Whatever part of the political spectrum you are on, whatever you think about those on other points, you will think differently after you watch this provocative clip from TED Talks, featuring social psychologist Jonathan Haidt:

Cracked has a funny list of the six mistakes always made by movie criminals, from “discussing your crime in a diner” (“Pulp Fiction,” “Thief,” “Heat,” “American Gangster,” “Goodfellas”) to “working with a sociopath” and “talking too much to the people trying to catch you.”
I loved the way “The Incredibles” made fun of the movie tradition of having the bad guy take time out from doing his evil deeds to explain everything, both bringing the audience up to date and giving the good guys time to do their good guy things.

Even grown-ups are having a tough time staying on top of this year’s historic Presidential election. So we won’t tell anyone if some of the parents sit down with their kids to get a refresher on electoral politics with the wonderful Election Collection from Schoolhouse Rock.
Fresh, clever and remarkably informative, the irresistible jingles and lively animation cover the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution, the separation of powers, women’s sufferage, and the unforgettable “Just a Bill.” Kids will learn about the electoral college, the tax system, and even some economics. This special edition has stickers to help track the voting results and a new to DVD “Presidential Minute” — with two surprise endings.
I have one DVD to give away to the first one to send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Schoolhouse Rock” in the subject line. Good luck!

Don’t forget that Tuesday the 30th is the deadline for entering the contest for a full DVD set of Shelly Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre.
The series has just been re-released on DVD and I have FOUR copies to give away! This is such a special prize I want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate. So post a comment on the original post, telling me which is your family’s favorite fairy tale and why. All of the details are here.

Professional Enfant Terrible Bill Maher has a new movie called Religulous in which he attacks religion, religious beliefs, and believers.

Beliefnet founder Steven Waldman discusses his decision to run ads for this movie on his blog. He says the movie is “funny, offensive, slippery, and more challenging than I expected.” He accepts the creation of a “Disbeliefnet” website as a compliment.

We have great confidence in the power of faith and the sincerity of believers. In the movie he casts believers as being a) against free speech b) humorless and c) idiots.

Let’s show him that he’s wrong on all counts. If you see the movie, please come here, Movie Mom, Idol Chatter, or to our forums – a hot discussion is already going on here — not only discuss it but also to speak about what faith or spirituality means in your life. Tell us how faith, or your spiritual practice, has made you a better person or your world a better place. If you hate the movie (as many of you will), prove Maher wrong.

Like Waldman, I believe that faith is not worth much unless it can withstand attacks by non-believers. And like many religious leaders, I believe that believers often fail to live up to the principles of their denominations, and appreciate those who expose hypocricy — that makes us stronger and better. I will be seeing the movie tomorrow afternoon and posting my review Thursday night. I look forward to your reactions.