Philip Boatwright

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Back in the mid-1970s, Mary Tyler Moore uttered the expression "Oh -- my -- God" on an episode of her beloved sitcom. At the time, I didn't consider it a profane use of our heavenly Father's name. It was used as an expression of surprise and certainly conveyed no sense of irreverence toward God.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Many people think that the film critic's job consists of nothing more than watching movies while eating Jujubes. All he really needs is the ability to form simple declarative sentences and a pillowy posterior.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Several months ago, the PAX network sent me a screening video of their new show, Doc, starring Billy Ray Cyrus. To be honest, I was not looking forward to viewing it. I was probably the only person in the country who did not like singer Billy Ray's "Achy Breaky Heart." I didn't like the song. I didn't like the dance. And quite frankly, I wasn't all that crazy about Billy Ray.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Anakin Skywalker, the future Darth Vader, last seen in "Episode One" as a 10-year-old boy, is now grown up. While an interstellar battle arises, Anakin accepts a mission as Jedi bodyguard to Princess-turned-Senator Amidala played by the now very grown-up Natalie Portman.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--As a critic, I was once again stymied that the content of films received little attention during the past year from either secular reviewers or those who hold movies up for prestigious acclaim such as the Academy Awards.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Surprisingly, 2002 has been an uplifting year at the movies, so far. Warner Bros. reintroduced an uncompromising person of faith into today's cinema with "A Walk To Remember." Disney's "The Count of Monte Cristo" was reverential while telling an engrossing story about a man who regains his faith. And now, the Billy Graham organization World Wide Pictures centers the gospel message in a rock-solid action adventure.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--Recently, I have received several letters and e-mails asking me to recommend videos appropriate for teen church groups. That's a tough position to be in. Even when Hollywood's product contains an elevating message, there's bound to be some objectionable content. The moguls of movies seldom consider biblical principles when green-lighting projects.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (BP)--The other day I got to thinking of what it must have been like for a beginning film reviewer in 1939. That year has since been referred to as Hollywood's golden year.