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Anyone interested in making poverty history may join ONE Campaign Dallas volunteers from 6:00 to 8:00 PM next Wednesday, September 12, at the Ginger Man, 2718 Boll Street, Dallas, Texas 75204.

Others may argue with me, but I saw the Broadway production of "Dreamgirls" with Jennifer Holliday in the early eighties, and I loved the movie version just as much. Newcomer Jennifer Hudson's talent, confidence, and attitude amazed me, and the camera loves Beyonce. She is mesmerizing, and the costume and makeup artists succeeded in making her look almost homely before her character Deena morphs into the beautiful and glamorous lead singer of the Dreams. Great actors, great story, great music.

A fantastical film, "Pan's Labyrinth" seems both a child's favorite fairy tale and worst nightmare. Director Guillermo Del Toro brings us a beautiful story about a little girl who, dillusioned with her abruptly changed family life, creates her own mystical world. The setting in 1940s Fascist Spain makes it even more exotic and intriguing. The cinematography and special effects are incredible.

This film certainly delivered more than I expected. Not only are we permitted an imagined inside look into the private aftermath of Diana's death; Helen Mirren brilliantly portrays a stoic monarch's inner emotional world with humor, disdain, pride, contempt, loss, grief, self-doubt, and even jealousy. Above all, she shows us a woman who steadfastly remembers what is "her" government even if her country has forgotten.

In this film that spans more than twenty years, Matt Damon never seems to age, and Angelina Jolie can't help but look gorgeous even when her character becomes a tired, middle-aged drunken housewife. The movie seemed to pass more quickly than its two-and-a-half hour length; however, the script was probably longer than it need be. Nevertheless, "The Good Shepherd" provided an insightful look into the workings, relationships, trust, and mistrust of the CIA.

While lacking the majesty and magnitude of an epic such as "Lord of the Rings", this proved to be an entertaining movie about a boy and his dragon. According to my brother and a good friend, the storyline differs significantly from the book.

This is one powerful film. The incredible perseverence and maturity of these young men is admirable. Their wonder and amazement at everyday items so many of us take for granted moves me to gratitude. Go see this movie while still in the theater.