Mo'Nique's Victory Grew Out of Tragedy

Dave and Neta Jackson's unique chronicle of black history showcases both the human and spiritual dimensions of African American achievement.

As Black movies go, Preacher's Kid is a refreshing change of pace -- a contemporary parable that presents a balanced portrayal of African American manhood and an authentic view of Black church life that confronts the stereotypes head-on.

With spectacular effects that transport audiences to the world of its characters, Avatar leads us to encounter our social and national trespasses in ways we're often unable -- or unwilling -- to do in everyday life.

Among other things, the NBA star's troubles offer this sobering reminder: An occasional joke is okay, but don't quit your day job.

Despite negative reviews, The Book of Eli is not as bad as the buzz. Some of the criticism seems directly related to the film's Christian themes, and understandably so. If someone does not understand or accept the significance of the Bible as the inspired Word of God, then he or she will find the premise of the movie to be rather absurd. And it doesn't help that this is one more entry in a recent string of post-apocalyptic films.

Invictus may not be as popular as this year's bigger holiday releases, but its poignant themes of justice and peace are both entertaining and redemptive.

If you haven't heard about James Cameron's Avatar by now, you must be living in some virtual world far removed from this planet. For better or worse, it has been one of the most hyped movies of the year. And the hype might actually be justified. The film transports viewers into another world, but it brings up very important questions about our own in the process.

Publishers Weekly, the leading trade publication for the American book industry, is not a magazine that comes to mind when you think "racial drama." A magazine of its ilk doesn't have much reason to push the envelope. But PW made headlines this week for an edgy cover image that some folks have labeled as being racially insensitive. What do you think?

In The Princess and the Frog, Tiana shows Cinderella how to wear the tiara. (And Disney finally gets around to acknowledging my existence.)

The Tiger Woods scandal is just one more example of how the media use irrelevant gossip and slanted opinion to distract us from what really matters.