The Book of Daniel (2006)

Finally---a realistic look at "church" in America: an often unholy sometimes ungodly mix of church politics, dysfunction and human frailty. A few fundamentalist preachers will rant, aghast, from the pulpit tomorrow (Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006) about this premiere and bandy about such terms as heresy and blasphemy without a notion of their true meaning, or diplomas from accredited institutions of higher learning. But a majority of thinking Christians (and Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics) will recognize a story about people easy to care about, who remind us that life isn't about halos and wings and covered dish suppers--it's about struggle, addiction, suffering, disappointment, redemption, and love.

Presented in a genius blend of outrageous fortune and unexpected moments of grace, The Book of Daniel is a reason to stay home on Friday nights.