SKEPTIC BELIEFS WITH W.B. WARD  

$0Well, I'm no professional movie reviewer but for whatever it's worth here's my two-cents' worth on a couple of new movies.$0$0$0$0$0A CHRISTMAS CAROL$0$0*** (out of a five-star rating)$0$0$0$0$0Robert Zimeckis, who also either directed or produced such hits as "The Polar Express," "Forrest Gump," and "Back To the Future," got he chance to spin his cinematic talents on this Charles Dickens classic. As far as the story goes, it stayed pretty true to the original Dickens' pen (I would know this because I recorded this same novel as an audio book last year), therefore the story is as timeless as the tradition of Christmas itself.$0$0$0$0$0Although Jim Carrey does an excellent acting job in this movie (he plays no less than eight parts), he was a bit of a disappointment for me. Seeing Jim's name on a marquee to me suggests some type of level of slapstick comedy, but if this is what you are looking for, don't watse your time. Jim does a great job of delivering the characters, just not in the way that he has been stereotyped. Perhaps this was intentional to show his "thespianic versatility." If so, he was successful. $0$0$0$0$0The special effects are of course marvelous, but if you go see this, flip the extra dollars to see it in 3-D. The movie was shot to take advantage of the 3-D effects and if you see it in a two-dimensional theater some of the scenes will be dull.$0$0$0$0$0As far as the overall impact is concerned, I just kept repeating to myself, "This is a Disney movie?" Is it just me or are movies from Disney becoming more darker than they used to be? Because of the Disney I grew up with I kept wanting to see chipmunks scurrying about to collect acorns while some fairy princess transformed herself into a giant Oak tree to serve is the little varmints winter home. Nope, all I saw were some rather grim images of the traditional ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas future and Christmas yet-to-come.$0$0$0$0$0Would I recommend it? Well . . . if you collect DVDs, don't add this one unless they make a 3_D version for the home. But see it in the theater. It is a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. (If you are taking young children, you might want to be advised that some scenes are a little intense.) But unlike "Polar Express," I don't think this will become an annual release.$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$02012$0$0**** (out of five stars)$0$0$0$0$0Roland Emmerich produced this exciting ride which was released within the last 24 hours. For those of you who love doomsday scenarios, you probably already know that this movie surrounds itself on the day some believe the Mayan calendar prophesied the end of the world; December 21, 2012. This movie sets itself on the idea of how humanity will save itself from extinction while giving several Indiana-Jones-type chase scenes where people are trying to outrun earthquakes, tidal waves and volcanic explosions.$0$0$0$0$0Starring John Cusac and Amanda Peet in the lead roles, the acting is at best so-so. The best performance in this movie is by far the appearance of Woody Harrelson who portrays the role of Charlie Frost, a doomsday/conspiracy theorist radio talk show host who goes live on the scene of a volcanic explosion before he gets sent into the fiery abyss. Danny Glover makes a forgettable performance as President of the United States; during the movie I commented that Morgan Fairchild might have been a better choice.$0$0$0$0$0Some of you know that I host a weekly talk show ("Skeptic Beliefs") on which I interview people who maintain less than common beliefs. Last Thursday I had as a return guest, novelist William Gladstone, author of The Twelve (available at http://12thebook.com). This book (which I highly recommend) represents an optimistic, if not encouraging, view of the events of 2012. Mr. Gladstone maintains both in his book and in his comments that 2012 will represent a time of change; not necessarily the end of time. But in Hollywood, disaster seems to win out at the box-office and this movie is no different.$0$0$0$0$0As far as recommendations are concerned; I can sum this up in two categories. If you are looking for award winning performances, you might want to stay home and watch a DVD. But if your looking for suspense-filled action, this this is a must-see.$0$0$0$0$0For whatever it's worth.$0$0$0$0$0WB Ward$0

William Gladstone The motion picture “2012 the Movie” will appear in American movie theatres tomorrow (Nov. 13). William Gladstone, author of the book “The Twelve” returns to Skeptic Beliefs to discuss this new movie.

When talking about beings without bodies; angels, ascended masters and spirit guides aren't the only kids on the block. “Dark Angels” talks about the bad kids in town. Who are these bad kids? As a child, you might have met one at night...under your bed, in your closet or down a dark hallway. Author Rita Louise joins us to talk about these “bad kids in town.” Read more about her at www.soulhealer.com or www.darkangelsbook.com

Melissa Van Rossum dreamed of having a normal life. Problem? Melissa Van Rossum could see ghosts. She didn't have to visit the local haunted house to encounter these spectral beings - they would find her. In her car, her closet, her shower - everywhere. And sometimes they'd tell her their stories. Meet the ghostly woman who was distressed at never knowing her children; find out why hundreds of ghosts haunt a Hollywood sound stage; discover what still fascinated a phantom businesswoman; and feel for the teenager who desperately wanted to come back to life.http://www.theirwayhome.com

Has the lost continent of Atlantis been found? How has this been thought of as fiction by some, and absolute fact by others? These questions can and will be answered by Frank Joseph Hoff the understudy, researcher and business agent for the late Brazilian nuclear physicist, nuclear engineer and geolgist, Professor Arysio Santos, Ph.D. and his Book: Atlantis - Lost Continent Finally Found {The Definitive Localization of Plato's Lost Civilization}. Frank brings some interesting evidence to the table. See his website at http://www.atlan.org

Allyson and Adele work professionally as psychic mediums, educators, and motivational speakers and this marks their second appearance on “Skeptic Beliefs.” Often when they work together, "phenomena" occurs-it has been documented on video and sound recording equipment. There is something unusual about their work! Be sure to visit them at www.Psy-denticalTwins.com