“Hannah Arendt” (2012 production, 2013 release). Cast: Barbara Sukowa, Janet McTeer, Axel Milberg, Julia Jentsch, Michael Degen, Nicholas Woodeson, Megan Gay, Tom Leick, Ulrich Noethen, Victoria Trauttmansdorff, Klaus Pohl, Friederike Becht, Fridolin Meinl. Director: Margarethe von Trotta. Screenplay: Pam Katz and Margarethe von Trotta. Web site. Trailer. Critical thinking is one of those undertakings many of us are encouraged to pursue from an early age. We’re frequently urged to do so in an educational context, but its applicability extends to virtually every aspect of daily life. Of course, to make best use of this skill, we must employ it judiciously, taking into account related considerations that impact its effectiveness, for failing to do so can have serious, far-reaching consequences. Those are some of the themes capably explored in the historical biography, “Hannah Arendt,” now available on DVD and Blu-ray disk. “Hannah Arendt” primarily focuses on a four-year period (1960-1964) in the life of the title character (1906-1975), one of the 20th Century’s leading political scientists and philosophers. Having grown up in a Jewish household in Germany, the studious Arendt (Barbara Sukowa) witnessed the rise of totalitarianism under the Nazis. She wisely fled to France in the days preceding World War ...

“The Lunchbox” (“Dabba”) (2013 production, 2014 release). Cast: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Lillete Dubey, Nakul Vaid, Bharati Achrekar (voice), Yashvi Puneet Nagar, Denzil Smith, Shruti Bapna, Sadashiv Kondaji Pokarkar, Baaburao Sankpal. Director: Ritesh Batra, Screenplay: Ritesh Batra. Web site. Trailer. Just when we think we’ve attained the satisfaction we want out of life, we sometimes come to realize that what we’ve manifested is not what we really desire. But what do we do then? Do we chance making a change to something different? But, if that doesn’t live up to our expectations, then what? Would it be safer to hold on to what we know, simply because it’s comfortable and familiar, even if it’s unsatisfying? Or would that kind of settling leave us even more unhappy in the long run? Those are just some of the questions raised in the delightful new comedy-drama from India, “The Lunchbox” (“Dabba”). Lunchtime in Mumbai wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for the city’s dabbawallahs, delivery people who transport freshly prepared meals in cylindrical, compartmentalized lunchboxes (dabbas) from homes or restaurants to hungry office workers and return the empty containers to their sources later the same day. And, considering the huge volume of ...

“Omar” (2013). Cast: Adam Bakri, Eyad Hoorani, Samer Bisharat, Leem Lubany, Waleed Zuaiter, Rohl Ayadi, Ramzi Maqdisi. Director: Hany Abu-Assad. Screenplay: Hany Abu-Assad. Web site. Trailer. It’s been said that none of us can serve two masters, for attempting to do so will surely lead to our downfall. No matter how well equipped we may feel to take on such a task, we’re susceptible to failure when our personal resources and wherewithal are pushed to their limits. And the struggle to set matters right under such circumstances can be more than we’re capable of handling. That’s the lesson for a conflicted young freedom fighter in the gripping new drama, “Omar.” The life of a freedom fighter is fraught with many challenges – perhaps more than anyone knows. That’s certainly the case for Omar (Adam Bakri), a Palestinian brigade member who’s clandestinely engaged in an ongoing battle against Israeli security forces. Omar fervently pursues this cause with two collaborators, his childhood friends Tarek (Eyad Hoorani) and Amjad (Samer Bisharat). But, despite the obstacles and danger involved, the three would-be liberators believe in the justness of their quest, given the oppressive everyday living conditions that have been imposed on them and their ...

Did you enjoy/are you enjoying my new book, Consciously Created Cinema? If so, please share your thoughts! Let others know what you think with social media posts (like Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, GoodReads and LibraryThing) or reviews on the bookseller sites (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo) where you acquired your copy. I’m sure they’d love to hear what you have to say. And remember, you’ll be rewarded with good karma — and my sincere thanks! ...

I just finished reading a terrific new book, Tipping Sacred Cows, by my colleague and fellow author Betsy Chasse, one of the driving forces behind the movie “What the Bleep Do We Know?!” Betsy’s incisive wit and wisdom takes on a lot of widely accepted metaphysical and new age principles, affirming what works, poking holes in the ideas where necessary, and offering practical, reasoned reinterpretations when called for. Drawing from her own experiences, the author illustrates her insights with razor sharp observations and biting humor, making for a very entertaining read, especially for anyone who’s going through a period of transition and reassessment in his or her life. And don’t forget to check out the cocktail recipes at the back of the book — their presence will become apparent when you read what Betsy has to say! ...

Meet Trevor. Trevor Laster, that is. He’s the wonderful guy (and partner) to whom my new book, Consciously Created Cinema, is dedicated. Here’s a pic of the two of us from when we went whale watching in Maine in 2011, a trip that’s referenced in my review of “Samsara” in Chapter 8 of the book. Check it out to find out more! ...