Best of Pop Culture (according to me, Jenny)

Movies
Crash:
If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you must. It is most definitely not for the kiddies, but for the 17+ crowd out there, Crash has a lot to offer in terms of the message it sends. There have been lots of attempts at “racism is bad” movies, but Crash really hits the nail on the head. It accurately displays prejudices among people and and how those prejudices are lived out in our culture. This movie will certainly give cause to look inward at ones own prejudices, and help to come to a greater understand of how they are lived out.

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events:
Calling all Harry Potter fans and foes alike. The good family friendly, ethereal spirit present in the Harry Potter movies and books is equal (if not greater . . . sorry H.P. fans) in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. The Baudelaire orphans struggle with the loss of their parents, battle against the evil Count Olaf, and handle complex moral questions with their unique talents. However, there are some parts that could be scary for the littlest of the little ones.

Passion of the Christ:
Enough said.

Band/Artists
Matisyahu:
A reggae singing Hasidic Jew with lot of talent and even more to say in his music. Some of his music has a distinctively ecumenical flair. I especially like “King Without a Crown” from his album Youth.


P.O.D.:
These guys broke out in a major way into the world of secular music with “Boom” and “Youth of a Nation.” Not all of their music is overtly religious in subject matter, but it’s always wholesome, and they do classify themselves as a Christian rock band. My two personal favorite songs are “Ridiculous” and “Strength of my Life.”

Television
The Office
Always funny. Truly funny. I can’t recall any crude humor on the show, and I have been watching it since the first season. It’s simply a conglomeration of dry office-related humor. Any 9 to 5ers out there will appreciate it immensely.

Comedy
Brian Reagan:
Reagan is squeaky clean and hilarious, a rare combination. He comments on everything from mistaking the pronounciation of someone's name, to little league coaches, to awkward dating situations. Every bit of his comedy is for anyone who wants to listen. Some younger listeners may not "get" some jokes, but it is still appropriate for all ears.