The Passion of the Christ ****

Cast: James Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Monica Bellucci, Hristo Jivkov, Hristo Naumov Shopov, Mattia Sbragia
Director: Mel Gibson

As everyone knows, Mel Gibson's film focuses on the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus. From the Garden of Gethsemenie to turture to crucifixion to resurrection, Mel Gibson's movie is a emotional journey through the heart of Christian belief. Is it bloody? Yes. Is it violent? Yes. Does that diminish its value? Not in the least. This movie is an unflinching view of Jesus' final hours that is powerful and moving. mes Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, and Monica Bellucci give stunning performances as Jesus, Mary, and Mary Magdeline respectively. The emotions that they convey on their faces is heartbeaking. As for the anti-Semitism, I did not see any. I think that you will see what you want to see in this regard, although I do not believe contains any anti-Semitic views. I recommend that everyone (Christian or not) take in a viewing of this amazing film.

The Matrix Revolutions ***

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Monica Bellucci, Lambert Wilson, Harold Perrineau Jr., Harry J. Lennix, Mary Alice
Directors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski

The third and final(?) movie in the Matrix series finds the machines gathering for an attack, Neo and Trinity heading toward the surface, and Mr. Smith being a real pain in the ass for everyone. Picking up where Reloaded left off, Revolutions makes an attempt to tie up the story of the One. It succeeds at this to some degree, but does leave many questions unanswered. Revolutions is better than Reloaded, but still not as good as the original. If you have seen the first two, go ahead and finish out the trilogy, but if you haven't seen #2, you need to make a trip to the video store first.