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2009-04-21 issue:

April film and book reviews

by Anna Groff and Gordon Houser

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Wendy and Lucy (R), described as a neorealism film by critics, follows a young woman and her dog over several long days on her unsuccessful road trip to Alaska. Wendy, homeless and poor, challenges what we assume of people in need, as well as societal structures. The film demonstrates the profound effects that small favors, such as lending a cell phone, some money or a word of encouragement, can have.—ag

Duplicity (PG-13) is a complex story of deceit that combines intrigue with humor and satire. Two ex-spies plot to infiltrate two corporations (selling skin care and hair products) and scam them out of big bucks. Satire always has a moral edge. This film shows corporations that spend money on stealing ideas rather than on creating their own. Another is that love requires trust, which duplicity destroys.—gh

Marpeck: A Life of Dissent and Conformity by Walter Klaassen and William Klassen (Herald Press, 2008, $32.99) gathers the fragments of information about this influencial Anabaptist leader to form a biography of a man who navigated his role as a skilled professional and his faith in a dangerous time. Mennonites need to learn about such forebears who helped form our beliefs.—gh

Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire by William T. Cavanaugh (Eerdmans, 2008, $12) is a short but profound book of theological reflection with resonance for today’s economic climate. Cavanaugh sees “the key to true freedom” as “cultivating right desires” and consumerism as a spiritual problem. He writes out of a Catholic tradition, which may be unfamiliar to readers. But these reflections are rich.—gh

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