Covering many genres from science-fiction (Contact) to classics (To Kill A Mockingbird), Mraz, who has done extensive graduate work in film and taught theology and movie courses in a variety of settings, draws out spiritual applications for 12 films. While many criticize Hollywood for its obvious excesses and indulgences, the author takes a different tack, zeroing in on sometimes elusive themes associated with faith and allowing the films to tell their stories in context. Also, she does not attempt to dissect the movies any further, such as for historical accuracy (in Shadowlands and Amadeus for example), and lets them stand - or fall - on their own merits.
