Category Archives: Movies

I love movies, I make movies, my life is a movie.

It’s Knowing That Leads to Healing

Thought for the Week It’s easy to vilify names, faces and images. On social media, in the news–real, fake or a mix of both. But the only way to know the truth is to know someone. To listen, to learn, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Movies, Music and Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

In Praise of the Almost-Ordinary

Five years ago this month, in the midst of a pandemic summer, my wife and I passed a milestone. One that wouldn’t have even been an inchstone before 2020. Is there such a thing as an “inchstone”? Well, no, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Year Guitars (and I) Were Born

(⇐ Me with a “Strat” at age 14) I often refer to music as “my other love.” Like many musicians, I started out playing in bands. And, although I play keyboards a little, it all began with guitars. To me as … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Yay, I’m 11 Years Old Today!

Actually, it’s my 11th blogiversary! I had no idea when I started eleven years ago that: 1) I’d ever have more than a handful of followers; 2) I’d develop real and meaningful friendships in the process and; 3) That I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Memoir, Movies, Storytelling, Writing and Blogging | Tagged , , , , , , , | 171 Comments

In Memory of a Wonderful Mentor

Twenty-six years ago today, my mentor Janet died in the most unthinkable of ways. But I’d rather focus on how she lived. On her kindness and wisdom. I launched my filmmaking career with an internship in L.A.’s Fox Plaza tower, … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment and Popular Culture, Memoir, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 57 Comments

The Funniest Monster Movie Ever Made?

What’s that, you’ve never seen Notzilla, the “cult classic comedy” (MovieWeb) I wrote and directed? Inconceivable! Or you say you’ve seen Notzilla, “one of the funniest movies ever made,” only once? Not enough! Round up your family, friends and pets to … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Humor, Movies, Music and Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Sharing the Redeeming Power of Love

Two Delightful Summer Stories! Preachers, teachers and drama groups: Are you looking for fun, family-oriented illustrations to set up talks on the redeeming power of love? If so, these may be just the thing! To learn more, or to order the … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Movies, Music and Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Fame Fades. But Flames Spread.

A Filmmaker’s Journal “Fame! I’m gonna live forever!” Those lyrics are from the title song of a once-famous movie that, ironically, most people under 30 have never even heard of. Five years ago, Healing River, my first feature film as … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Movies, Music and Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

July the 4th is Almost Here!

Preachers, teachers and group leaders: If you’re looking for a brief-but-powerful illustration about what patriotism means, especially for people of faith, my 2 1/2 minute video may just be it. In the film, four ordinary people remind us it means … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Movies, Music and Videos | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Mocking the Monster That Haunted Me

My Real Memoir It had been a hard summer, the hardest of my life. The monster Anxiety followed me wherever I went. Still, my bedroom window let the sun in, along with a dozen sparrows. And my flirtations with faith … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Humor, Memoir, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 19 Comments