Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

The Americans tend to shroud their Revolutionary War in blind patriotism. And then the real stories don't get told because they would might make us question our blind faith in American ideals. To even suggest this, gets me labeled "unAmerican." I only question mindless patriotism. "Red white and blue" fever that keeps us from acknowledging our country's flaws. This list of American history and Revolutionary War films provides a more multi-dimensional view of the United States history. Watch them for 4th of July to get a clearer historical perspective. Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

Funny, Poignant, Feel-Good Movies for Mother's Day

Need some great movies to enjoy with mom on Mother's Day? Maybe you've lost your mother and need some heart therapy. Whether you're a mom, grandma, adoptive mom, foster mom, surrogate mom, primary care-giver, aunt, step-mom, godmother or you were born of a mother, watch these movies. You'll laugh and cry--sometimes both at once. Enjoy! Best Adult Movies to Watch with Mom on Mother's Day

"Blackfish" Movie of SeaWorld Killer Orca Whale Tilikum Steals Show

Sundance film "Blackfish" is stealing the show, says CNN. Blackfish exposes SeaWorld's dark past and explores the story behind Tilikum, SeaWorld's killer orca whale. Blackfish was number one in cable news and highest-rated on CNN Films. "Blackfish " shows how Tilikum was stolen from his mother by whale hunters. Several orcas were killed. He was sold to a now-defunct marine amusement park. In 1991, Tilikum killed a trainer. Later, a man snuck in to the pool at night and was found dead on Tilikum's back. That park finally closed and Tilikum was bought by SeaWorld says Higher Grounds for Animals. SeaWorld said he'd only be used for breeding.  "Blackfish" SeaWorld Killer Orca Whale Tilikum Steals Show

Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Premiers March 8, 2013

Since the 70th anniversary of Warner Bros., "The Wizard of Oz", there's been talk about remaking the film. Disney's Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" gave Oz new impetus. Sam Raimi will film the Disney prequel "Oz: The Great and Powerful" in Detroit, Michigan. Here are details on this iconic film companion, set to release March 8, 2013.  Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Movie to Film in Michigan

Boycott Casey Anthony Movie, Books

When Casey Anthony, the Florida mother accused of killing her 2-year-old child was found not guilty, public outrage spurred questions of movie deals. Now over a year after the Miami mom walked free, those rumors are still pending. Here are thoughts on why boycotting books and movies based on Casey Anthony is the best form of justice.

Probably the biggest issue of the Anthony trial was Casey's failure to report her daughter Caylee missing for more than 30 days. She was photographed partying and seeming completely unconcerned about her child's whereabouts. In and effort to bring other parents to accountability, "Caylee's Law" would make it a felony charge for failure to report a child missing or dead within a short period of time. Boycott Casey Anthony Book, Movie Deals

Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

The American Revolutionary War wears many faces, some of them mask the real stories. This life of American history and Revolutionary War films provides a more multi-dimensional view of the United States and American history.

"The Crossing" 2000- Jeff Daniels, who has really come into his own in historical character roles, gives an excellent performance as General George Washington. The Crossing depicts Washington's perilous crossing of the Delaware and the bloody winter at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary war. Read the rest of the list at  Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July 

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 

Literature Based Movies for Jazz Age, Black History Month

One of the objections raised by people within and outside the black community, is that Black History Month further segregates (Morgan Freeman made this comment among others). It's important that we recognize contributions of this vital community, but we need to be mindful that American history is Black history is U.S. history. They are blended like strands of a braid. Perhaps nowhere in history is this so keenly felt as in  the American "Jazz Age" of the 1920s. The two are wedded.

The progressive movement was mirrored in music (Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Marian Anderson), literature (Langston Hughes, Paul Lawrence Dunbar), labor, religion, film (Paul Robeson), education (W.E.B. Dubois), morality, politics, art. Large cities: New York, New Orleans, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, St. Louis felt the breath of change more deeply, but there was virtually no place in the U.S. where ripples of it were not felt. Bearing this in mind, here are movies for classroom use that focus on the post-WWI Jazz Age; I recommend using them to explore African American history, too. Read more at Literature Based Movies for 20th Century Economics and History Classes: The Jazz Age: Post WWI

Best Suspense Movies and Films with Surprise Endings and Plot Twists

Best Suspense Movies and Films with Surprise Endings and Plot Twists I love surprise endings.There's nothing like a good plot twist to tickle my puzzle lover's brain. Unfortunately, many movies that promise a twist are predictable and trite. Here is my quintessential list of best suspense and plot twist movies ever made. I would rate this list as middle school and up. Read more

Free Printable Disney "Pirates of the Caribbean" Coloring Pages

Free Printable Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Coloring Pages

Johnny Depp created a legend with his quirky, steampunk Captain Jack Sparrow and "Pirates of the Caribbean". Four films later, "The Curse of the Black Pearl", "Dead Man's Chest", "At World's End" and for 2011, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (with Sir Ian McShane as Blackbeard) P.O.T.C. is still going strong. Here are free printable Pirates of the Caribbean coloring pages. Read more...

Free Printable Indiana Jones Coloring Pages

Free Printable Indiana Jones Coloring Pages
Did you know that the first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark is over 30 years old! When Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull came out, Harrison Ford reprised his Indiana Jones character pretty well for a guy who's 66. Karen Allen was back as Marion Ravencroft. And Shia Lebeouf was pretty good as Mutt. Here are free printable Indiana Jones coloring pages.

Free Printable "The Adventures of Tintin" Coloring Pages

Free Printable Tintin Coloring Pages
Tintin is a plucky young boy reporter, who along with his furry dog pal, Milou has wondrous adventures. Tintin was created by Belgian George Remi (better known in Europe as "Herge"). European children have followed the adventures of Tintin for over 80 years. In 2011, filmmaker Steven Spielberg brings Tintin to American audiences in the hit movie, "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn", starring Simon Pegg ("Paul"), Daniel Craig and Jamie Bell (from "Billy Elliot"). Go to see Tintin. I promise you'll love it! While you wait, enjoy these cool coloring pages.

"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...

"The Twilight Zone" Makes Great Sociology, Psychology Lesson Plans

You may know that "The Twilight Zone" was a killer thriller TV series. You may know that Rod Serling created The Twilight Zone, movie and comic series. You doubtless recognize the TZ theme song. Here are some  little known facts about the Twilight Zone. Read on...

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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Frank Lloyd Wright Vintage House Restoration Video for History, Design Classes

Frank Lloyd Wright Steelcase 'Meyer May House' in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids Michigan is favored with the possession of a national treasure. The Meyer May Home, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908 and loving restored by funds from Steelcase, proudly awaits visitors and pilgrims seeking fine architecture. Website and tour includes free movie depicting the complete restoration project. Perfect for design, engineering, architecture and history classes. Click here for video.
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