July 2012 reviews

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FILM REVIEWS
Bernie (PG-13) is a funny film that’s all the more outrageous because it’s based on a true story. In a small Texas town, a mortician strikes up a friendship with a wealthy widow, though when he kills her, he goes to great lengths to create the illusion that she’s alive. That we sympathize with him shows the complexity that marks human community.—Gordon Houser

Prometheus (R) is a kind of prequel to director Ridley Scott’s classic Alien but not nearly as good. Still, it raises big issues as a team of explorers discovers a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth and goes to another planet to fight to save the future of the human race.—gh

DVD REVIEW
More Than Frybread (PG-13) is a mockumentary about a fake frybread contest in Flagstaff, Ariz., where 22 tribal representatives gather to compete in frybread-making. This comedy offers a fresh, light-hearted approach to Southwest American Indian culture. Unfortunately, the over-the-top, unrealistic food fight at the end of the frybread competition steps well outside the bounds of the mockumentary. But the end of the film emphasizes various tribes working in collaboration.—Anna Groff

MUSIC REVIEW
Wrecking Ball by Bruce Springsteen (Columbia, 2012, $12.49) gives voice to the sorrow and anger many feel who are suffering under the injustices of our economy. It also expresses the gospel (good news) of welcome offered by God’s embrace. He has the unique position of being able to speak to a wide audience, and he uses that podium, his art, to feel the pain of those downtrodden and speak it. He also calls us to care for each other and stand together. And he sings of the hope that only faith can provide.—gh

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