Family Movie Night
By Karyn Bowman
I have to admit I am a big Facebook fan.
I have connected with former classmates and friends with whom I have lost contact. I stay in touch with former co-workers and fellow writers.
Image from Everything Holiday Facebook page
But I also get to see great room designs and recipes. In fact, this past weekend I saw a recipe for colored cookie-dough Easter baskets. You take small scoops of the dough, dye it the colors you want and shape it into a basket that fits in a mini-muffin tins. Later you fill the baskets with jelly beans and other good stuff.
I saw another recipe for a ring bread that was covered with sprinkles. I am sure there will be plenty of recipes that look fun to try, and I cannot wait to see them all.
Poster Image from IMDb.com
One of the programs I have been hearing about is The Bible on The History Channel. This is a five-part mini-series produced by Roma Downey (Touched by An Angel) and her husband Mark Burnett. I was able to see one 2-hour episode and enjoyed the story of Jesus’ birth.
Roma Downey played Mary as a 20-something. She was very beautiful and appropriate. The scene in which she gives birth to the baby is outstanding and heart warming as people came to the young couple’s aid. But nor did the producers shy away from the violence of the time period. Harrod’s demand that all baby boys be put to death and the very narrow escape of Mary and Joseph.
Sadly, I missed the final episode as I was in bed sick. But as of April 2nd, the series will be available on DVD. I am willing to bet that this will be a hot item since the show has been wildly popular on the History Channel. I do not know what that says to you but to me it shows a country that is wildly curious about the good book. People want to know.
Poster Image from IMDb.com
Now when it comes to this time of year there are lots of religious movies from the past. I think about The Robe starring Richard Burton as a drunken tribune who wins Jesus’ robe during the crucifixion. He does his duty and takes the robe with him. But Marcellus is plagued by nightmares and visions, causing him to return to learn more about the last owner of the robe.
This 1953 movie won two Oscar awards for set design and costume design. It was also nominated for best actor in a leading role, best cinematography and best picture. It also won a Best Picture award from the Golden Globes. Now you are probably wondering who should see this movie. Because of the censorship laws at the time, there is not much that is objectionable but the context is meant for teens and adults.
Finally, I feel the need to mention The Passion of the Christ. This ‘R’ rated movie directed by Mel Gibson is a puzzle to me. It is incredibly violent and harsh. It is also filled with some beautiful re-enactments of famous art pieces. I can only recommend it if you are fully aware that this movie is rated ‘R’ for prolonged violence and torture. I do not recommend this movie for children under the age of 10.
Until next week, see you in the rental aisle.
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
I wanted to mention that the Jesus they used almost looked liked Brad Pitt. However the resemblance was not there in this picture.
Sorry to hear you were sick and missed the final part of the Bible series. But, you probably know how it ends… 😉
I never saw The Passion of Christ. I don’t go for excessive violence in movies where it’s really not called for. I get that they were cruel to the man–you don’t have to show me hours of it. Same with lots of war films…I’m smart enough to figure out that war is hell. Graphic violence is wasted on me.
Sounds like a fun movie tradition. I love the Easter basket cookies. Hope you find time to try making them!
I was so sick last week, my daughter and I never got the chance to make them. Perhaps we can do it for May Day.
Sad to hear you’ve been sick. Hope you can get around to making the cookies sometime.