Revolutionary Road (R) depicts the exhausting breakdown of a marriage in the 1950s. The life of the Wheelers —skillfully acted by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio—offers a sobering reminder of family life complexities that exist behind closed doors. However, the story works better in the novel by Richard Yates, which more adequately fleshes out the character’s motives and desires.—Anna Groff

The Wrestler (R) shows the dark side of America’s celebrity culture with a frank, often depressing realism. Mickey Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a professional wrestler who is 20 years past his prime. One of the best parts of this film is its peek into the world of professional wrestling. In this world, Randy is a celebrity; outside it, he’s a failure. The writing at times borders on cliché, but the acting, particularly Rourke’s performance, makes us care about this broken man and yearn for his redemption. —gh

In Pax Avalon: Conflict Revolution by Steven “Reece” Friesen (Herald Press, 2008, $19.99), the “good guys” and the “bad guys” hold a variety of complex attitudes toward violence—a major strength of this graphic novel. Avalon City’s special operations officer, Julianna “Pax” Embry, is a strong superhero struggling with being a Christian, pacifist and officer. Her decisions translate to real life. Pax Avalon is stereotypical and preachy at times, but this does not overshadow the well-told message.—Anna Groff

Imagination and the Journey of Faith by Sandra M. Levy (Eerdmans, 2008, $18) argues that “we have a built-in longing for Transcendence, … to meet God … beneath and beyond the ordinary of our everyday lives.” She explores how imagination is expressed through ritual, music, poetry, art and story, then focuses on practices in the home and in churches. She concludes this timely book by reflecting on the making of meaning.—gh

These Are the Footings, edited by Esther Harder (Roaming Pen Press, $9.50), a chapbook of Jonathan Larson’s writings from his experiences in Southern Africa, is named for the story about Mma Chabe, “mother of the nation”—an HIV positive widow who opened her homestead to more than 100 orphans and adults in need (read here). This story and the others demonstrate Larson’s admiration for those who face struggles and triumphs. His poetic stories illustrate the people’s strength and the beauty of their surroundings. To order, contact roamingpen@gmail.com or 507-822-4333.—Anna Groff