Movie Mom

'Monsters Inc' Extras

Nell Minow — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00:17 -0500

"Monsters Inc" is one of my favorite Pixar movies. Like "Sesame Street," it makes monsters silly and fun, teaching children that some things we think are scary are not and that we are stronger and braver than we know. It's...

The Secrets of 'Up!'

Nell Minow — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:59:59 -0500

Look for these hidden goodies in this week's release of the Pixar movie "Up," the story of an amazing adventure that begins with a house lifted aloft by balloons. How many can you find? In the sequence where Carl's house...

I Meet the Volturi!

Nell Minow — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:55:58 -0500

Interview coming...stay tuned!...

Touched by an Angel

Nell Minow — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:19 -0500

Today's special release of selected episodes from the beloved television series from Beliefnet columnist Martha Williamson is the DVD pick of the week for its compelling stories, outstanding guest appearances, and enduring message of hope and inspiration....

Up

Nell Minow — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Pixar movies are beautiful to look at, but what takes your breath away is the story. They don't rely on fairy tales or best-selling books with pre-sold stories and characters we are already attached to. And, as if challenging themselves...

Interview: Martha Williamson of 'Touched by an Angel'

Nell Minow — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:59:03 -0500

It was a special treat to talk with Beliefnet's own Martha Williamson about her beloved and groundbreaking television series, this week's DVD pick: Touched by an Angel: Inspiration Collection NM: What is it like to be an open believer in...

Upcoming interviews: Zac Efron and 'New Moon!'

Nell Minow — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0500

OMG. Tomorrow I will be interviewing both Zac Efron (for his new film, "Me and Orson Welles") and two of the stars of the upcoming "Twilight" sequel, "New Moon." I think it's fair to say I am VERY EXCITED. Stay...

Gentlemen Broncos

Nell Minow — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:53 -0500

"Gentlemen Broncos" is about the fantasies of a 15 year old boy and it has some of the charm but all of the failings of those stories. The charm is its unguarded purity of emotion and unchecked enthusiasm for its...

The Box

Nell Minow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:06:46 -0500

I loved "Donnie Darko" and was eager to listen to the DVD commentary by writer/director Richard Kelly. But I had to turn it off after the first ten minutes. Kelly explained too much, and his explanations were so mundane they...

Jewish Characters on TV

Nell Minow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:12:49 -0500

Be sure to take a look at Beliefnet's gallery of Jewish television characters by Sharon Udasin. I like the range it covers -- animated and live-action, comedy and drama, observant and cultural....

2012 and Precious

Nell Minow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:19:33 -0500

The movies opening this week at first seem to have very little in common. "2012" is a big-budget, chases-and-explosions film with an apocalyptic setting. "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" is a small, intimate story of a hideously...

What Happened to Ken?

Nell Minow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:07:22 -0500

And while we're on the subject of makeovers, what is happening to Ken? Barbie's beau has had to endure some humiliating looks since he arrived on the scene in 1961. Of course his function is primarily as arm candy for...

'Paranormal Activity's' Real Curves

Nell Minow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:19:32 -0500

My friend Christian Toto makes an important point in his post about the "reality" of the record-breaking thriller, "Paranormal Activity." The movie feels real not just because the actors use their real names and the footage all appears to be...

Pixar Discovers Girls

Nell Minow — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:04:57 -0500

Pixar is the most successful movie studio in history, with every one of its 10 films a critical and box office success. But not one of those ten films has featured a female lead. There have been memorable girls and...

Mickey Makeover

Nell Minow — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:59:42 -0500

Mickey Mouse is my favorite animated character. Part of the reason is historic -- he starred in the first movie to feature a synchronized soundtrack, "Steamboat Willie." And he was the first character and later the emblem for what would...