Religion and Spirituality Movie Reviews

Physician and pop culture phenomenon Deepak Chopra presents two separate lectures on this DVD, both of which deal with a concept Chopra characterizes as "the wizard inside us all." In his introductory remarks, Chopra, addressing an attentive audience on a stage set resembling the exterior of a venerable and warmly lit house, promises to tell how to "find the wizard inside," while noting that this is "a destination and a journey at the same time." Skeptics, of course, may find this to be the most maddening New Age claptrap, but given Chopra's large and devoted following, many viewers will no doubt find his lengthy lecture on finding this elusive wizard to be inspiring. The second presentation on the disc also talks about the wizard, but in relation to the notion of alchemy, meaning a spiritual transformation. Chopra introduces the episode by noting that storytelling can go deeper than a logical lecture. What follows is something of a dramatic reading featuring actors Martin Sheen and Robert Guillaume as Arthur and Merlin, with narrator Joanna Cassidy. Some viewers will no doubt roll their eyes, but Dr. Chopra would placidly contend that those seeking a deeper meaning in their lives may locate wisdom by seeking their "inner wizard." --Robert J. McNamara

Physician and best-selling author Deepak Chopra addresses a rapt audience on what he considers seven simple yet powerful principles on how an individual can develop the attitude to attain success. Beginning by defining success in various ways, Chopra's language tends toward phrases such as "success is the progressive expansion of the state of happiness." Referring to a diagram that illustrates relationships between concepts such as "pure potentiality" and "energy fields," Chopra moves onto explaining his "seven spiritual laws" and how they govern the "spontaneous flow of intelligence."The various laws, including "Karma" and "Detachment," are all given a thorough and often entertaining explanation. While some might ridicule Chopra as a New Age charlatan, his lecture is presented in an earnest and coherent manner, and he often tosses in literary and scientific references as well as simple examples of common sense to back up his statements. A second feature, The Crystal Cave: Lessons from the Teachings of Merlin, is also included on this DVD. Martin Sheen as Arthur, Robert Guillaume as Merlin, and Johanna Cassidy as the narrator give a dramatic reading designed to teach the audience to "summon the inner wizard." --Robert J. McNamara