours", "Winter's Bone", "The Kids are Alright" and "Toy Story 3". Read more

Best Movies for Asian American History and Chinese New Year

One of the best ways to learn about a culture and people is to read books and watch movies based in that country. Chinese New Year begins early in February. Here are best movies and films based in China to explore Chinese New Year. Click here

20 Black History Month Book to Film Movies

During Black History month we need not only to explore the tragedies of Black American struggles, but celebrate the contributions to our society. Here are a list of literature based movies to explore. I've listed the movie, the companion book, biography or historical source. Here are 20 book to film selections for Black history. Read more...

Alfred Hitchcock Films for Psychology, Films In Literature and Film-Making Classes

My 'Frenzy' for Alfred Hitchcock Movie Memorabilia
Alfred Hitchcock reigns supreme as perfecter of the 'film noir' genre. Hitchcock isn't the only director to dabble in the dark "Psycho" drama, but he is "Notorious" for it. I have a predilection for Hitchcock memorabilia. A 'Frenzy' for it, if you will.
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War Movies and Jazz Era Movies for Veteran's Day

Books and Movies for Veteran's Day
Veteran's Day remembers soldiers the world over and especially those who gave the last full measure in WWI. WWI nearly obliterated an entire generation. Here are books and movies to explore the 'war to end all wars'.
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Best Halloween Movie Plot Twists and Surprise Endings

Best Suspense Movies and Films with Surprise Endings and Plot Twists
I like surprise endings. There's nothing like a good plot twist to tickle my puzzle lover's brain. Sadly, many movies that promise a twist are predictable and trite. Here is my quintessential list of best suspense and plot twist movies ever made.
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What Does it Take to Make a Really Scary Movie?

Anatomy and Psychology of a Horror Movie
Halloween is the ripe season for horror movies, but what exactly constitutes a horror movie? Does it need a plot twist? Suspense? Mystery? Zombies? Blood and gore? Satanic influence? A presence of evil? Here is a psychological analysis of horror movies.
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