Mediaculture: Reflections on the effect of media and culture on our faith

FILM REVIEWS

The Master (R) explores the relationship of two lost souls—Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), who returns from the Navy after World War II and Freddie drifts through a series of PTSD-driven breakdowns, and Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of The Cause, a cult that uses hypnotic exercises to clear the emotions. The film is stunningly shot, and the two main performances are outstanding. Those looking for a clear resolution will be disappointed.—Gordon Houser

Argo (R) recounts the true story, with white-knuckle suspense added, about a CIA “exfiltration” specialist who concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who take shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador after Iranians take other U.S. embassy workers hostage in 1979. Director Ben Affleck captures the context of Iranian hatred of the United States for supporting its support for a ruthless dictator.—gh

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG-13) captures the feelings of Charlie, a high school freshman who is not only an introvert and smart but lost his best friend to suicide and suffers from a mental illness. Two seniors, step-siblings Sam and Patrick adopt him into the “wallflowers,” their group of outsiders, and help him adjust to the real world. This film is a gem.—gh

BOOK REVIEW

Making Friends Among the Taliban: A Peacemaker’s Journey in Afghanistan by Jonathan P. Larson (Herald Press, 2012, $15.99) unveils the life of Dan Terry, a remarkable man who gave his life serving the people of Afghanistan. Larson eschews straight chronology and uses multiple stories to show how Terry, who was killed in 2010, overcame barriers and exemplified loving one’s enemies.—gh